Male Impotence

Impotence refers to softness of the penis during erection, an inability to maintain an erection or a powerless erection during sex. In Western medicine, these problems are generally categorized under the heading of erectile dysfunction. We will be focusing mainly on the TCM side of the issue in this post.

The kidneys rule reproduction. Essence (or jing) is stored in the kidneys provides the foundation for genital development and sexual desire. Therefore, abundance or depletion of kidney essence affects sexual function directly. While our sexual energy is derived mainly from inherited kidney essence, it is supplemented by the acquired essence obtained from ingested foods and fluids that have been processed by the spleen and stomach.

Under normal conditions, our blood and essence circulate throughout the body to provide nourishment. During sexual intercourse, the qi and blood gather in the genital area to support sexual functions. Excessive sexual activity will deplete  essence and blood in men. The material part of  essence in the kidneys makes up the semen that will be excreted from the body. One reason why TCM discourages excessive sexual activities is because seminal fluid is considered to be a precious essence or life substance.

There are several TCM diagnosis’ that can cause male impotence which have been listed below:

Vacuity of Vital Gate Fire

Individuals present with symptoms of impotence, a decline in libido, weakness and soreness in lumbar area and knees, aversion to coldness, cold extremities, dizziness, apathy, a pale face and clear and profuse urine.

Fear damaging the Kidney

Most of the individuals either have some serious fear or have had frightening experiences. Besides impotence, other symptoms of timidness, vexation, amnesia, dizziness, lower back pain and tinnitus may be present.

Stagnation of Liver qi

Individuals are usually depressed or manic and irritable. They prefer to sigh and feel discomfort in hypochondriac areas and may have chest oppression, impotence and loss of libido.

Spleen and Heart Xu

Besides impotence, individuals experience symptoms of fatigue, lusterless complexion, loss of appetite, heart palpitations, insomnia and loose stools.

Downward Accumulation of Damp heat

Individuals present with a flaccid penis and may experience a bearing down sensation and distention or a burning pain in one or both testes. The scrotum may appear wet or moist. The lower limbs are weak and sore and there is scanty or dark brown urine output. The person may fidget and have a bitter taste in the mouth.

Obstruction from blood stasis

Besides impotence, individuals can present with symptoms of a prickling pain in the testes and pain or distended feelings in the chest and hypochondria. Sometimes prickling pain appears in the lower back, abdominal or perineum areas. The individual also may appear fidgety and have a tendency to anger easily.

Acupuncture Tx is as follows: REN 4, DU 4, KD 3, UB 23 (MOXA)

Herbal Tx is as follows: zuo gui wan, liu wei di huang wan, you gui wan

https://blog.yinyanghouse.com/posts/acupuncture-treatment-basics-for-male-and-female-fertility-issues

https://blog.yinyanghouse.com/posts/acupuncture-for-male-and-female-fertility-a-general-introduction

Maciocia, Giovanni. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 1989. Print.