Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a widespread issue, impacting about half of American men between 40 and 70 years old. The numbers are similar in China. For many, the first line of treatment is an oral medication called a PDE5 inhibitor, but these medications only work about 60 to 70 percent of the time.
If you’re looking for an alternative, you might be interested in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which has been used for centuries to treat a range of conditions. Some people use it on its own, while others use it alongside conventional treatments. TCM offers several different approaches to treating ED, including acupuncture and herbal medicine.
TCM focuses on restoring balance to your body’s Yin and Yang. It also considers Qi, the vital energy that flows through your body, which is believed to influence how well your organs function. When your Yin and Yang are in balance and your Qi is flowing freely, your body is better able to heal.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the TCM perspective on ED, diving into acupuncture and herbal treatments. We’ll explore how these treatments are thought to work and what the research says about their effectiveness as a Chinese treatment for erectile dysfunction.