Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is usually believed to be an ‘old man’s issue’ as its prevalence increases with age as testosterone falls.
However, this condition is a common and rising issue even in younger men these days due to high levels of stress— with as many as one in two sexually active men suffering from ED. ED is a problem that not only interfere with one’s sexual activity but also with a person’s quality of life.
Symptoms
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or keep an erection that is firm enough throughout the whole course of sexual activity. Therefore, the symptoms include:
- Difficulty in getting erections
- Erections that are too soft for sexual intercourse
- Inability to maintain erections
Morning wood, or also known as nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), is an indicator of healthy blood and nerve supply to the penis. The presence of NPT also likely indicates that you’re physically capable of getting and maintaining an erection while awake.
If you stop experiencing NPT or notice that you’re not waking up with an erect penis anymore, this may be an early sign of ED. You may have something happening within your body that’s preventing adequate blood or nerve supply for proper erectile function.
What are the causes?
ED was believed to be caused primarily by psychological issues in the past. With a better understanding of the disease, we now know that there are multiple factors which lead to ED. The possible causes of ED can be a physical problem alone or in combination with psychological issues. In some cases, erectile dysfunction is one of the first signs of an underlying medical problem. Some common factors are:
Physical
- Various health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, nerves damage and etc
- Poor lifestyle, including but not limited to smoking, alcoholism, lack of exercises and drug abuse
- Certain medications or prescription drugs
- Hormonal changes, such as low testosterone levels
- Surgical complications
- Injuries in the pelvic area or spinal cord
Psychological
- Performance anxiety
- Depression or other mental health conditions
- Stress
- Relationship problems
- Guilt
- Low self esteem
TCM View on Erectile Dysfunction
TCM views the human body as an integrated whole, where all organs and systems are interconnected and interdependent on each other. When Yin and Yang are in balance, our body is healthy.
Select organs such as the kidney and the liver are believed to be closely related with achieving and maintaining erections. The state of Qi and blood also play a significant role. Thus lack of healthy functioning in any of these areas can contribute to the issue.
Kidney
The kidneys store the essence of our body, and governs reproduction. Kidney Yang, in fact, acts as a boost to achieve erections. Uncontrolled sexual activity, prolonged exposure in cold environments, over-consumption of cold food and drinks can weaken our Kidney Yang, eventually leading to formation of ED.
Symptoms of Kidney Yang deficiency:
- Lower libido
- Dizziness and ringing in the ear
- Lower back ache and weaker lower limbs
- Tiredness
- Cold limbs and intolerant to cold environment
- Increased frequency of urination.
Liver
The Liver governs emotions and is responsible for the smooth circulations of Qi, blood, and body fluid. Moreover, the Liver meridian passes through and surrounds our genitals. The smooth circulations in the Liver meridian therefore ensure an effective erection.
Under-expressed or overly expressed emotions, especially anger, causes Liver Qi stagnation. Imbalanced diet, consuming too much spicy, oily, sweet stuffs contribute to generation of Dampness-Heat. Both of which then affect circulations, leading to a blockage in the Liver meridian and eventually leading to ED.
Symptoms of Liver Qi stagnation:
- Able to achieve erections during sleep or other times, but not with sexual partner
- Feeling depressed or irritable
- Pain and feeling of distension in the hypochondrium (two sides of chest)
- Sigh frequently
Symptoms of Dampness-Heat in body:
- Moist, itchy, and smelly scrotum
- Darker urine (amber color)
- Burning sensation during urination
- Tiredness and heavy limbs
- Nausea
- Bitterness in mouth
Qi and Blood, Heart & Spleen Deficiency
Qi (vital life force in Chinese medicine) and blood are the fundamental elements of the body that is also involved in generating erections. Thus, having healthy circulations of Qi and blood are also important.
Therefore, when a man suffers from chronic diseases or injuries, his blood vessels are usually damaged and circulations are affected, leading to Qi stagnation and blood stasis.
Overthinking and working too hard physically or mentally can also exhaust the Spleen and Heart very quickly. Both organs are important for generating Qi and blood.
Both conditions can lead to ED even though their causes are vastly different.
Symptoms of Heart, Spleen, Qi and blood deficiency:
- Palpitation
- Amnesia
- Tiredness and lack of energy
- Pale looking
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach bloating
- Watery stools
Signs of Qi and blood blockage:
- History of chronic diseases
- Dark red tongue with dark patches or dark spots
The above body conditions can exist in multiple combinations. It is recommended to consult a physician for a detailed diagnosis.
TCM Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
Through a consultation and assessment, a TCM physician can diagnose a patient’s underlying health imbalances and root causes to ED. TCM treatments would be tailored to the patient’s needs and unique imbalances.
Acupuncture
By stimulating specific target acupoints, acupuncture can help to balance the flow Qi and blood, promote overall well-being and address underlying imbalances contributing to ED. Some medical studies have supported the effectiveness of acupuncture for ED.
Chinese Herbal Medication
Herbal medication may also be prescribed. Certain herbs can help to tonify Kidney energy and enhance sexual function.
If you would like to explore Chinese medicine treatments to resolve ED, we can help. Book an appointment with a PULSE TCM physician today
DIY TCM Tips for Erectile Dysfunction
The first three acupoints are suitable for all body constitutions.
Press on the acupoints and rub in a circular motion for 2-3mins, twice daily. Soreness should be felt at the acupoints when rubbing.
Ingredients
菟丝子Cuscuta chinensis 10g
覆盆子Palmleaf raspberry fruit 5g
枸杞子 Goji berry 10g
五味子Magnolia berry 5g
车前子Plantain seed 5g
Instructions
- Insert the ingredients into a tea bag and place in a teapot/ cup.
- Add boiling water and let the ingredients steep for 5 minutes.
- Consume the beverage gradually throughout the day (add warm water as required).
- Drink 2-3 times a week.
Ingredients
茉莉花 Jasmine 5g
橘络Tangerine Pith 5g
玫瑰花 Rose 5g
Instructions
- Insert the ingredients into a tea bag and place in a teapot/ cup.
- Add boiling water and let the ingredients steep for 5 minutes.
- Add honey to taste.
- Drink 3-5 times a week.
Ingredients
荷叶 Dried lotus leaf 10g
中国薏米 Chinese barley 60g
Instructions
- Rinse all the ingredients with water.
- Put rinsed lotus leaves into a filter bag.
- Place the ingredients into a pot with 1.5 litre of water.
- Boil with high heat, and turn to medium-low heat after the soup boils.
- Cook for 30 minutes.
- Add honey or rock sugar to taste.
- Drink 3-5 times a week.
Ingredients
西洋参 American ginseng 3g
红枣 Red dates 10g
龙眼干 Dried longan 6g
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into a cup and pour boiling water over it.
- Let it simmer for 5-10 mins before consumption.
- Drink 2-3 times a week.
Ingredients
丹参Red sage 8g
橘络Tangerine Pith 5g
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into a cup and pour boiling water over it.
- Let it simmer for 5-10 mins before consumption.
- Drink 2-3 times a week.
For more effective results, it is advisable to consult a TCM physician to more accurately diagnose your body condition and suggest treatment options customised for you.
Note: Information provided is not a substitute for a physician or any form of medical care. Individual symptoms differ due to different body constitutions and diagnosis. One should consult a licensed TCM practitioner for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
