Men’s Health Month: TCM for Men

Acupuncture and Men’s Health: Ancient Practice, Modern Benefits

Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is increasingly recognized for its role in supporting men’s health. This age-old practice involves inserting fine needles into specific body points to restore balance and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. While historically more associated with pain relief or stress reduction, research now supports its benefits in addressing issues uniquely relevant to men.

Stress and Mental Health:
Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression are common among men but often go untreated. Acupuncture has shown promise in regulating the autonomic nervous system and promoting the release of endorphins and serotonin, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety (1).

Sexual Health and Fertility:
Male infertility, often linked to low sperm count or motility, can be a distressing condition. A controlled study found that acupuncture significantly improved sperm quality in infertile men (2). Additionally, it may help treat erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow and modulating nitric oxide pathways (3).

Prostate Health:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common concern in aging men, can cause urinary difficulties. Acupuncture has been studied for its potential to reduce urinary symptoms, possibly by modulating bladder function and decreasing inflammation (4).

Pain and Athletic Performance:
From back pain to sports injuries, acupuncture helps reduce inflammation and promotes tissue healing—important benefits for active men. It has been endorsed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for chronic pain management.

Acupuncture isn’t a cure-all, but growing evidence supports its role as a complementary therapy for men’s health. As always, consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any treatment.

References:

1. Yu JS, Zeng BY, Hsieh CL. Acupuncture stimulation and neuroendocrine regulation. Int Rev Neurobiol. 2013;111:125-40. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-411545-3.00006-7. PMID: 24215920.
2. Siterman S, Eltes F, Wolfson V, Lederman H, Bartoov B. Does acupuncture treatment affect sperm density in males with very low sperm count? A pilot study. Andrologia. 2000 Jan;32(1):31-9. PMID: 10702864.
3. Cha MH, Bai SJ, Lee KH, Cho ZH, Kim YB, Lee HJ, Lee BH. Acute electroacupuncture inhibits nitric oxide synthase expression in the spinal cord of neuropathic rats. Neurol Res. 2010 Feb;32 Suppl 1:96-100. doi: 10.1179/016164109X12537002794363. PMID: 20034455.
4. Hou J, Li Y, Wu Y, Liu Y, Chen Q, Li Y, Hao W. Safety and efficacy of wrist-ankle acupuncture in treating catheter-related bladder discomfort after transurethral resection of the prostate: a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Gland Surg. 2022 Sep;11(9):1464-1471. doi: 10.21037/gs-22-438. PMID: 36221271; PMCID: PMC9547715.