Men’s Unspoken Concern! Tips for Managing Erectile Dysfunction and TKM Treatment Guide (Impotence, 勃起不全)

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common male sexual dysfunctions. In traditional Korean medicine (TKM), it is referred to as Yangwei (陽痿), Yinwei (陰痿), or Yangshi Bulgeo (陽事不擧), meaning the inability of the penis to achieve or maintain an erection. TKM associates ED with the functions of the Kidney (Shen, 腎), Liver (Gan, 肝), and Heart (Xin, 心), emphasizing the importance of lifestyle habits, stress management, and overall health for improvement.

1. Lifestyle Modifications

1) Balanced Sexual Activity

• Avoid frequent ejaculation during treatment as it consumes kidney energy (Shen Qi, 腎氣).

• Excessive sexual activity or masturbation can weaken the body’s vital energy.

• Do not force sexual activity, as it may create psychological stress and frustration.

2) Stress Management and Emotional Well-being

• Stress and overwork weaken the Heart (Xin, 心) and Spleen (Pi, 脾), leading to erectile dysfunction.

• Effective ways to relieve stress include:

  • Meditation & Deep Breathing: Helps calm the mind and accumulate energy.

  • Positive Mindset: Reducing anxiety about sexual performance can significantly improve symptoms.

  • Nature Therapy: Walking in nature or taking warm baths can help relax the body.

3) Sufficient Sleep and a Regular Routine

• Going to bed before 11 PM is essential for replenishing kidney energy.

• Irregular sleeping habits can disrupt hormonal balance, worsening erectile dysfunction.

• Avoid screen time before bed and drink warm herbal tea (jujube, chrysanthemum, etc.) to relax.

4) Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol Intake

• Smoking constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the penis and worsening erectile dysfunction.

• Excessive alcohol intake weakens kidney function and affects sperm production.

• Red wine (in moderation) can improve blood circulation and may benefit erectile function.

5) Reduce Caffeine & Screen Time

• Excess caffeine (coffee, energy drinks) overstimulates the nervous system, making it harder to achieve an erection.

• Reduce nighttime use of smartphones and computers to improve sleep and kidney energy.

2. Exercise & Physical Activity

1) Regular Exercise

• Cardio Exercises: Walking, jogging, hiking, swimming – at least 30 minutes daily.

• Lower Body Strength Training: Squats and stair climbing – help strengthen kidney function.

• Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegel Exercise):

  • Tighten and hold the pelvic muscles for 10 seconds, and repeat three sets daily.

  • Strengthening pelvic muscles improves erection quality and ejaculation control.

2) Qigong & Meditation

• Deep breathing enhances kidney energy (Shen Qi, 腎氣) and improves circulation.

• How to practice Qigong breathing:

  1. Sit comfortably and close your eyes.

  2. Inhale deeply while imagining energy gathering in the lower abdomen (Dantian).

  3. Breathe in for 3 seconds, and exhale slowly for 5 seconds.

  4. Practice for 5–10 minutes daily.

3. Dietary Recommendations

1) Foods That Boost Yang Energy (Vital Energy)

• Beneficial Foods:

  • Eel, oysters, chives, black beans, yam, ginseng, jujube, pine nuts, walnuts

  • Black-colored foods (black sesame and black beans) nourish the kidneys.

  • Chives have an effect similar to Epimedium (淫羊藿, Horny Goat Weed), which helps increase erection strength.

2) Foods to Avoid

• Processed, excessively greasy, and cold foods (iced drinks, raw fish) reduce blood circulation.

4. Traditional Korean Medicine Treatments

1) Herbal Medicine

• Kidney Deficiency: Liuwei Dihuang Tang (六味地黃湯, Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Formula) – Modified

• Weakened Mingmen Fire: Bawei Wan (八味丸, Eight-Ingredient Pill) – Modified

• Qi Deficiency: Buzhong Yiqi Tang (補中益氣湯, Tonify the Middle and Augment Qi Decoction) – Modified

• Blood & Essence Deficiency: Banyong Bochen Wan (蟠龍補天丸, Replenishing Kidney Essence Formula) – Modified

• Semen Deficiency: Waigong Wan (外宮丸, External Palace Pill) – Modified

  and so on.

  *** Each herbal prescription is customized based on the patient's constitution, needs, and health conditions***

2) Acupuncture Treatment

• Stimulates blood circulation and strengthens the Liver (Gan, 肝), Kidney (Shen, 腎), Conception Vessel (Ren Mai, 任脈) and so on.

• Main acupuncture points include:

  • Qihai (氣海, CV6), Guanyuan (關元, CV4) – Vital energy points

  • Shenshu (腎俞, BL23), Taixi (太溪, KI3) – Strengthens kidney function, etc.

• Typically, 1–3 sessions per week for a 3-month course, followed by progress evaluation.

3) Moxibustion & Heat Therapy

• Modern infrared & Electric heat therapy replaces traditional moxibustion, stimulating vital energy and enhancing sexual stamina.

• Patients should refrain from sexual activity during treatment for optimal results.

4) Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture

• Regulates endocrine functions and increases penile blood flow.

• Effective points: Shenmen, Kidney, Endocrine, Subcortex, and Hypothalamus point.

5. Treatment & Prognosis

1) Treatment Duration & Process

• Erectile dysfunction is not a condition that can be cured in a short period and requires consistent management.

• In particular, the treatment period may be more extended if you have a history of herniated discs, lower back surgery, diabetes, or other underlying conditions.

• However, with consistent acupuncture and herbal medicine treatment, symptom improvement is generally seen within 3 to 6 months. (A combination of acupuncture (twice a week), herbal medicine, and lifestyle adjustments is recommended.)

• It is essential to understand that improving daily lifestyle habits is as important as receiving treatment. Regular management and lifestyle modifications will contribute to long-term sexual function improvement.

2) Precautions During Treatment

1. Strengthening sexual function requires moderation and regular exercise.

2. Although herbal medicine improves energy levels and libido, frequent ejaculation should be avoided during treatment.

3. Do not force sexual activity; allow natural recovery.

4. Minimize stress and overthinking, as they can deplete energy.

5. Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol, caffeine, late-night work, and an irregular lifestyle.

6. Engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, gradually increasing intensity.

Erectile dysfunction can be effectively managed with consistent treatment and lifestyle modifications. By combining Traditional Korean Medicine, acupuncture, proper diet, and exercise, patients can achieve improved sexual health and vitality.

Dedication and the right approach can restore your confidence and overall well-being! 😊

📍 At Life Giving Acupuncture & Herb Clinic (생명주는한의원), we offer personalized treatment plans for men’s health.

👉 Contact Us: Website or (Clinic) 949.364.4885

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