Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disorder that affects millions of men worldwide. The condition occurs when a man is unable to maintain or achieve an erection sufficient for sexual performance. While ED can be caused by various factors such as physical or psychological issues, it is treatable with various options, including acupuncture.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine-based approach to treating a variety of conditions by triggering specific points on the skin with needles. It is a minimally invasive method to stimulate nerve-rich areas of the skin surface in order to influence tissues, glands, organs and various functions of the body.
Each acupuncture needle produces a tiny injury at the insertion site, and although it’s slight enough to cause little to no discomfort, it’s enough of a signal to let the body know it needs to respond. This response involves stimulation of the immune system, promoting circulation to the area, wound healing, and pain modulation.
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the human body has over 400 acupuncture points that are connected by meridians, which are pathways in which energy flows through the body. This energy (referred to as Qi, pronounced “chee”) is thought to influence overall health. In TCM, it is believed that blocked energy flow in certain meridians is what creates disease.
Acupuncture aims to restore the flow of Qi to restore health and homeostasis. Acupuncture may be helpful for a variety of concerns, including some mental health disorders, pain, inflammatory conditions, stress, and skin appearance. Some specific benefits of acupuncture include relief from chronic pain, arthritis, anxiety, insomnia, depression, migraine, nausea, postoperative pain, and obesity.
In addition, Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat a range of health issues, including sexual dysfunction.
Acupuncture between erectile dysfunction
Regarding erectile dysfunction (ED), acupuncture can be beneficial in several ways. Firstly, acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can be underlying factors in ED. Secondly, acupuncture can help improve blood flow to the genital area by stimulating the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates the blood vessels and improves blood flow. By improving blood flow, acupuncture can help promote and sustain erections.
Acupuncture also helps to restore blood flow to the genital area, which is vital for normal sexual function. The practice also stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can help reduce stress and anxiety, common underlying causes of ED. Moreover, acupuncture can improve the overall health of the body, which is a critical factor in treating ED.
Several studies have illustrated that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for ED. A 2017 study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research found that acupuncture treatment improved ED symptoms in nearly 40% of participants. The study also showed that acupuncture had a significant effect on improving sexual desire, orgasm, and overall sexual satisfaction.
Another study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture was effective in treating both the physical and psychological causes of ED, including decreased libido and anxiety. This study showed that patients treated with acupuncture experienced significant improvements in their ability to achieve and maintain an erection, as well as their sexual desire and overall quality of life.
Research into the use of acupuncture to treat ED is limited, and the studies so far have been small. More research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating ED, and it may not work for everyone.
How to do acupuncture?
If you’re interested in trying acupuncture to treat ED, it’s important to find a licensed and trained acupuncturist to tailor the treatment to your specific needs. Your acupuncturist will work with you to identify the underlying factors contributing to your ED and develop a treatment plan that targets those areas.
To perform acupuncture, a licensed and trained acupuncturist will typically follow these steps:
- Consultation: The acupuncturist will discuss your medical history, symptoms, and overall health to determine the best course of treatment for your needs.
- Needle insertion: The acupuncturist will use sterile, disposable needles to insert into specific acupoints on your body. They may twist or manipulate the needles to increase or decrease stimulation as needed.
- Needle retention: After insertion, the needles will be left in place for a period of time, usually around 20 to 30 minutes.
- Needle removal: The acupuncturist will remove the needles gently.
There are several acupuncture points that acupuncturists may use to treat patients with erectile dysfunction, which are tailored to the individual patient’s specific needs and imbalances. Some of the common points include:
- Kidney-3 (KI3) – This point is located on the inside of the ankle, between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. It is said to tonify the kidneys, which in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is considered to be the organ system responsible for sexual function.
- Kidney-6 (KI6) – This point is located on the inside of the leg, about 2 finger-widths above the inner ankle bone. It is also used to treat sexual dysfunction and helps to regulate the flow of Qi and blood in the body.
- Bladder-23 (BL23) – This point is located on the lower back, on either side of the spine, at about the level of the waist. It is said to strengthen the kidneys and nourish Jing, which is the essence of life.
- Conception Vessel-4 (CV4) – This point is located on the midline of the lower abdomen, about 2 finger-widths below the belly button. It is believed to tonify the Kidneys and regulate Qi and Blood in the lower part of the body.
Acupuncture treatments are typically customized to the individual’s specific needs and may involve other modalities beyond just needling, such as moxibustion, cupping, and herbal medicine. It’s important to seek out a licensed and trained acupuncturist who can create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, and determine which points are most appropriate for each individual patient.
Conclusion
Acupuncture can be a potent treatment for ED, helping to improve blood flow to the genital area, reduce anxiety and stress, and improve overall health. This practice has been used for centuries to improve reproductive health, and ample research has demonstrated its effectiveness in treating ED. If you are experiencing ED, consider acupuncture may offer significant relief.