Men’s Health
W
hile there are certainly similarities between a woman’s body and a mans body, men have a set of unique gender specific issues which warrant great focus and attention. The study of men’s health is called Andrology, and includes issues ranging from Stress, Depression, Cardiac and physical injury, to Impotence and Prostate issues. The main health issues which Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can address are listed here.
Stress
Stress is a huge factor in our fast paced lives, and men who in general by their nature tend to internalise issues such as financial worries ,and marital/ relationship discord, among other worries, tend to suffer the negative impact of stress in their lives. When the body is under stress, there is a release of Adrenalin and Cortisol into the bloodstream. These hormones are the bodys most primitive reaction to stressful situations, and affect the Sympathetic nervous system by increasing heart rate, breathing, and reduce blood flow to the vital organs sending it instead to the muscles, to prepare them for action. These hormones in fact place the body in a state of “fight or flight”. This can lead to Insomnia, Hypertension, Digestive issues, Migraine, and may over time lead to Depression / Anxiety, Cardiac issues or Sexual dysfunction.
Impotence
Impotence or Erectile Dysfunction can be caused by anything from Emotional/Psychological upheaval, to Hormonal Imbalance, to overuse / abuse of medication either recreational or prescribed to Depression. But irrespective of the cause it can be severely distressing for the sufferer and his partner.
Sperm quality and quantity
When undergoing Fertility treatment, it is usually the woman who goes for treatment initially, but for numerous reasons including dietary issues, stress and exposure to chemicals and / or radiation, the quantity and morphology of sperm can be affected also necessitating intervention. It takes approximately 90 days for the cycle of healthy sperm to form in the testes. So a nutrient rich diet rich in supplements including L-Arginine, Selenium, Zinc and Antioxidants and ensuring the testes can remain cooler than the rest of the body by for example not having very hot baths, will start the process of healthy sperm formation. Acupuncture has also been shown to be highly effective in increasing Sperm motility and mobility.