Men's Health

The incidence of male factor infertility is believed to be increasing in the Western world. In Chinese, the word for sperm and essence is the same (jīng 精 ), that is, they have the same origin and are inextricably linked. According to Chinese medicine, the quality of sperm and its ability to fertilize an ovum is intimately linked to the health of the Kidneys and requires a number of factors to converge. 

This article is an excerpt from Master Tung’s Magic Points: The Clinician’s Best Friend, soon to be published by Susan Johnson and Eric Renaud. The topic of fertility treatment is more pertinent than ever, as young adults today are finding it increasingly difficult to conceive due to the effects of long-term stress, lack of sleep, EMF exposure, environmental toxins, and so many other reasons that create hormonal disruption and imbalance. This article discusses points and formulas used for infertility and discusses a case study of a man and woman and their successful pregnancy.

Mark Frost from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco highlights 3 important Yang Tonic herbs often used in formulas that benefit men's health. Yin Yang Huo, Xu Duan, and Tu Si Zi are discussed including their TCM functions and how the herbs can be used for different needs.

Acupuncturist Skye Sturgeon reviews a case study of a 68-year-old male whose chief complaint was cold feet, intermittent low back pain, and chronic tinnitus. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment plan is defined along with acupuncture points.

Bone loss, according to traditional Chinese medicine, is mainly caused by insufficient Kidney Qi, with symptoms such as weak back, difficulty in standing for a long time, weakness of lower extremities, dark complexion, and dry teeth. Chinese medicine believes that bone health relies on the fullness of Kidney Qi, which nourishes the bone marrow. As such, tonifying Kidney Qi and Kidney Essence is vital to minimizing the progression of osteoporosis. This soup nourishes Yin and replenishes Yang, strengthens muscles and bones, and strengthens the waist and knees.

Kai Kit Wan is the popularized name in Hong Kong for Jiè Jié Wán (解結丸), which literally means "to untie a knot" and refers specifically to reducing swelling in the prostate. This article gives the benefits of each herb in Kai Kit Wan, combination formulas for your patient’s specific needs, and the TCM terms of an enlarged prostate.

Whilst not explicitly discussed in the classical Chinese medical literature, the prostate is considered part of the Kidney organ system in contemporary texts. Although the influence of the Kidneys is paramount, the prostate is also directly influenced by the Liver organ system, and indirectly by the Spleen and Lungs.