I hope everyone is enjoying the first glimmers of spring in the DC area. I’m seeing signs of spring in the neighborhood around my Washington DC acupuncture office.
Traditionally, in many cultures, the beginning of February is considered the beginning of spring. (The equinox on March 23 is actually the peak of spring energy.) This is why the Chinese start their new year in the beginning of February. Gong Hay Fat Choy! Or in Mandarin, Xin Nian Kaui Le!
 |
| 2011 The Year of the Rabbit |
Check out this cool table: a sunrise – sunset table for the year. (Sorry, all I could find was Lubbock, Texas!) It shows clearly how the rate of change of daylight is increasing fastest in the spring, and decreasing fastest in the fall.
Spring Season – The Rise of Yang (Sexual) Energy
Spring energy at work – new sprouts on a pine tree branch
In Chinese medical thinking, this increase in daylight corresponds to an increase in the Yang energy in our environment, and in our bodies.
Yang energy is expansive, forward and outward moving energy that powers the growth of new leaves and grass in the outside environment. In the human body, among other things, it governs the rising of sexual energy.
Just think of all of the references between spring and fertility and sex. You don’t really have those references for fall and winter. This is because these are the times when Yin begins to predominate – the energy of rest and recuperation.
When Yang energy flows through the body of a man, it manifests in the libido, arousal, erection, and intensity of orgasm.
However, somewhere past the age of 40, many men experience a decline in these Yang energy functions.
Andropause
In western medicine, this shift at midlife is called andropause. Like the hormonal shift experienced by women between the ages of 45 – 55, andropause is the name for the shifting balance of estrogen and testosterone in a man’s body during the same time period. Levels of testosterone reduce, while the percentage of estrogen increases.
During this time period, and into their later years as well, many men experience a mild to significant changes, such as:
- decreased libido
- decreased arousal
- weaker erections
- erectile dysfunction
- prostate inflammation
- reduction of orgasmic intensity
- decreased quality of sperm and infertility
In Chinese medical thinking, testosterone produces Yang energy. When testosterone and Yang are abundant in the body, it manifests as flourishing sexual energy and function. As testosterone declines, these functions decline.
To complicate matters, the rise of estrogen mimics substances in our environment due to chemical pollution from many sources, and has created a more difficult situation for today’s male – both human and animal.
Chinese Herbs for Natural Testosterone Replacement
Panax Ginseng
In his excellent and well-researched book, The Natural Testosterone Plan for Sexual Health and Energy, herbalist Stephen Buhner lays out an overview of andropause and changing hormone balance in a detailed, thorough manner.
As a solution, he offers an herbal protocol to help men replace their declining testosterone levels and improve prostate health:
- Pine pollen (plant with the highest levels of plant-based testosterone)
- Panax ginseng
- Tienchi ginseng
- Siberian ginseng
- Tribulus
- Nettle root (for prostate health)
As always, herbs are powerful substances, so please consult the book for cautions and dosages, or contact me for an individualized wellness consultation.
Androgenic Foods
There are also foods that Buhner recommends to boost androgens (male hormones), as well as adrenal and kidney health, important factors in male sexual function:
- Celery
- Corn
- Cucumber
- Kale
- Spinach
- Radish
He gives a recipe for juicing all of these together to make an androgen/adrenal green drink! I did make this one time, and it was very tasty.
Other androgenic foods include:
- Oats
- Garlic
- Pine nuts
- Red meat
- Kidney and Liver organ meat
Foods to avoid (estrogenic foods) include:
- Hops (beer is particularly estrogenic)
- Soy
- Excessive alcohol (a moderate amount is actually very good for the body, but excess consumption interferes with androgen production)
Acupuncture for Sexual and Prostate Health – Increase Qi Circulation in Pelvic Area
Elvis doing his "pelvic tension releasing" dance
Many factors in modern life combine to create a fair amount of muscular tension in the pelvic region. These factors include:
- long hours of sitting at a desk
- the general male repression of free pelvic movement (how many men do you know who dance like Elvis?)
- the general tension our society holds around all things sexual
Over time, this muscular constriction prevents the free flow of energy to all parts of the pelvic region, including the genitals and prostate.
Through acupuncture, acupressure, stretching, and kegel-type exercises, these constrictions can be released, and the free flow of energy can be restored to the entire pelvic area. And don’t worry – the acupuncture points used are not on or near the genitals!
The Liver, Spleen, Kidney, Stomach, Bladder, Gallbladder, Dai, Ren and Du meridians all flow through the back, front and sides of the pelvic and hip area. By using acupuncture points on the legs, feet, abdominal, and hip areas, the flow of energy can be restored to the pelvic region.
Mind – Body Counseling: Emotions and Sexual Health
A discussion of male sexual health would not be complete without discussing the role that emotions play in sexual energy levels and function.
The plain reality is: When a man experiences emotional tension, this internal repression and pain can affect his sexual life. This is especially true in the context of a relationship.
If you are looking for long-term solutions for your sexual health, I believe that it is essential to invest the time and effort needed to:
- Be honest with yourself about your feelings and desires
- Create caring and trust-based communication with your partner
- Address and heal any deep emotional wounds that prevent you from experiencing the full flow of your sexual energy (and, believe me, most of us have or have had these wounds)
I hope this post has been helpful to you. If you have any questions about how these solutions could help you, please don’t hesitate to contact me at my Washington DC acupuncture office. All communications are strictly confidential.
