Acupuncture and herbs are powerful tools in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. This erectile dysfunction acupuncture research was conducted at the Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It found that acupuncture in combination with Chinese herbs produced a 46.56% total effective rate (full recovery). The researchers concluded, “Acupuncture combined with herbal medicine has a synergistic therapeutic effect on erectile dysfunction.”
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. ED is now a global health problem, estimated to affect 322 million men by 2025. In Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), ED is associated with the aging process, excessive masturbation or sex, emotional conditions (e.g., depression), congenital deficiencies, or improper diet.
ED and Chinese Medicine
Chinese medicine recognizes that all medical conditions are caused by imbalances in the body. In the case of ED, there are three primary imbalances. They are called liver qi stagnation, blood stasis, and kidney essence deficiency. The goal of acupuncture treatment is to restore balance, which in turn improves the condition.
In this erectile dysfunction acupuncture research, the authors stated, “Emotion conditions can harm the liver and cause liver qi stagnation.” According to TCM principles, the liver governs the tendons. The liver failing to flow freely causes obstruction of the liver-governed meridians and malnourishment of the ancestral tendon, leading to ED.
In addition, insufficient kidney essence can result in weakening of the life gate fire, where the essence from the kidney fails to move into the ancestral tendon. The treatment principle is to smooth the flow of liver qi, free the meridians for invigorating blood circulation, and strengthening kidney essence.
Study Details
There were three groups in the erectile dysfunction acupuncture research study. Group 1 received acupuncture and herbs, Group 2 received herbs only, and Group 3 received just acupuncture. All three groups were given identical instructions prior to starting the clinical trial. Patients were counselled by acupuncturists to understand about ED, which helped to reduce emotional stress. In addition, female partners received counseling to ease emotional and communication issues and to promote a better understanding of the medical condition.
A total of 176 patients with erectile dysfunction were treated and evaluated in this study. They were randomly divided into the three groups. The acupuncture plus herbs and herbs only group received identical herbal medicines. The same acupuncture point were used for the acupuncture plus herbs and acupuncture only groups.
Patient Details
The average age in Group 1 (acupuncture plus herb) was 41.3 years. The average length of disease in this group was 2.7 years. The average age in Group 2 (herb only) was 39.1 years. The average length of disease in this group was 2.6 years. The average age in Group 3 (acupuncture only) was 38.3 years. The average course of disease in this group was 2.3 years.
Acupuncture and Herb Treatment
For each group, a specific acupuncture point prescription or herbal medicine formula was prescribed. The primary acupuncture points used for acupuncture treatment participants included:
LV3 (Taichong)
CV4 (Guanyuan)
LV4 (Zhongfeng)
BL18 (Ganshu)
ST36 (Zusanli)
SP10 (Xuehai)
Additional acupuncture points were used based on differential diagnostic patterns. For patients presenting with kidney deficiency, the following points were added:
BL23 (Shenshu)
SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
For damp-heat accumulation patients, the following points were used:
LV8 (Ququan)
CV12 (Zhongwan)
ST40 (Fenglong)
Treatment Details
Acupuncture treatments in this erectile dysfunction acupuncture research began with patients laying down on treatment tables face up. Alcohol was used to disinfection the skin prior to treatment. All acupuncture needles were sterile and single-use. Acupuncture points were inserted unilaterally; left and right sides were alternated between treatments.
A deqi sensation was obtained on each needle. This means that once the needles were placed, a slight achy sensation was obtained. This technique maximizes the effectiveness of an acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture sessions were given once a day. Each treatment course included 7 sessions followed by a 7 day break before the next course began. All patients received 3 to 5 treatment courses in total.
Discussion of the Points
The designers of this erectile dysfunction acupuncture research explained why each point was selected. LV3 is the Yuan-source point of the liver channel. It restores foudational qi and benefits the organs and meridians. LV4 is a Jing-river point on the liver meridian. It activates qi and blood circulation through the meridian (which passes through the genitals). BL18 is a Back-shu point of the liver meridian. It regulates the liver and relieves qi stagnation.
ST36 is a He-sea point on the stomach meridian. According to the classic text Su Wen Wei Lun (Plain Questions, Treatise on Wilting Diseases), the stomach meridian governs nourishment of ancestral tendons. ST40, a point on the stomach meridian, powerfully expels phlegm from the body. SP10 relieves blood stasis by improving blood circulation.
The researchers concluded by stating that these points “relieve liver qi stagnation, regulate qi activity and blood circulation, and remove meridian obstruction” for relief of erectile dysfunction.
Chinese Herbs for Erectile Dysfunction
The following herbal formula (Modified Jia Wei Si Ni San) was used in this erectile dysfunction acupuncture research study. Ingredients include:
Ci Ji Li 30 gZi
Shi Ying 30 g
Sheng Huang Qi 30 g
Bai Shao 20 g
Zhi Ke 20 g
Chai Hu 15 g
Dang Gui 15 g
Niu Xi 15 g
Lu Feng Fang 10 g
Tu Si Zi 10 g
Xian Ling Pi 10 g
Wu Gong 10 g
These ingredients help the body activate qi and blood circulation, relieve qi stagnation, and tonify the kidneys. Patients took the formula three times per day, for a total of 30 to 60 days.
Results
After treatment completion for patients in all three study groups, the treatment benefit for each patient was categorized into 4 tiers (based on the measurement of erection angles and successful intercourse rates). The results concluded that acupuncture with herbs is more effective than either herbs or acupuncture as a standalone therapy. The study demonstrated that acupuncture is safe and effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction Acupuncture Research
At Raleigh Acupuncture we have good success treating ED. This research study supports our own findings. Patients with the right presentation can benefit greatly from acupuncture and Chinese herbs. If you struggle with ED, give us a call. We can discuss your situation and see if you are a good candidate for acupuncture.
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References
[1] Ding SL, Zhang FG, Yuan ZJ, Li YF. Therapeutic Observation of Acupuncture Combined with Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction [J]. Yunnan Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2012(11):50-51.
[2] Zhu JC. Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction. Zhongguo Nankexue Zazhi, 2004, 18(1): 68-72.
[3] Ayta IA, McKinlay JB, Krane RJ. The likely worldwide increase in erectile dysfunction between 1995 and 2025 and some possible policy consequences. BJU International, 1999, 84(1): 50-56.
ED and Acupunture
If you have questions about this erectile dysfunction acupuncture research, feel free to give us a call. We’ll be happy to discuss it with you.
What our Clients are Saying
I’m 56 years old, a recent new dad. So I was surprised when I started having trouble with ED. When I mentioned it to my acupuncturist he said it could be treated with acupuncture. I let him go at it. He asked if I was getting less sleep with the new baby. I said, like hardly no sleep for the past 12 months. He asked if my hair was getting grayer recently. I said, just look and see for yourself. He said my sudden ED was from the stress on my body from lack of sleep and still having to work my full time job, and all the other things associated with having a new baby. My 56 year old body was not cut out to take this on without giving me a little trouble!
So he treated me to make my kidneys stronger, and it really worked. My ED slowly improved over the next three months. I felt stronger too. I’m very grateful to Raleigh Acupuncture for helping me. I’m too young to deal with this.
I had just returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. When I got home I was not able to get an erection. I’m in my mid-thirties, happily married. This had never happened to me before. However, my last tour was hell, and I had been having nightmares. My wife suggested I try acupuncture. The doctor at Raleigh Acupuncture said my ED was caused by the stress of my last tour. He gave me three treatments and I was good as new. What a relief! And the nightmares stopped as well. I had no idea stress could have that effect on my body. Thank you for your professionalism and good work.