5 Common Male Health Issues That Comes With Ageing

Physician Yap Chong Sin 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

Do men go through menopause?

Senior Physician Lim Jing Yang 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