Women, men & hormones
Acupuncture for Men’s Health: Erection, Libido and Prostate
Men do not find it easy to talk about erectile problems, reduced desire or difficulties when urinating. Often they carry it around for a long time, while self-confidence, the relationship and sleep suffer. Acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be used to support the body, with attention to circulation, tension, energy and the connection between body and mind. In a calm setting, without judgement.
Which men’s health complaints are common?
Erectile problems mean that an erection does not occur, does not become firm enough or does not last long enough. It is common and increases with age. Physical causes include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, overweight, smoking, hormonal changes and certain medications. Stress, fatigue, performance pressure, low mood and tension in the relationship also often play a role. Body and mind constantly influence each other.
Reduced libido, less desire for sex, can be linked to stress, fatigue, poor sleep, medication, lower testosterone or low mood. Premature ejaculation and a feeling of declining vitality are also frequently mentioned.
From middle age, many men develop prostate problems. With a benign enlarged prostate, urinary symptoms arise, such as needing to urinate more often and at night, a weak stream and difficulty starting or emptying the bladder. With chronic prostatitis, also called chronic pelvic pain syndrome, there is persistent pain or a nagging feeling in the pelvis, groin or perineum, often together with urinary symptoms and sometimes pain on ejaculation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Men’s health from a TCM perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Kidneys are seen as the source of vitality, sexual energy and fertility. The Liver ensures the free flow of Qi and Blood, including in the pelvis and genitals. With men’s health complaints, we look at whether there is a deficiency, such as exhaustion and declining strength, or an obstruction, such as tension or Damp and Heat in the lower body.
Kidney-Yang deficiency
Shen Yang XuWhen the warming Yang of the Kidneys has declined, TCM associates this with erectile problems, low desire, feeling cold, cold feet, fatigue, a weak lower back and frequent urination at night.
Liver-Qi stagnation
Gan Qi Yu JieStress, performance pressure and pent-up tension can, in TCM, obstruct the flow of Qi. This is associated with erectile problems that vary with mood, irritability, a tense feeling in the groin and symptoms that worsen during busy periods.
Heart and Spleen deficiency
Xin Pi Liang XuA lot of worrying, insecurity, poor sleep and a lack of energy are associated in TCM with a deficiency of Qi and Blood of the Heart and Spleen. This pattern is often seen in erectile problems where performance anxiety plays a role.
Damp-Heat in the lower body
Xia Jiao Shi ReA burning sensation when urinating, a heavy or pressing feeling in the pelvis, dampness in the groin and pain on ejaculation are associated in TCM with Damp and Heat in the lower body. This pattern is often seen in chronic prostatitis.
How can acupuncture and laser acupuncture help with men’s health complaints?
In the first consultation, in a calm and confidential setting, we look at your symptoms, energy, sleep, the tension you experience and any medication or test results. There is room to share what you want to share, without judgement.
- 01Acupuncture: very fine, sterile needles are used on points on the lower abdomen, lower back, legs, feet and hands, among others. In TCM these are used to strengthen Kidney energy and support the flow in the pelvis. No points on the genitals themselves are treated.
- 02Calming the nervous system: because stress and performance pressure can play a major role, part of the treatment focuses on rest, sleep and releasing tension, including in the pelvic floor.
- 03Ear acupuncture with the laser: points on the ear can be used as support for tension, restlessness and pain. At Bai Kang this is always done with the laser, never with needles.
- 04Needle-free alternative: all points can also be treated with therapeutic laser light, for those who prefer not to have needles.
Prefer no needles?
Every treatment can also be carried out completely needle-free with laser acupuncture, in which the same points are treated with therapeutic laser light. Ear acupuncture is always carried out with the laser. Acupressure, which also uses no needles, can be used as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture help with erectile problems?
Acupuncture can be used as support for erectile problems, especially when stress, fatigue or performance pressure play a role. Some research has been done into acupuncture for erectile dysfunction, with mixed results. The degree of change men experience differs per person.
Does acupuncture help with chronic prostatitis or pelvic pain?
For chronic prostatitis, also called chronic pelvic pain syndrome, relatively much research has been done into acupuncture. Some of the studies, including larger and well-designed ones, describe a reduction in pain and urinary symptoms. Not everyone responds equally well, and the effect often becomes noticeable only after several treatments.
Can I combine acupuncture with medication?
Yes. Acupuncture can be given alongside medication for erectile problems, the prostate or blood pressure. Let us know during the intake which medication you use.
Do I have to undress completely?
No. Most points are on the lower abdomen, lower back, arms, legs and feet. You do not undress more than necessary, and no points on the genitals are treated.
Is acupuncture also suitable when trying to conceive?
Yes. When trying to conceive, acupuncture can also be used for men, for example with reduced sperm quality. Read more on the page about fertility and the wish to conceive.
How many treatments are needed?
This varies per person and per complaint. Usually we start with a number of weekly treatments, after which we review together how you respond and what a suitable follow-up would be.
Related
Related complaints & patterns
Bladder complaints
Recurrent bladder infections, an overactive bladder or frequent urination at night.
Fertility & trying to conceive
Support when trying to conceive, for women and men, also alongside IUI, IVF or ICSI.
Stress & tension
Constantly feeling "on", internal tension, and difficulty letting go.
Personal Treatment Plan
Complaints you would rather not talk about?
During a first appointment, in a calm and confidential setting, we look at your symptoms and what plays a role in your body, and which form of acupuncture suits you.