Men's Health

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Men's Health: New Answers Come From Chinese Medicine

By Arthur Shattuck, NCCAOM

Men encounter several health conditions that are specific to their gender – such as prostate disorders, erectile dysfunction and male breast
cancer. Although they are uncomfortable to discuss, they are vitally important to men’s health.

My advice is given from an Eastern medical perspective, which involves an understanding of the natural cycles of the human body. Preventive care keeps these cycles in balance with certain foods, Chinese herbs, teas and lifestyle adjustments.

Illness results when these cycles are disrupted. Treatment strategies address a specific organ or anatomical disharmony and involve dietary recommendations, acupuncture therapy or Chinese herbal medicines. After 26 years of helping patients in clinical practice, I have observed several patterns and responses when it comes to men’s health.

The prostate is gender-specific to men; it is an organ that is involved in the production of semen. When the prostate functions properly, we are unaware of its existence, and healthy men experience a full and satisfying sexual life. As men grow older, this walnut-sized organ will age as well. The prostate is prone to irritation, infection, swelling or cancer. This cancer occurs so frequently that most men by age 90 have some cancerous prostate cells. Typically it is a slow-growing cancer, although it can get out of control and grow quite rapidly.

Prostate screening should be part of every adult male’s yearly physical examination. A blood test known as the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test can often be the first prostate screening test a man might encounter.

The incidence of men’s breast cancer is slowly rising. Patients have increased concerns about breast tenderness, breast lumps and increased size of breast tissue. Men need to be apprised of this health issue and discuss it openly with their doctors, both Western and Eastern, and learn self exam procedures to employ in the shower. The average time lapse between a man finding a breast lump and seeking medical advice is 18 months. This can result in needless worry about what may be a reasonable medical explanation. An ultrasound test or mammogram might be advised to determine a cause. Men first need to be made aware of this health issue and add it to their list of topics to discuss with their doctor.
In the world of traditional Chinese medicine, attention is given to yin and yang. In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang are the underlying energies of life, and the aim of treatment is to produce a proper balance between the two.

Yang organs are the hollow organs, such as stomach, intestines, biliary system, urinary bladder plus urethra and ureter. Yin organs include the solid ones, including liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney, heart, pericardium and lungs. Yin and yang principles are a vital part of a dietary treatment plan where physical, mental and spiritual balance are developed by the correct proportions of yin and yang foods.

Men typically do not take care of their health and look to Western medicine and pills to “fix” their bodies when serious problems arise. However, when men pay attention to their body on a regular basis and nurture the yin aspect they can enjoy good health for a long time.

The erection to a man is a reflection of his entire health — just as the menstrual cycle relates to a woman’s health.
Impotency is a culmination of what’s been happening in a man’s health during the previous decade. Medication may be the answer for the moment — but it’s not long lasting. For men experiencing impotence, it is the final wake up call to look at the status of their entire health.

The popular medications Cialis and Viagra work to raise a particular level of gas in the blood, causing blood constriction which then results in an erection. The medication is considered a temporary solution — it may work for you, and while it’s working, men should also take action to address underlying health issues. A good sex life is returnable — it is something that can be fixed.

Here are suggestions that can return men to health or preserve their good health:

Strengthen the kidneys by consuming walnuts regularly and eat game meat and wild-caught fish occasionally.
Take specific herbal teas prescribed by a Chinese medicine practitioner according to a specific man’s constitution which is decided after examination.
Drink Oolong tea, a black tea, daily.
Give attention to the body with movement therapies, such as Asian tai chi and qigong, and ordinary movement, such as walking. If you want something to move in the body — whether it is an erection or a bowel
movement — you have to initiate with move-ment of energy. Massage is also helpful.
Use aromatherapy in the form of pure essential oil of cloves. Breathe in just one drop — put on the corner of a pillow or coat collar or edge of a scarf .This strengthens kidney energy, which is an important yin gland.
Reduce yin foods, which include watery foods such as cantaloupe, cucumber and excessive fruit juice that can “put out” the kidney energy.
Cut back on spicy foods to help the prostate. Spicy foods irritate this gland.
Drink saw palmetto tea which will strength-en the prostate; tablets are also available.
Keep high blood pressure in check with weight reduction and reduction of alcohol; use fresh produce to receive potassium, an important mineral.
If you use nicotine, stop.
Consider seasonal acupuncture to rebalance your energies as a preventive system.

Arthur Shattuck, NCCAOM, practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, is clinical director of Roots And Legends, Racine, WI. He was co-founder of three public health clinics in the Chicago area, co-author of the textbook “Treating AIDS with Chinese Medicine.” He volunteers his services at HOPES Center, Racine. See http://herbaldoc.byregion.net.