Health and Medical Writing Sample
Prostate, Erectile Dysfunction, and Infertility: The Natural Approach to Men’s Health Issues
The natural approach to men’s health issues dates back thousands of years and is gaining popularity when it comes to sexual vitality. In this article, I list six things men can start doing right now to improve their health and I explain how the Ancient Science of Ayurveda can help with sexual dysfunction.
Looking at the trends in men’s health issues over the last 20 years, you will see a steady decline in function and a rise in diseases.
We are seeing that stress, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders are concurrent issues in men as they age. The younger generation is growing up in a toxic environment where the influences of convenience foods and instant fixes from mass marketing dominate. As a result, erectile dysfunction affects a growing number of men under the age of 40. (7)
What about the rise in tech dependency? Cell phone radiation? The progressive depletion of our soil’s nutrient status?
Yes, yes, and yes… and the list goes on. These of course affect women, too.
Some Interesting Statistics About Men’s Health Issues
First, let’s look at some interesting facts about men’s health:
1 in 6 couples deal with infertility1. Males are responsible for 20-30% of cases and contribute to 50% of cases overall (2).
The average sperm count in N America, Europe Australia, and New Zealand decreased by 59.3% from 1973 to 20113.
Heavy metals in men can cause decreased sperm production, abnormal brain-gonad (testes) communication, damage to the testicles, and central nervous system disorders.
Sleeping less than 6 hours per night decreases sperm count, motility, and survival rates (affecting infertility)(4).
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, killing 382,776 men in 2020, which was 1 in every 4 male deaths.(5)
Photo credit: Nik Shuliahin, Unsplash
Lifestyle Factors and Men’s Health Issues
Age, hormonal issues, radiation exposure, processed foods, alcohol, and certain medications are correlated with the rate of the man’s fertility.
Drugs, excessive alcohol, smoking, obesity, trauma, and prolonged stress are all linked to erectile dysfunction.
Obesity can disrupt the communication between the brain and gonads, leading to adverse effects on sperm function and low testosterone.
Cardiovascular health risks include metabolic syndrome where obesity is present with high blood pressure, impaired glucose and lipid metabolism. Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease, killing 382,820 people in 2020.6
The Prostate Gland
Lifestyle factors adversely affecting prostate health include sugar and alcohol intake, consuming fast foods and processed foods, obesity, depression, extreme and prolonged stress, and insufficient exercise.
Prostatitis, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, and Prostate Cancer are common issues facing men today.
Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland which can be caused by bacterial infection. This can be a painful and debilitating disorder.
BPH is a progressive benign growth of the gland that gradually clamps down on the urethra. Incomplete emptying of the bladder raises the risk of infections, bladder stones, and kidney infections.
Prostate cancer usually affects men over the age of 65. Although poor lifestyle habits play a big role in this disease, healthier habits can help relieve stress and reduce inflammation. These include yoga, meditation, counseling, and relaxation techniques.
Photo credit: Chandler R, Unsplash
While it is easy to blame the environment and other external influences for men's health problems, there are many things they can do to regain more control over their health.
Before relying on smartwatches, Oura rings, and red light technology to address men's health issues, let's start with some basics.
Men’s Health Issues and Six Ways Men Can Improve Them
Get outside and make some Vitamin D: Exposing most of your body to the sun daily increases your Vitamin D levels. This helps regulate the gut, which controls the entire body's health. Your gut health is important because it produces the neurotransmitters for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. These conditions lower the libido. Cost: Free. Time Investment: 15 to 30 minutes at least 5-6 times per day. You can multi-task while doing this one!
Reduce and then start eliminating these from your Life: sugar, alcohol, nicotine, coffee, artificial colors and sweeteners, preservatives, seed oils (sunflower, canola, etc.), gluten, and all processed foods. If you eliminate grains and pasteurized dairy, you will start seeing even more improvements. Radiation exposure, plastics, and toxins in colognes and men’s personal care products (shaving gel, etc) need to be considered as well. Cost: Free; Time Investment: A few minutes each day to read labels and record notes.
Read the cosmetic toxicity blog HERE to identify common harmful ingredients
3. Practice These Specific Yoga Poses (Asanas): which are beneficial to improve blood circulation in the reproductive organs. These include boat pose, camel pose, and fish pose. Cost: free (just search online for demo videos); Time Investment: 5-10 each night before bed, or first thing in the morning would be a good start.
4. Follow a Grounding Diet: Male conditions linked to anxiety such as premature ejaculation will benefit from a grounding diet. Avoid raw, dry foods such as fresh veggies (consume them steamed or boiled), consume warm, cooked foods such as soups and stews, and add healthy fats to the diet (olive oils, avocado oils) Cost: No additional fee. Substitute the junk and processed foods in your grocery cart for these healthier options. Time investment: 15-30 minutes per week to meal plan, plus 15-30 min per day to prepare meals.
5. Stress Less, Breathe More: I mean consciously breathe! Breathwork is powerful. And it’s free. You do not need to attend a class (and you can find tutorials on YouTube). Pranayama is the Ancient Breathing Technique from Ayurvedic Medicine (India) and when done correctly, has a profound positive impact on the mind and body. Cost: breathing is free; Time Investment: 5-10 minutes per day to start, then periodically throughout the day.
6. Relaxation Techniques and Therapies: These come at a much lower cost than the price you pay for medical interventions such as drugs and surgeries. Except for acupuncture, techniques such as chiropractic, Reiki, meditation classes, counseling, health coaching, lymphatic drainage, massage, neurofeedback, acupressure, and marma point therapy with oils are all effective non-invasive therapies. They can be powerful at clearing blockages of energy and correcting negative habits and thought patterns. Cost: Prices vary; Time Investment: From one hour per week or as much as you need to feel the benefit.
Wait. What?
What is marma point therapy, you ask? To understand the power of marma point therapy, you need to know a little about Ayurveda. Keep reading…
Ayurveda and Men’s Health
Ayurveda is the ancient science of health from India. It is based on the principle that all living things are governed by three mind-body types (called doshas), Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha represents two elements and distinct characteristics.
All living beings are comprised of all three doshas but in different proportions. This is referred to as our constitution or “prakruti”. Individuals are naturally dominant in one or two. When under stress and inflicted with toxins, we become imbalanced, meaning we stray from our natural constitution. This leads to illness and health challenges. Bringing us back into our natural constitution is the goal of Ayurvedic medicine through specific diet strategies, modalities, and therapies.
You can read more about Ayurveda HERE.
This Happens As We Age.
As we age, our tissues lose moisture and hydration, and we will start to dry up (for lack of a better term). Our joints stiffen up and crack more. In regards to men’s health, the vata dosha is when the dry, cold vata dosha starts to show dominance. Several men’s sexual health issues stem from the aging factor, as well. For example, premature ejaculation, a vata-aggravated disorder puts additional stress on the man and consequently on relationships. The dryness of aging responds well to oil therapy, a common modality in Ayurvedic medicine.
The bodywork of Ayurveda is one of my biggest passions in this Ancient Health Science. Why? I always resonated with the power of the human touch and I feel like the laying of hands is one of the most powerful modalities in health care. This is one main reason why I became a chiropractor first.
What is Marma Point Therapy?
Marma Point Therapy“The laying of hands is one of the most powerful modalities in health care.”
Marma Point Therapy is an Ayurvedic light touch therapy that activates vital energy points (called marmani). It opens up energy channels (we call nadis) and brings balance to the body, mind, and spirit within our natural constitution. There are 107 marma points on the body, including specific points for reproductive and sexual health. Under proper instruction, you can do self-marma therapy at home, but the most benefit comes from treatment by a trained and certified professional.
Fascinating Fact:
Marma points also mean “fatal energy points”. Marma therapy originated over 5,000 years ago and developed from the defensive martial art in Kerala, India called “Kalaripayattu”. Also known as Kalari, it is considered by historians to be the oldest form of martial arts.
You can read more about marma point therapy in my previous blog post HERE.
Try This Marma Point for Testicular Health.
Note: Some points are located in sensitive private areas and are only shared in client education sessions for self-administration at home.
This marma point for testicular health is easy to access and you can do it anytime you have direct skin access to your upper leg.
The SAKTI URVI MARMA POINT: is located in the rounded center of the mid-thigh (front) and back of the hamstrings (posterior). This is also a good point for ovarian health, ladies!
Hold this point with a fingertip, slight to medium pressure, and (optional) massage gently in small circles for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on tolerance. You can use a basic massage oil or creme. In Ayurveda, we use a sesame base oil infused with essential oils based on the client’s constitution.
If you wish to learn more, including key strategies and self-care marma techniques, feel free to use the contact form to request a callback or to request a virtual coaching session.
The Sakti Urvi Point for Testicular Health
You can also download my FREE starter guide on self-care marma therapy and get the basics and benefits of this ancient therapy, click HERE
In Conclusion
Our future generations are at risk if our own metabolic and reproductive health is challenged now. These tips are not exclusive to men’s health. Natural self-care and therapies, especially those rooted in Ancient sciences effectively contribute to your healing and ability to maintain your health. However, these strategies require active participation by the individual to achieve a more vibrant and active life.
Please post a comment below if you have had an experience with natural therapies or if you have a question about getting on the path to better health. You can also send me a message using our contact form.
This article is not intended to diagnose or treat diseases or conditions and is not a replacement for medical care. Please consult with your physician before implementing any therapies or interventions. You can view our medical disclaimer HERE.
Related Articles
References
WHO Int J Androl.1987,7:1-53
Hagai L et al. Human Repro Update 2017, 23 (6) 646-659, doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmx022
Breous E, Wenzel A, Loos U, Mol Cell Endocrinol, 2005, 244. (1-2) 75-78
Phillips, KP. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Revpart b 20008 11, 188-220
Resources and Tools for Better Health
For setting goals, planning your steps, and tracking activity, consider using a planner:
Daily Wellness Journal by Melanie Dias, DC click HERE
Weekly Wellness Journal by Melanie Dias, DC click HERE
The Comprehensive Goal Crusher’s Roadmap- A Strategy Workbook and Checklist by Melanie Dias, DC click HERE
Nutritional Supplements to Support Men’s Health, click HERE to request information.
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Posted Nov 3, 2024
Blog post for Health Website: Six natural ways to improve common men's health issues, including infertility, erectile dysfunction, and prostate issues.
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