5 Common Male Health Issues That Comes With Ageing

Link copied! Navigating the journey of ageing is a unique and personal experience, and for many men, it comes with its set of health challenges. According to TCM, ageing is linked to the weakening of the Kidney, leading to Kidney deficiency. Kidney is known as the congenital foundation (先天之本) of our body or the innate constitution that you are born with. Its essence is essential not only for its own well-being but also for nourishing the four other organs, Heart, Lungs, Spleen and Liver. Kidney deficiency results in a lack of Kidney essence, affecting the optimal functioning of other organs. Below, we’ll delve into the top 5 common health concerns men face as they age and explore TCM tips to improve quality of life at each stage. 1. Reduced sexual function As men age, a natural decline in testosterone levels occurs, leading to a condition known as andropause. Testosterone plays a pivotal role in sexual desire, erectile capacity, muscle mass and overall strength in men [1]. TCM attributes reduced sexual function to a reduction of essence, Qi, and Blood, closely related to the Kidney and Liver. Factors such as prolonged work hours, stress, and unhealthy lifestyles are some of the reasons for reduced sexual function in ageing men as they can take a toll on the Qi and Blood essence, thereby resulting in poor nourishment of the genital area and impaired function. Technology-enhanced TCM For Improved Sexual Function 1) Herbal Medication TCM herbs such as Shu Di Huang, Shan Yao, and Shan Zhu Yu can be prescribed to help nourish Kidney essence while TCM formulas such as Ba Zhen Tang can aid in nourishing the Qi and Blood, thereby improving circulation to the genital area. 2) Acupuncture Acupuncture can help improve circulation by stimulating the Qi and Blood and also correct Kidney deficiency. Common acupoints include He Gu, Tai Chong, Tai Xi, and San Yin Jiao. 3) Tech-enhanced Therapies i) Electro-Lymphatic Therapy (ELT) is an FDA-registered wellness device designed to help stimulate better lymphatic drainage and flow. Improved lymphatic drainage helps the body clear inflammation more effectively, allowing for better circulation. ii) Far-Infrared Therapy (FIR) helps revitalise cells and improves overall body circulation. iii) Cell Pro Therapy supplies negatively charged electrons to the body to neutralise the free radicals. This will reduce the oxidative stress that can damage our cells, thereby improving circulation. Testosterone, a key hormone, is conveyed in the bloodstream by sex hormone-binding globulin[2]. The efficient transport of testosterone facilitated by better circulation ensures its availability where needed, supporting overall reproductive health. Our tech-enhanced TCM approach offers holistic solutions to address reduced sexual function, focusing on nourishing essential elements and optimising overall well-being for ageing men. 2. Prostate problems Prostate issues, a common occurrence with age, present unique challenges that impact male health. The prostate, a vital sex accessory gland responsible for sperm transport, tends to enlarge as age increases, leading to conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia. Symptoms include urgency to urinate, frequent urination, and incomplete emptying of the bladder[3]. TCM views benign prostatic hyperplasia as a result of ageing, leading to the weakening of Kidney Qi which affects kidney and bladder function. Another common prostate condition is Prostate cancer, a leading cancer in men amongst other cancers in Singapore and worldwide[4]. From a TCM perspective, cancer arises when our Body Qi weakens, resulting in low immunity. Accumulation of Heat-Dampness and Blood-Qi stagnation will create blockages in the body which contributes to the formation of masses or tumours. Technology-enhanced TCM For Prostate Problems 1) Herbal Medication For benign prostatic hyperplasia, TCM herbs such as Shan Yao, Ba Ji Tian, Gou Qi Zi are commonly prescribed to help nourish the Kidney Qi and at the same time, Mu Tong, Che Qian Zi, Hua Shi are also given to help manage the bladder issues. For prostate cancer, Ban Zhi Lian and Bai Hua She She Cao are commonly prescribed to strengthen immunity while formulae such as Ba Zheng San are prescribed to help remove Heat-Dampness and to help with bladder issues. 2) Acupuncture For benign prostatic hyperplasia, acupoints including Tai Xi, San Yin Jiao, Guan Yuan, and Qi Hai can help nourish the Kidney Qi deficiency and alleviate urination problems. 3) Tech-enhanced Therapies i) Electro-Lymphatic Therapy (ELT) stimulates better lymphatic drainage to help the body reduce inflammation more effectively. As the development and progression of cancer are often linked to inflammation[5], promoting better lymphatic drainage through ELT can benefit cancer patients. This therapy also enhances the function of our lymphatic system and immunity. ii) Cell Pro Therapy helps balance the immune system, contributing to comprehensive prostate health. 3. Cardiovascular Health The decline in testosterone levels associated with ageing has been linked to adverse effects on cardiovascular health[6]. Lower testosterone levels are linked to elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Testosterone has also been shown to inhibit the development of plaque, thereby inhibiting the process of atherosclerosis[7], and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore a lower level of testosterone will result in a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. From a TCM perspective, ageing leads to organ degeneration, slowing internal organ functions and impeding metabolic waste removal. Furthermore, unhealthy diet, inadequate exercise and stress contribute to the increased accumulation of metabolic waste in the body. One important metabolic waste is the Phlegm, which correlates to the fats or cholesterol in our body. Phlegm impedes the blood circulation in our body by forming blockages in the blood vessels which can lead to cardiovascular issues. Technology-enhanced TCM For Cardiovascular Health 1) Herbal Medication Different concoctions of herbs will be used depending on the individual’s body constitution. Herbs commonly prescribed for dissolving Phlegm include Chen Pi, Zhi Shi and Sheng Jiang. 2) Acupuncture Common acupoints that help reduce Phlegm or high cholesterol include Yin Ling Quan and Feng Long. 3) Tech-enhanced Therapy – Electro-Lymphatic Therapy Inflammation plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease.[8] ELT can be used to tackle inflammation by improving the drainage of the lymphatic

Do men go through menopause?

Link copied! Are you between the ages of 40 and 55 and your partner is telling you that you have been more irritable and moody? Is your energy level lower than usual and your sexual function not like before? Do you also notice an increase in your waistline? If the answer is yes to many of the above, you might be suffering from andropause! Andropause is medically known as male hypogonadism – a medical condition where the body does not produce enough testosterone in adulthood [1]. With male hypogonadism, males experience effects of decreased testosterone levels[2] which affects them physically and psychologically when their testosterone levels dip. Male hypogonadism can occur when testosterone levels change due to age. Although this change usually occurs between the ages of 40 to 55, it can sometimes happen as early as 35 years of age or as late as 60 or more. In the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the development of a man’s health is closely tied to the number 8. Under the teachings of the Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine Chapter 1 《黄帝内经》素问ㆍ 第一篇《上古天真论》, it is mentioned that changes in a man’s body occurs in phases of every 8 years. A man reaches his puberty phase at age 16 (phase 2) and reaches the pinnacle of his health at age 32 (phase 4) and his health will start to decline ever more so at every multiple of 8 thereafter. At age 40 (phase 5), his Kidney Qi weakens and he will begin to lose his hair and his teeth withers. At age 48 (phase 6), his Yang Qi will gradually weaken from the upper body, the face loses its radiance and the hair on his sideburns will begin to turn grey. The ancient text mentions the bodily changes that will occur in men but excludes the emotional and psychological changes. However, through modern researches, we manage to find out that there is a progressive reduction in testosterone levels as men ages and this reduction in testosterone levels is affecting our mood and emotions.[3] The decline of testosterone levels can typically begin in men after the age of 40, along with the weakening of the Kidney Qi. As the decline of testosterone levels is a slow and progressive process where the body adjusts to the change in testosterone levels, it can usually last longer (15-20 years) in contrast to the female menopause. However, the symptoms are not as erratic as the female menopause. But one thing to note is that not all men will experience the effects of declining testosterone levels. However, if you do, here’s how you can manage the effects of decreased testosterone: 5 Ways to manage your hypogonadism symptoms: 1. Adopt healthy sleeping habits According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), sleep restriction causes decreased testosterone levels.[4] Couple this to the fact that most of the testosterone released in men occurs during sleep[5] and you get a potent double whammy to your testosterone simply by having insufficient sleep. Hence, getting good quality sleep is paramount to having healthy testosterone levels. Some Do’s and Don’ts for getting good sleep include: DO DON’T Take magnesium supplements to help you relax, Vitamin B complex to help with production of melatonin, or take Sleep Essentials by Oriental Remedies Group to help with your sleep. Have too much screen time before bedtime as blue light can affect melatonin production. Have a sleep routine with activities like meditation or taking a warm bath to tell your brain that these activities are precursors to sleep. Engage in strenuous exercise or consume caffeine close to bedtime. Keep the bedroom cool thereby helping the body cool down to enter sleep faster. Eat a large meal before bed as it can lead to acid reflux when you lie down thereby disrupting sleep. An insomniac can also seek alternative treatments using TCM to manage sleep issues.For more sleep tips: Insomnia – Don’t Sleep On Your Sleep Disorder 2. Manage your emotions and have a healthy stress level Based on a study done on salivary testosterone levels of individuals under psychological stress, there is a positive association between stress and testosterone at low levels of stress.[6] However, at high levels of stress, the relationship is negative and eventually levels off. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of the changes in your emotions and stress levels. In a period of increasing stress levels, you should consider catching up on some stress-relief activities such as exercises and taking part in activities you enjoy. If, despite your best efforts in mitigating stress, you still find yourself in an emotional turmoil, it could be good to seek professional advice from a counsellor or certified psycho-therapist. They will help uncover past trauma which can help you feel better about yourself and help solve emotional and psychological problems at its root. You can also seek TCM help to manage stress through the use of acupuncture. Acupuncture is used to release endorphins, creating a sense of calmness. It also regulates the part of the brain that governs serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is associated with mood[7]. 3. Regular exercise Diet and exercise can play a huge role in reducing the symptoms of male menopause. Exercise, in particular, is a powerful tool in slowing the loss of muscle mass that is common to men in their middle age. Loss of muscle mass also contributes to the reduction of testosterone levels in the body, so exercise can help slow the decrease of testosterone production. Regular exercise also releases endorphins that can help promote a sense of well-being and reduce the instances of depression and mood swings common to decreased testosterone. High-intensity training not only increases one’s metabolism but also boosts the body’s own production of human growth hormone, which also decreases symptoms of hypogonadism. Strength and weight training are the best ways to naturally boost your testosterone levels. Studies have found that 12 weeks of resistance training results in an increase in levels of testosterone

How TCM and Western Treatments Can Improve Sexual Dysfunction

Link copied! Male sexual dysfunction refers to any disturbance of sexual function that prevents individuals or their partner from enjoying sexual activity and constitute conditions such as erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence (with the latter term less commonly used now), premature ejaculation, low libido, delayed orgasm/ejaculation. With the topic of sexual dysfunction remaining taboo, men find it hard to open up and seek professional help. In this article, we discuss male sexual dysfunction in-depth, treatments available as well as top tips to alleviate sexual dysfunction. We hope to change your perspective, sexual dysfunction is just like any other health condition out there. Sexual dysfunction is more common than you think! *Study on Erectile dysfunction [1]; Study on Premature ejaculation [2] While sexual dysfunction commonly affects older men (age 45 and above), it is a condition that can affect adult men of all ages, especially in our generation. The 2 most common forms of sexual dysfunction affecting men are Erectile dysfunction (ED) and Premature ejaculation (PE). [3] Who is more likely to experience male sexual dysfunction? Factors How it affects your male sexual functions Age While older males (above 45) are more likely to be affected, sexual dysfunction can affect men of all ages, especially in our sedentary generation. Ageing, chronic health conditions and poor lifestyle habits are associated with poorer vascular and nerve health, which have a direct impact on men’s sexual functions. Low testosterone levels in men affect libido and erection. Chronic health conditions e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, low testosterone, nerve-related disease, obesity Poor lifestyle habits Smoking, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive weight gain Psychological issues e.g. stress, low confidence, sexual anxiety, depression, relationship problems As sexual activity (e.g. desire for sexual intimacy, erection, orgasm, ejaculation) is largely controlled by our nervous system, any form of psychological issues could affect the sexual response. Why is it important to seek help early? On the emotional side of things, proper sexual function is important in any relationship. Having a healthy sex life strengthens your bond and emotional intimacy with your partner. Leaving sexual dysfunction unattended could spiral into a vicious cycle where stress, sexual anxiety and relationship problems worsen your sexual dysfunction. In addition, sexual function problems can be an early warning of other chronic conditions. Recent research concluded, erectile dysfunction might be an indicator of poor cardiovascular health. [4] Can you fully recover from sexual dysfunction? With the right cause identified, doctors and TCM physicians can work out a treatment plan that includes lifestyle and dietary changes to improve your condition. In other words, with the right treatments, the chances of recovering or getting your sexual dysfunction managed are very high. The earlier you seek treatment, the easier it is to manage the condition. “We’re living in a time where information is readily available and help is everywhere. This makes it so much more important to seek treatment from trusted professionals that you are comfortable with.” ~ Dr. Chan Jun Yang What are the main types of sexual dysfunction in men? 1. Erectile dysfunction (ED) (阳痿) It is the repeated inability to achieve or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual performance. What causes it: Psychological issues (e.g. relationship issues, depression, anxiety, stress, worrying about ED, fatigue) Ageing Poor lifestyle (e.g. excessive alcohol intake, lack of exercise, smoking, obesity) Chronic health problems (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, nerve disease) Hormonal disorders (e.g. low testosterone) Medications (e.g. antidepressants, certain blood pressure medications) Liver Qi stagnation syndrome Blood-stasis syndrome MingMen Fire weakening syndrome Heart-Spleen deficiency syndrome Yin deficiency raging Fire syndrome Phlegm-Damp syndrome 2. Premature ejaculation (PE) (早泄) It is early or rapid ejaculation that happens before the male and his partner would like. What causes it: Psychological issues (e.g. relationship issues, depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue) Low levels of brain neurotransmitters i.e. serotonin Testosterone deficiency Prostate problems (e.g. infection, inflammation) Concurrent ED (males with ED may form a habit of rushing to ejaculate as they are worried of the inability to maintain the erection) Liver Qi stagnation syndrome MingMen Fire weakening syndrome Heart-Spleen deficiency syndrome Yin deficiency raging Fire syndrome 3. Decreased/ Low libido (性欲减退) It is the lack of sexual desire or sex drive to put it simply. What causes it: Often linked to stress, relationship issues, low self-esteem, and fatigue Medical conditions (e.g. testosterone deficiency) Sexual dysfunctions such as ED and PE Liver Qi stagnation syndrome MingMen Fire weakening syndrome Heart-Spleen deficiency syndrome Phlegm-Damp syndrome 4. Delayed orgasm/ejaculation It is a persistent difficulty or delay in attaining orgasm after sufficient sexual stimulation, causing emotional distress. What causes it: Psychological issues (e.g. relationship issues, depression, anxiety, stress) Reduced penile stimulation due to frequent or unusual masturbation techniques, hyperstimulation (e.g. porn), disparity between fantasy and partner Ageing Medications/substances (e.g. antidepressants, excessive alcohol use) Health conditions (e.g.diabetes, nerve disease, low testosterone) Prostate surgery 5. Sexual anxiety (性焦虑) Also known as sexual performance anxiety typically results from negative thoughts about your ability to perform well. What causes it: Fear of not being able to satisfy partner sexually Self-esteem issues like body weight, body image Problems in your relationship Concern about premature ejaculation or taking too long to reach orgasm Anxiety about not being able to have an orgasm or enjoy the sexual experience Medications (e.g. antidepressants, certain blood pressure medications) Liver Qi stagnation syndrome Phlegm-Damp syndrome Sexual dysfunction from a TCM perspective In TCM, imbalances and disharmony in the body lead to the development of health conditions and sexual dysfunction is one of them. The 6 most common syndromes causing sexual dysfunctions are: MingMen Fire weakening syndrome (命门火衰证) Liver Qi stagnation syndrome (肝郁气滞证) Phlegm-Damp syndrome (痰湿阻滞证) Yin deficiency raging Fire syndrome (阴虚火旺证) Heart-Spleen deficiency syndrome (心脾两虚证) Blood-stasis syndrome (血脉瘀滞证) 1.MingMen Fire weakening syndrome (命门火衰证) Mingmen is an area between the second and third lumbar vertebra. In TCM, our reproductive function and potency is directly linked to the MingMen. Poor MingMen Fire can arise from hereditary conditions, excessive sexual activity and old age. When the

Improve Male Sexual Function, Treat Erectile Dysfunction And Premature Ejaculation The TCM Way

Link copied! Erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) are the 2 most common forms of sexual dysfunction affecting men [1]. According to a survey of almost 5,000 men in Asia-Pacific, PE is known to affect 13%-16% of all men while ED affects 5%-8% [2]. Poor sexual function and low libido can have deleterious effects on a man’s quality of life and his relationship with his spouse. Yet, male sexual health is something that most Asian men loath discussing even though the attitudes of our society are increasingly westernized. Although erectile dysfunction is often laughed at for indicating male impotence, studies have shown that it is a tell-tale sign of other underlying health conditions that might warrant our attention [3]. Erectile dysfunction management methods like Viagra or Ciali are well known. However, most people remain uninformed about the treatment of premature ejaculation. Today, we dive into the root causes of sexual dysfunction and open your treatment options for better male sexual function. You do not need to live with sexual dysfunction. With proper treatment, lifestyle and diet changes, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help you regain sexual function and confidence. *Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and/or keep an erection firm enough for sex.*Premature ejaculation (PE) occurs when a man ejaculates sooner during sexual intercourse than he or his partner would like. How can Oriental Remedies Group help men who are experiencing sexual dysfunction? Step 1: An honest and self-directed assessment of sexual function The simplest and most cost-effective way to assess the severity of sexual dysfunction is through a self-assessment survey. You can use the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) survey to evaluate the severity of erectile dysfunction and libido issues. For premature ejaculation, use the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) survey. Evaluating Erectile Function Here are 6 IIEF questions (Qns 1 – 5, 15) from The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) patient questionnaire. These questions are determining considerations that fall under domain A (Erectile Dysfunction) of the questionnaire. The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) The maximum score for these questions (Qns 1-5, 15) under domain A is 30. A score of 14 and below suggests low erectile function, a score between 15 to 25 suggests moderate erectile function and a score from 26 and above suggests high erectile function. As the cause of erectile dysfunction can be physical or psychological, you can try taking a nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test (erection self-test) to determine if it is psychological or not. Simply cut a 2-cm wide strip of paper that is long enough to go around the penis with a little overlap. The paper can be secured with a piece of 1-inch tape. Steps to perform an NPT: Go commando or change into loose-fitting underwear before you go to bed. Stick half-inch of the tape on one end of the paper, circle the strip of paper around the shaft of the flaccid penis and secure it with the remaining tape. The strip of paper should be snug enough so that the paper breaks apart if you have an erection. It is highly recommended to sleep on your back so the strip will not be affected by your movement. Repeat this test for 3 consecutive nights. Interpreting Results Check to see if the strip is broken when you wake up in the morning. If it is, you could have had an erection in your sleep. This indicates that your penis physically functions properly, indicating that any possible erectile issues are mostly psychological in nature. Rest assured there are treatments that can help both physical and psychological erectile dysfunction – acupuncture effectively regulates stress and anxiety to improve erection quality in men who suffer from psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Evaluating Libido These two IIEF questions (Qns 11,12) from BAUS’s patient questionnaire fall under domain C (Sexual Desire) which evaluates your sex drive/libido. The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) The maximum score for Qns 11, 12 is 10. Scoring 6 and below indicates a low libido. If the sex drive or libido is low, we recommend taking a blood test to examine your testosterone and prolactin levels – these are male hormones that affect your libido. Evaluating Premature Ejaculation We use the PEDT survey to evaluate premature ejaculation. A score of 8 or lower indicates no premature ejaculation, 9 or 10 indicates probable premature ejaculation, and 11 or higher indicates premature ejaculation. The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) Step 2: Understand the root cause from a TCM perspective Traditionally, sexual function and reproductive ability are thought to reside in the Kidneys and those suffering from Kidney deficiency syndrome would experience a loss of sexual function. Today, in this age of overnutrition, new studies have shown that the loss of sexual function due to Kidney deficiency syndrome is gradually becoming less common. Instead, the loss of sexual function is found to be more closely related to Liver Qi stagnation syndrome, Blood-stasis syndrome and Phlegm-Damp syndrome due to the stresses of modern living, our sedentary lifestyles and the indulgence of processed foods. Here’s a quick walk-through of the above-mentioned syndromes and their causes: i. Liver Qi stagnation syndrome TCM believes that the Liver is in charge of regulating emotions. Thus, an unhealthy work-life balance and being overly stressed at work causes our emotions to be in a constant state of flux. Over time this wears out the Qi in the Liver meridian causing Liver Qi stagnation syndrome. As the Liver meridian is directly linked to the penis, Qi stagnation at the Liver will lead to poor erectile functions. ii. Blood-stasis syndrome Other than increasing the burden on our digestive system, over-consumption of cold or raw food also causes the body to cool down which hampers the proper flow of Blood according to TCM theory – Blood should flow first in our stomach and subsequently to the rest of our body. Paired with a sedentary lifestyle, poor Blood flow can develop resulting in Blood-stasis syndrome. In severe instances