Most men experience some sexual function loss or dips in libido at some point in their lives, and it’s not always because you’ve had one too many at the pub last night. In fact if the subject weren’t such a taboo, experiences and solutions could be shared more openly leading to improved quality of life and better sex. There is a ton of pressure on men to perform these days with pop culture, the prevalence of internet porn and other cultural expectations playing a role in everyone’s perceptions of what is a healthy and mutually satisfying sexual experience. Not to mention the magic of the little blue pill that has become the go to prescription since its release to the public in 1998; Viagra has become one of the largest selling drugs on earth.
In terms of long term health, sexual dysfunction can be a precursor to potentially more serious conditions connected with circulation, blood flow and blood health (heart conditions, stroke, diabetes, etc.). By confronting sexual health conditions you may save yourself from other serious issues down the road. Male sexual issues can play out in a variety of ways, namely erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), and low libido.
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to maintain an erection for sustained sexual intercourse. The reasons can be neurological, physical, psychological but more usually a combination. An erection is dependent on two things: direct physical stimulation and emotional stimulation in the brain. As it is a mind-body experience interference in either path can cause a problem. An erection happens with stimulation of the nervous system, that leads to a release of Nitrous Oxide (NO) which acts as a vasodilator relaxing the vessel walls and allowing blood to flow where it needs to go.
Premature ejaculation is when the man experiences orgasm with minimal or no direct stimulation, generally within a minute or two of initial excitement. To properly treat PE it is important to understand the root cause, whether it is physical or mental. Inevitably it is most likely a combination of both, as our sexuality is a complex experience and this connection with our psychology and emotional connections is essential.
Libido is our sexual energy and interest; a complex interaction of hormones, cultural expectations, experience and the immediate situation. Desire is an important aspect of any sexual relationship and to properly address the lagging libido we need to explore if the cause is primarily a lack of physical attraction, psychological or the result of medications, surgeries, or other external factors.
Often sexual dysfunction is multifaceted and its causes are complex, layered and hard to pin down. Regardless if the issue initiates with a neurological disorder, surgery, or other causes the psyche will always be affected creating a circular situation that can be difficult to break down and reset. Diagnostics in Chinese medicine allows us to address the major patterns of a disorder in the body and can establish treatment based on food choices, lifestyle, herbal support, and acupuncture.
As men are often so resistant to discussing such issues, just walking through the door for support can itself lead to a more comfortable understanding of the problem and release some anxiety and stress associated with the situation. Relaxing the nervous system is often the first step towards better health and improved sexual function.
PATIENCE IS KEY! How long did it take you to notice that something was amiss sexually? How long did it take this pattern to build and present itself as sexual dysfunction? Imagine giving your mind and your body the benefits of breaking down details of your health to make positive change and reverse these issues. Imagine a stronger relationship with your sexual partners. Imagine better, more satisfying sexual experiences. It is possible to facilitate change and a strong support system with proven therapies over time to overcome these ingrained dysfunctions.
We have chosen to work closely with men and we’re not shy or afraid to talk about sex or sexual function. Working with men over time has given us the knowledge and confidence to know that we can make a difference, with a commitment to lifestyle and dietary changes and regular acupuncture treatments. We do not offer surgery or medication as temporary fixes. Rather we explore your overall health and work to improve your body from a whole systems point of view. There are always broader health concerns that are connected with our sexual health and it is our job to figure out these connections and find your path to better health.
Typical treatment recommendations may include (depending on your situation):
- Acupuncture and/or Electro-Acupuncture
- Pelvic floor stretching and breathing techniques
- Diet recommendations
- Chinese herbal medicine
- Mindfulness techniques such as meditation and QiGong
BENEFITS & EVIDENCE
- Longer and more satisfying sexual encounters
- Improved overall health and increased energy
- Reduced stress and relaxation of the nervous system
Traditional doctors have long known the benefits of acupuncture and herbal medicine when it comes to sexual health and energy. Science is finally catching up as researchers begin to explore the connection between sexual function (ED, PE, libido) and Chinese medicine. Explore these recent studies that support acupuncture/electro-acupuncture as male treatment options for sexual dysfunction:
- Acupuncture improves the quality of erections and restores full sexual activity with 40% efficacy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10098953
- Acupuncture and ED blood flow: “Acupuncture increases the Nitrous Oxide level in treated regions and thereby increases local circulation and improves erectile function” Tsuchiya M, 2015 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17242084
- Electro-acupuncture improves diabetic patients with ED – https://jsam.jp/onlineJournal/pdf2/76.pdf
- Electro-acupuncture helps with weight loss and Erectile Dysfunction- https://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/electro-acupuncture-for-weight-loss-and-erectile-dysfunction/1/397780.html
What does an assessment with an acupuncturist entail?
We will discuss your sexual history and generally assess the current situation, attempting to decipher the puzzle of the current dysfunction. After reviewing your online intake form we can discuss:
- Red flags in your medical history and presenting symptoms
- How weekly treatments can target your chief complaint while also working on stress and body pain
- Food and lifestyle choices you may be making that are potential areas of self-sabotage
- How a consistent acupuncture treatment plan (generally 10 treatments over 2 months) can help improve your symptoms
- The importance of relaxation and some techniques to use outside of the clinic
Sexual issues are important to deal with as quickly as possible before they become ingrained in our psyche and patterns of living making them more difficult to manage later on. Band-aid solutions such as Viagra or Cialis are excellent choices to initially help, but it is essential to move beyond this line of thinking and address the root of the issue and to help your body into balance and a natural, healthy way of living and responding to sexual stimulus. The best results of this dynamic change have been shown with consistency of treatment.
Committing to at least 10-12 treatments over 2 months time as a first course is a good place to start, and with the knowledge that acupuncture, herbs and dietary or lifestyle advice is nearly completely risk free and practically void of side effects (aside from the potential for minor bruising and deep relaxation).
