Luna Acupuncture Clinic

Men's Health

Caring for your health and well-being is important for 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 is 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 relationships and your emotional health.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer powerful tolls to help you feel your best. They have been used for thousands of years to treat men’s health concerns and they can be safely used along with Western therapies.

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 non-bacterial 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) or pain in the pelvic area, low back and genital area.

While more research is needed, some studies have shown that acupuncture and herbal therapies are very effective in relieving the pain and urinary symptoms caused by chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
The prostate naturally grows larger as men age. Often, this does not cause any discomfort. 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. Acupuncture can help with the rebalancing and providing overall support to the health of the urinary system.

Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer affects about one in six men in the United States. When caught early, it can respond very well to treatment, so it is recommended that all men over the age of 50 get annual prostate cancer screenings. Symptoms can include urinary problems, pain in the lower back or hips and blood in the urine or semen. If you or a loved on is diagnosed with prostate cancer, acupuncture and TCM can be helpful in relieving the side effects of treatment and boosting overall health.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
ED is the inability to sustain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse at least 25% of the time. It is a 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, and 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. Acupuncture can be helpful in boosting and supporting sexual stamina.

Infertility
Most cases of male infertility are related to a low concentration, poor quality or poor movement of sperm. Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve sperm production and quality, 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.

Male depression
Depression is experienced in both men and women. Men tend to exhibit and report feelings of fatigue, frustration, irritability, lack of concentration, sleep disturbance and loss of interest in work and social activities. Profound feelings such as sadness, guilt and grief are acknowledged more by women than men. Acupuncture can help calm the mind and body, reduce stress and anxiety, and help with male symptoms of depression.

Male Menopause (MM)
This is also referred to as androgen decline. As men age, there becomes a decline in the production of testosterone, the male hormone. When this happens, symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, depression, mood changes and sexual problems may appear. Acupuncture and herbal therapy can support men as they age and eliminate symptoms and signs related to MM.