Impotence and Men's Health

A view on Impotence and men’s health- eastern and western views.

(Organ names in Chinese medicine differ from Western medicine’s understanding).​

Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction (ED), is a common sexual disorder that affects millions of men worldwide. In Western medicine, impotence is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. The underlying causes of impotence can be physiological, psychological, or a combination of both. Common physiological causes include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological disorders, and hormonal imbalances. Psychological causes can include stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.

Western medicine approaches impotence with a range of treatments, including lifestyle changes, medication, and surgical procedures. Lifestyle changes such as exercising, losing weight, and quitting smoking can help improve erectile function. Medications such as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, testosterone replacement therapy, and penile injections can also be used to manage impotence. Surgical procedures such as penile implants and vascular surgery can be used as a last resort for severe cases of impotence.

In Chinese medicine, impotence is viewed as a manifestation of imbalances in the body’s energy (Qi) and blood. According to the five elements theory, impotence is associated with the Water element, which governs the Kidneys and the Bladder. The Kidneys are considered to be the root of the body’s Qi and are responsible for sexual function. Chinese medicine practitioners believe that impotence is caused by a deficiency of Kidney Qi, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as aging, overwork, chronic illness, and excessive sexual activity.

Chinese medicine approaches impotence by addressing the underlying imbalances in the body’s energy and blood. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy are commonly used to manage impotence. Acupuncture can help improve blood flow to the penis and regulate the body’s energy flow. Herbal medicines can be used to tonify Kidney Qi and improve overall sexual function. Dietary therapy can also be used to support the Kidneys and improve sexual function.

Channel therapy is another approach used in Chinese medicine to manage impotence. Channel therapy involves stimulating specific acupuncture points along the meridians (energy channels) that correspond to the Kidneys and the Bladder. By stimulating these points, the body’s energy flow can be regulated and sexual function can be improved.

The Shan Han Lun and Wen Bing theories are also used in Chinese medicine to manage impotence. These theories focus on the body’s response to external pathogens, such as wind, cold, and heat. Impotence can be viewed as a manifestation of internal cold or dampness, which can be addressed through herbal medicine and dietary therapy.

In Chinese medicine, impotence is viewed as a complex condition that requires a holistic approach to management. Chinese medicine practitioners take into account a patient’s overall health and well-being, including their emotional state, diet, and lifestyle habits. A complementary approach to managing impotence that combines Western medicine with Chinese medicine can be beneficial for many patients.

In conclusion, impotence is a common sexual disorder that affects millions of men worldwide. Western medicine approaches impotence with a range of treatments, including lifestyle changes, medication, and surgical procedures. Chinese medicine views impotence as a manifestation of imbalances in the body’s energy and blood, and approaches management through acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, channel therapy, and the Shan Han Lun and Wen Bing theories. A complementary approach to managing impotence using both Western and Chinese medicine can be beneficial for many patients.

References:

Wu, W. (2018). Treatment of male sexual dysfunction with acupuncture: a systematic review. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 11(3), 120-127.

Guo Y, Li P, Tang J, et al. Effect of acupuncture on quality of life of patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020;2020:8820361. doi: 10.1155/2020/8820361.

He J, Guo L, Wang L, et al. The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for patients with erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2020;49:102346. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102346.

Lu Z, Dong H, Wang F, et al. The efficacy and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sex Med. 2019;16(11):1751-1762. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.08.001.

Tan JY, Suen LK, Wang T, et al. Acupuncture and erectile dysfunction: A review of the current evidence. Int J Impot Res. 2017;29(6):261-267. doi: 10.1038/ijir.2017.34