Chinese medicine acupuncture and Men’s health
men’s health
” A man too busy to take care of his health, is like a mechanic too busy to care of his tools”
~ Spanish proverb
Part of being a man is caring for your health and well-being through all the stages of your life. While it can sometimes be difficult to talk with your doctor or practitioner about issues such as prostate conditions, erectile dysfunction, or infertility, it’s important to be open and honest. After all, these concerns can have a major impact on your overall health as well as your sex life, your relationship, and your emotional health.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer powerful tools to help you feel your best. They’ve been used for thousands of years to treat men’s health concerns and they can be safely used along with Western therapies.
How Chinese medicine acupuncture help men’s health
Chinese medicine acupuncture is a complex system of care used to maintain health, relieve symptoms, and improve well-being. At the core of this ancient medicine is the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, which protects the body from illness, pain and disease. This energy flows through the body in pathways called Maridians that are connected to specific organs and glands. A person’s health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. If it is out of balance or restricted, illness and symptoms – prostate problems or infertility, for example – can result.
Chinese medicine and acupuncture can play a role in supporting men’s health and addressing various health concerns. Here are a few ways in which Chinese medicine and acupuncture can be beneficial:
Sexual health
Chinese medicine has a long history of addressing sexual health issues in men. It recognizes that sexual health is closely tied to overall well-being. Acupuncture and herbal medicine may be used to address and improve symptoms associated with certain conditions such as erectile dysfunction, low libido, premature ejaculation, and fertility issues.
Erectile dysfunction: ED is the inability to sustain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse at least 25% of the time. It’s common condition that happens to most men at some time during their lives, but ongoing problems could indicate a more serious issue. ED can be caused by conditions such as heart disease, clogged blood vessels, atherosclerosis, or diabetes. Other possible causes include medications, stress, depression, and anxiety. There are many treatments available, ranging from medications and mechanical devices to surgery. Chinese medicine acupuncture may be helpful for ED/premature ejaculation related stress and anxiety, help and support sexual stamina and libido.
Fertility: Most causes of male infertility are related to a low concentration of sperm, or poor quality or movement of sperm. Studies have shown that There is growing evidence suggesting that Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture can have a positive impact on sperm production and quality in men, as well as help increase the chances of success when used in conjunction with Western reproductive technology. Acupuncture and TCM can also help both partners deal with the emotional aspects of struggling to conceive.
Prostate health
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be employed to support prostate health and address symptoms associated with these conditions such as prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Prostatitis: The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that sits beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder). It produces semen, the milky-colored fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation. Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate that can cause urinary symptoms and pelvic pain. The most common type is chronic (or ongoing) nonbacterial prostatitis. Its causes are unknown, making it difficult to treat. Symptoms may include a frequent and urgent need to urinate: pain or a burning sensation when urinating (dysuria): pain in the pelvic area, lower back, and genital area.
While more research is needed, some studies have shown that acupuncture and herbal therapies are able to relieve the pain and urinary symptoms caused by chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): The prostate naturally grows larger as man age. Often, this doesn’t cause any discomfort. But if the prostate compresses the urethra, it can cause a range of urinary symptoms. This condition, known as BPH, is the most common prostate concern, affecting about 50% of men over 60. Symptoms can include slowness or dribbling of the urinary stream; hesitancy or difficulty starting to urinate; frequent urination; and the need to get up at night to urinate. Typical treatments for BPH can include self-care techniques, medications, or even surgery. Chinese herbal medicine acupuncture may help with rebalance and support urinary system health.
Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer may affect about 1 in 6 men in Australia. When caught early, it can respond very well to treatment, so it is recommended that all men over age 50 get yearly prostate cancer screening. Symptoms can include urinary problems, pain in the lower back or hips, and blood in the urine or semen. If you or a loved one s diagnosed with prostate cancer, acupuncture and TCM may be helpful in supporting urinary system health and relieving the side effects of treatment and boosting overall health.
Stress and mental health
Chinese medicine recognises the connection between mental health and physical health. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be beneficial in managing stress, anxiety and other mental health concerns that may impact men’s well-being.
Pain management
Acupuncture is known for its effectiveness in managing pain. It can be used to address musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, chronic pain conditions, and post-operative pain. Acupuncture promotes the release of endorphins and activates the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms.
Energy and vitality
Chinese medicine focuses on enhancing overall vitality and energy. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help address fatigue, low energy levels, and improve overall resilience and well-being in men.
Almond Wellness Centre
Almond Wellness Centre located in Coburg and Ringwood in Melbourne, is a multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to promoting wellness. At our clinics, we emphasise the importance of comprehensive healthcare that considers the entirety of an individual. Our approach involves treating each person as a unique individual, taking into account their lifestyle, diet, environment, emotions, and attitude.
We recognise that every individual’s health requirements are distinct, and thus we believe in providing personalised care to achieve optimal and lasting medical solutions. By tailoring our approach to meet the specific needs of each patient, we strive to support their overall well-being and help them maintain good health.
At the Almond Wellness Centre, our team of healthcare professionals combines their expertise from various disciplines to provide a holistic approach to wellness. Our services encompass a range of modalities, including Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, remedial massage, chiropractic, nutrition, and lifestyle counselling.
By considering the interplay between physical, emotional, and environmental factors, we aim to address the root causes of health issues and support our patients in achieving better health outcomes. Our goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their health and to assist them in maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Whether you are seeking treatment for a specific health concern or simply striving to optimise your well-being, Almond Wellness Centre is committed to providing you with individualised care and helping you achieve your health goals.