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
Ben Ramirez
Ben Ramirez
2022-08-09
Great service and results!
Sarah
Sarah
2022-07-16
Emily helped me combat some pretty deep depression and anxiety yesterday. I had come to my wits end and western med was no longer helping me. She recommended herbs that are significantly decreasing the debilitating mental health symptoms I was experiencing and her treatment of acupuncture/reiki helped calm my nervous system. I’m noticing this all in less than 24 hrs, wow! THANK YOU 🙏
Lindsay Hovland
Lindsay Hovland
2022-07-15
I received a healing treatment from Crystal yesterday and the day before— acupuncture and cupping, along with ear seeds. She was so attentive and deeply caring for my personal needs and desires. I genuinely cannot wait to go back. Truly, it is honorable they are a non-profit organization for all the hard work and hours they put in. I will always go back. Thanks to the hardworking (shen) hands of Crystal.
Melissa Bell
Melissa Bell
2022-07-01
Would recommend! Very professional, clean, empathetic, experienced. Seen Jamie a few times and he's wonderful. Acupuncture can help with almost anything along with their other services.
Tammy Osolinski
Tammy Osolinski
2022-03-15
Brought in my 15 year old who was suffering from a sports related back injury. She has had two appointments (acupuncture and acupuncture with cupping) and has been experiencing good results. The healthcare team is extremely knowledgeable and comforting. They explain everything they are doing and ensure you are comfortable with every step. Would definitely recommend.
Jay Clement
Jay Clement
2022-01-09
I've been to other acupuncturists before, and Emily @ Lakewood did a fantastic job - way better than the others I've been to. Very thorough on intake, learning what to focus, and overall creating a great space. Thanks so much!
Shawna Seldon McGregor
Shawna Seldon McGregor
2021-11-13
Lakewood Community Acupuncture is amazing! I've received acupuncture, cupping and bodywork here. It was an outstanding experience. I felt amazing when I left and it addressed my chronic pain. I highly recommend LCP!
Coleen C
Coleen C
2021-09-24
Amazing practitioners who are dedicated to serving the community with powerful healing! Each session is greeted with compassion and incredible care. I came to the office experiencing a lot of pain in my back and neck. The day after receiving Tuina bodywork and Acupuncture, my pain was gone. I am so very grateful. Thank you!!
bic109
bic109
2021-08-17
I've been here a couple times and both were great.

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-3pm
Friday: 8-7pm
Saturday: 9am-3pm
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