Acupuncture for Men’s Health

Acupuncture and Men’s Health

Men can experience a range ofspecific conditions that come as a result of disharmony in the body. Many men can suffer from sexual dysfunction problems such as erectile dysfunction and infertility issues, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis. These can be particularly debilitating or painful conditions depending on the case, and addressing this disharmony is incredibly important to get to the source of these symptoms.

Sexual Dysfunction

Impotence can be caused by several factors such as imbalances in hormones, physical damage and psychological and emotional problems.

Paul F. Engelhardt of the Hospital of Leinz in Vienna, Australia and his colleagues studied the impacts of acupuncture on impotence that stems from a mental cause.

A study of 13 male participants showed that within 10 weeks of acupuncture treatment (two sessions a week) two third of the patients were “cured” and reported good results based on their acupuncture experience and did not need additional therapy. The other one-third of patients said they saw improvements toward their quality of life and their erections were much stronger in comparison to before. Those people requested additional medication and they were treated additionally with Viagra.

A large part of the success of this trial came from the experience of receiving acupuncture – the mood improvements, relaxation and positive psychological and emotional effects which impacted the physical problems.

Important Acupoints for Sexual Dysfunction

The 23^rd and52^ndpoints of the Bladder meridian are known as the Sea of Vitality points. They are located on the lower back between the second and third lumbar vertebrae – between the spine and the waist. They help with:

• Impotency
• Premature ejaculation
• Sexual reproductive problems
• Fatigue
• Lower-back pain
• Strengthening the immune-system
• Boosting energy flow

The 27^ththrough to the 34^th points of the Bladder Meridian are known as the sacral points at the base of the spine above the tailbone –essential for treating male sexual dysfunction. They particularly treat impotency, reproductive problemsandlower back pain.

The fourth point of the Conception Vessel) is also significant for erectile dysfunction. (This location is explained more below under urinary symptoms).

BPH (Enlarged Prostate)

BPH affects the bladder and causes blockages making the process of urinating extremely difficult. BPH causes the following urinary problems:

• Urinary dribbling – inability to get a consistent urinary stream
• Fullness in the bladder – feeling like you need to urinate often
• A weak urine stream

Important Acupoints for BPH and other Urinary Symptoms

The fourth point on the Conception Vesselis a significant acupoint to relieve urinary incontinence in men. It also helps with chronic fatigue, weakness, diarrhea, and erectile dysfunction. This acu-point is known as the Gate Origin, and is located about four finger widths below the belly button.

The 12^th point on the Spleen Meridian) is also significant for treating painful urination symptoms. It is located at the crossing point between the Spleen and the Liver Meridian. It helps with abdominal discomfort, hernias and urinary disorders like retention.

Prostatitis (Acute and Chronic)

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland that causes urinary tract infections. It accounts for a quarter of doctor visits by young to middle aged men and can be acute or chronic.

Acute Bacterial Prostatitis requires immediate treatment as it can lead to bladder infections, abscesses in the prostate, or in extreme cases it can completely block the urine flow. The accompanying low blood pressure can be fatal if left untreated.

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis is recurrent urinary tract infections that have entered the prostate gland. It can sometimes exist in men for several years before it produces symptoms that can fluctuate in intensity.

Prostatitis can also be chronic and non-bacterial acting like a chronic pelvic pain condition that is marked by urinary and genital pain for at least 3-6 months.

Acupuncture’s Role in Prostatitis

According to evidence-based acupuncture, two clinical studies were put out recently that acknowledged acupuncture’s effectiveness toward chronic prostatitis. The stimulation of the 33^rd point on the Bladder Meridian, also known as the Central Bone Hole (Zhongliao), was found effective in improving the quality of life in patients suffering from advanced non-neo plastic – or more simply put, the non-multiplication of cell growths in prostatic hyperplasia.

This acu-point regulates the lower jiao –the pelvic region that separates and excretes fluids. Its functions involve the Bladder, Kidney, and Small and Large intestines. This meridian also benefits the lumbar region (lower back) and the legs – by increasing mobility and blood flow.

It is evident that this collection of acupoints addresses a wide range of issues men can face. By stimulating relaxation, balancing hormones, and increasing blood flow in the internal body, the external factors and symptoms can be effectively reduced or managed.

Are you or a loved one suffering from any issues concerning men’s health? Don’t wait to get yourself or them the right help.

Contact us today to get started.