Correcting Erectile Dysfunction with Acupuncture & Herbs

The basics

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is the inability to hold an erection that is strong enough to engage in sexual activity, and is generally considered a disorder when it occurs for longer than 6 months (1, 2). It is a condition that effects nearly 40% of men in their 40's and upwards of 70% of those in their 70's. You can see a pattern here. For every 10 years, another 10 percent of the male population in that age group is affected by ED (2). A growing number of younger men are reporting ED, however, and it is no longer just seen as an aging or psychological problem (3).

The physiological process of  getting and maintaining an erection is complex and utilizes many different systems in the body including the brain, the parasympathetic nervous system, hormones, the vascular system, local glands and organs and emotional excitement. Additionally, there are many risk factors, diseases and disorders that often lead to ED, a small sample of which include depression, heart disease, diabetes, drinking, smoking and substance abuse (1, 2). The International Index of Erectile Function is the most widely accepted questionnaire to evaluate whether someone has ED, in addition to detailed sexual history and physical examination by a physician (2).

How does acupuncture work?

Blood Flow: Acupuncture increases blood flow to the extremities (10)

Stress: Acupuncture balances the autonomic nervous system, helping the body to relax into parasympathetic (rest/digest/heal/reproduce). (11)

Balances Hormones: Acupuncture and herbal treatments can help to balance hormones (14)

Can acupuncture help resolve erectile dysfunction?

A Healthline article explains how acupuncture may work to address ED like this: “Acupuncture is believed to work by stimulating your nerves, which release hormones, which then increase your threshold of pain. It may also increase the circulation of blood, help regulate blood sugar, and create other health benefits” (6)

One study found that acupuncture alone, completely resolved Erectile Dysfunction in 75% of participants. In this study, all patients were seen twice a week for a total of ten weeks.  (4) Other studies showed minor but significant improvements in participants receiving acupuncture with electrical stimulation at acupuncture points (5). Another study showed 60% improvement in a ED patients (8).

The best results come from a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine, "The results indicate that acupuncture with herbs is more effective than either herbs or acupuncture as a standalone therapy" (9). This is because herbs can help balance hormones and treat any underlying infection or inflammation, if present. Another study, using acupuncture and herbs, showed a 45% improvement. (12)Furthermore, acupuncture had no reported negative side effects. 

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776
  2. http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/endocrinology/erectile-dysfunction/
  3. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/erectile-dysfunction-young-men-age-40-younger_n_3405085
  4. https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/news/20000505/impotence-gets-needled-in-acupuncture-study#1
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10098953
  6. https://www.healthline.com/health/acupuncture-for-ed
  7. https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/news/20000505/impotence-gets-needled-in-acupuncture-study#1
  8. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2016/2171923/
  9. http://www.nccaom.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Acupuncture%20Heals%20Erectile%20Dysfunction%20Finding.pdf
  10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3388479/
  11. https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/770-nervousst36p5p6
  12. https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1364-acupuncture-combats-erectile-dysfunction
  13. https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1847-acupuncture-heals-erectile-dysfunction-finding
  14. https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1725-acupuncture-regulates-hormones-boosts-fertility
Thomas Najar
Thomas Najar
2023-11-20
Great service at a good price. Convenient location, knowledgable staff, clean and inviting clinic.
Tracy Carr
Tracy Carr
2023-11-10
This is the best place ever! I get cupping and acupuncture when my back starts acting up and leave feeling like 50 pounds was lifted off my back. Crystal and Jamie are very thorough in their questions to understand what’s going on and the treatment they provide. And the prices can’t be beat. 10/10
Liz Spanos
Liz Spanos
2023-11-10
I have been going to Lakewood Community Acupuncture for over a year and can’t imagine my life without it now!! It can truly help with so much - from physical pain (I have issues with my pelvic floor and multiple herniated discs) to emotional blocks, energy deficiencies and more! I ALWAYS feel better after acupuncture. I’ve seen all the practitioners and they are all extremely skilled, but Crystal is my go-to. She is not only very gentle and effective but always a delight to connect with. For the quality of service, atmosphere and price, you cannot do better. It’s been a game changer for me. Wholeheartedly recommend!!
T S
T S
2023-10-19
Have had one visit so far and will be going for many more. Very professional. Office is clean and calming. Their prices are very affordable and I can tell they really care. Highly recommend! 4 years later, I am still a customer and still impressed. Thank you L.C.A.!
Bronson Doom
Bronson Doom
2023-10-19
Crystal is great! I have a compressed l4 l5 and my back has been really tight due to the disk pushing into a nerve. I have completed 2 acupuncture sessions and can already feel the muscles relaxing!
Shannon Ennenga
Shannon Ennenga
2023-09-07
very pleased with how things are going. Have suggested the group to fellow friends and family
Matt Deason
Matt Deason
2023-09-01
Crystal helped me out so much and was very kind and understanding of the issues I was having. I look forward to returning again next week.
Jill B
Jill B
2023-08-30
The care I’ve received is outstanding & affordable! I was doing PT for my injury, but found that I wasn’t getting better so I decided to try alternative methods. After coming to LCA I’ve felt much better & I feel like there’s a comprehensive plan in place to get me healed. I highly recommend giving them a try!

Contact

7114 W Jefferson Ave, suite 112
Lakewood, CO 80235
(720) 242-9756
info@lakewoodacupuncture.org

Hours

Monday: 9am-6pm
Tuesday: 9am-7pm
Wednesday: 9am-7pm
Thursday: 9am-7pm
Friday: 9-7pm
Saturday: 9am-3pm
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