Erectile Dysfunction
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction is the dysfunction of the male penis, typically referring to the inability of a man to develop or maintain an erection of the penis sufficient for satisfying sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction also encompasses disorders such as:
- Inability to develop or maintain adequate erection (impotence)
- Curvature of the penis during erection (Peyronie’s disease)
- Premature ejaculation
- Prolonged painful erection not associated with sexual desire (priapism)
Erectile Dysfunction can be result from any life trigger, and anything that affects the delicate balance between sexual arousal, nervous system response and blood vessel response can result in Erectile Dysfunction.
Treatment
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is highly effective at treating Erectile Dysfunction gently, naturally, and holistically. Acupuncture can help men with sexual health. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are well known for improving men’s sexual performance; in fact, there have been medical textbooks devoted to the subject. Chinese Emperors took their sexual health quite seriously and would consult with a team of physicians if they experienced any difficulties in the bedroom. Acupuncture for Erectile Dysfunction involves stimulating and increasing the flow of Qi and Blood throughout the entire body. The increase in flow of Qi helps restore the bodies most natural and healthy state, and gives way to healthy sexual arousal.
Nutrition and Diet
In many cases erectile dysfunction is the result of lifestyle and dietary factors. A healthy and balanced diet is essential in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, as food intake directly impacts the body’s natural ability to regulate hormones. Eliminate, or avoid, foods with trans-fatty acids, refined sugars, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
Lifestyle and Mind-Body Medicine
In many cases erectile dysfunction is the result of lifestyle factors. It is important to note that high life stress and anxiety levels can lead to a higher risk for erectile dysfunction, so it is critical to take care on emotional and mental well-being.
Ensuring a healthy, balanced lifestyle is important in the prevention and treatment of any illness. This includes a balanced diet, getting enough exercise, and getting enough sunlight exposure.
Mind-Body therapies may be useful in finding relief and coming to better understand underlying the thoughts and emotions around the individual psychological life experience. Mindfulness exercises, creative arts exercise, yoga, and guided imagery can all be extremely beneficial in depression treatment.
In addition to acupuncture and nutrition, learning relaxation techniques are greatly beneficial to general health and wellbeing. Chronic, or acute, lifestyle stress can have a wide variety of negative effects on the body, including reproductive organ blood flow and hormone regulation. Physical and psychological stress can make existing symptoms worse and delay overall internal healing.
Techniques that elicit the relaxation response (a state of deep relaxation in which the heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate decrease, muscle tension relaxes, stress hormone levels fall, and the mind becomes tranquil), and relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga may aid greatly in bringing balance to mental and emotional states. Practicing focused deep-breathing, meditation, yoga, tai-chi and other activities are among those that can increase your chances of a healthy life and pregnancy. Listening to music, focused breathing, or being outside in nature are also effective methods of managing stress.
