The physical cause of ED is often associated with various medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, multiple sclerosis, inflammation/ injuries in the pelvic area or spinal cord, and hormonal disorders. Therefore, your doctor may conduct various laboratory tests to determine the cause of your ED. For patients who seek eastern medicine for ED, mental causes dominate most ED diagnoses. Stress, trauma, and sex addiction intervene in erectile function. Some cases require psychological counselling, but many exhibit clear mental and physical manifestations.

In TCM, liver qi stagnation, blood stasis, and kidney essence deficiency are the main diagnostic patterns. It is noted in this study that emotional conditions can harm the liver and cause stagnation of the liver’s qi. In TCM, the liver governs tendons, and the genitals are the gathering place of ancestral tendons. Due to liver obstructions and malnourishment of the ancestral tendon, ED is caused by the liver failing to flow freely. A debilitated life gate fire may result from an insufficient supply of kidney essence. Therefore, the genitalia becomes limp and wilted when kidney essence is not transported into the ancestral tendon.” The treatment principle is to smooth out liver qi flow, free the meridians, and strengthen kidney essence.

Acupuncture treatments commenced with patients in a supine position. After disinfection of the acupoint sites, acupuncture needles (Chinese gauge #30) were inserted into each acupoint with a high needle entry speed. Acupuncture points were applied unilaterally; the left and right-side application of acupuncture points was chosen by alternating sides each day. For all acupoints, a sensation was obtained, and the needles were manually stimulated with the Ping Bu Ping Xie (attenuating and tonifying) manipulation techniques every 3 – 5 minutes during the 30-minute needle retention times. Acupuncture sessions were administered once per day. Each treatment course consisted of 7 acupuncture sessions followed by a 7-day break before the next course began. All patients received 3 – 5 treatment courses in total.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, Yuan (source) Qi is restored at Taichong, which benefits Zang-fu organs and meridians. Zhong Feng is a Jing-river point on the liver meridian. It stimulates qi and blood circulation through the meridian. Ganshu is a Back-shu point on the liver meridian, which relieves qi stagnation and regulates the liver.

The results indicate that acupuncture with herbs is more effective than either herbs or acupuncture as a standalone therapy. The study mentioned in this report demonstrates that acupuncture is safe and effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.