It’s February, which means that stores across the nation are decorated in red hearts and everyone is full of ideas for ways to show your sweetheart that you love them. Whether you’re in a couple or not, intimacy and romance are big subjects this month. But if you’re one of the 30 million men in the U.S. that are affected by erectile dysfunction (ED), romance may be a more stressful subject than others may know.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotency, is the term used to describe the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It’s incredibly common, and can affect men of any age, although older men are more likely to be affected by it than young men. It can be caused by chronic physical ailments like heart disease, diabetes, or obesity, or by psychological issues, including depression or anxiety. Surgeries or injuries that affect blood flow to the penis can also cause ED. Men who use alcohol or tobacco or who are overweight are more likely to experience ED, too.
Some men experience ED once in a while, like when they’ve been drinking or aren’t sleeping well. For others, it can be an ongoing issue, caused by stressful situations or by chronic underlying health conditions that need to be addressed. Many men don’t seek treatment for erectile dysfunction because they’re embarrassed by the issue.
Whether it’s something that troubles you once in a while or it’s a chronic problem, treating ED is important for a number of reasons. First, it can point to other underlying health conditions that you may need to have diagnosed and treated, like heart disease. Secondly, it can interrupt your intimate relationships and affect your self-esteem. ED can also disrupt your family planning and keep you from being able to conceive.
How can acupuncture and Oriental medicine help treat ED?
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine focus on “balance” in the body. This balance is based on the belief that our internal organs must find balance with the external elements that surround us. Health issues arise when this balance is broken. Erectile dysfunction is a symptom of a lack of balance, and acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help restore the balance using the resistance force from within our bodies.
Often, ED is part of coping with mental illness. In these cases, Dr. Ko addresses mental illness first, so the patient can gain confidence and self-esteem.
Sometimes, ED is caused by too much sexual energy and kidney deficiency. Dr. Ko will address the kidney deficiency with acupuncture treatment and herbal medicine. In Oriental medicine, the kidney is the root of the human body, and if the root is weak, the entire body will be, too.
To treat, ED, Dr. Ko uses multiple meridian points. Combined together, the treatment is more effective than focusing on a single point, and the entire treatment can heal the kidney weakness.
Dr. Ko will also prescribe herbal medicine to treat the kidney function. Some herbs he may prescribe include Rehmannia glutinosa to nourish the body, Schizandra fruit, and Cornus officinalis to help circulate blood flow.
Generally, patients should plan to come in at least three times a week for a minimum of four to five months to find lasting relief for erectile dysfunction. This can be an excellent alternative to pills or surgery, which can cause side effects or only bring temporary relief.
Benefits of Oriental Medicine and acupuncture when treating erectile dysfunction
You’ve probably seen ads for pills like Viagra and Cialis, which show happy older men having romantic moments with their spouses or girlfriends. While these pills can help restore erectile function, they come at a cost. The pills themselves can cost upwards of $50 per dose, which isn’t easy on the wallet. At the same time, you have to plan to take the pills before you want to have sex, which can take the spontaneity out of intimate moments.
By treating ED with acupuncture and Oriental medicine, you don’t have to ingest pills or outside supllements. The way acupuncture and Oriental medicine work is by helping your own body to produce the energy and vigor you need. Furthermore, patients get lasting results that allow them to bring back the romance in their relationships. There’s no need to plan hours ahead or spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on pills that just mask the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
If you’re ready to bring romance back to your relationship and get treatment for your erectile dysfunction, schedule an appointment with 120 Acupuncture Clinic today!
