|
Ayurveda
Ayurvedic Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction
by Dr. Savitha Suri
Ayurveda defines Erectile dysfunction or ED as follows.
Sankalpapravano nityam priyaam vashyaamapi sthreeyam ||
na yaathi lingashaithilyaath kadaachidyaathi vaa yadi |
Shwaasaarthaha swinnagaatrshcha moghasankalpacheshtitaha ||
mlaanashishnashcha nirbeejaha syodetat klaibyalaxanam |
 This means even though a man has a strong desire to perform sexual act
with a cooperative partner, he cannot perform sexual act because of
looseness (absence of erection) of his phallus (penis). Even if he
performs sexual act with his determined efforts he does not get erection
and gets afflicted with tiredness, perspiration and frustration to perform
sex.
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
thus is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain
an erection sufficient for his sexual needs or the needs of his partner.
Erectile dysfunction may sometimes be even termed as "impotence". The term
"erectile dysfunction" can mean the inability to achieve erection, an
inconsistent ability to do so, or the ability to achieve only brief
erections.
Physiology of Erection
 The two chambers of penis (corpora cavernosa,) which run throught the
organ are filled with spongy tissue. The corpora cavernosa are surrounded
by a membrane, called the tunica albuginea. The spongy tissue contains
smooth muscles, fibrous tissues, spaces, veins, and arteries. The urethra,
which is the channel for urine and semen runs along underside of the
corpora cavernosa ...
Due to sensory or mental stimulation, or both, the erection begins. Due to
impulses from brain and local nerves the muscles of corpora cavernosa
relax and allow blood to flow in and fill the spaces of spongy tissue.
The flow of blood creates pressure in the corpora cavernosa, making the
penis expand. The tunica albuginea helps trap the blood in the chambers,
thereby sustaining erection. When muscles in the penis contract to stop
the inflow of blood and open outflow channels, erection recedes.
In ayurveda physiology of erection and ejaculation is described as follows
Vrishunow basthimedram cha naabhyuuru vankshnow gudam |
Apaanasthaanamantrasthaha shukra mootra shakrunti cha ||
The 'apaanavayu' one of the five types of vayu is located in the
testicles, urinary bladder, phallus, umbilicus, thighs, groin, anus and
colon. Its functions are ejaculation of semen, voiding of urine and
stools.
Shushruta explains the process of erection and ejaculation as - When a man
has desire (iccha) to have sex, his response to touch increases. (Vayu
located in skin causes flow of signals from skin to brain, thus causing
sensation of touch). This causes arousal or 'harsha' . Arousal or
Harsha intensifies actions of vayu and at this moment highly active
vayu liberates the 'teja' or heat of pitta. Thus tejas and vayu increase
body temperature, heart beat and blood flow causing erection.
Causes of ED
Erection requires a sequence of events. Erectile dysfunction can occur
when any of the events is disturbed. Nerve impulses in the brain, spinal
column, around the penis and response in muscles, fibrous tissues, veins,
and arteries in and around the corpora cavernosa constitute this sequence
of events. Injury to any of these parts which are part of this sequence (nerves, arteries, smooth muscles, fibrous tissue) can cause ED.
Lowered Level of Testosterone Hormone:
The primary male hormone is testosterone. After age 40, a man's
testosterone level gradually declines. About 5% of men that doctors see
for erectile dysfunction have low testosterone levels. In many of these
cases, low testosterone causes lower sexual interest, not erectile
dysfunction.
The whole male body responds to testosterone.
Even sushruta has illustrated about this response of body to the element
'Shukra'
. He has said
"yatha payasi sarpistu goodashchekshow raso yatha shareereshu tatha
shukram nrinaam vidyaadhbishagwara"
This means " The shukra (the element which helps in reproduction) is
present all over the body.
This can be explained with the following examples.
-
The ghee is present in milk in an invisible form. This is extracted from
milk using many processes.
-
The sugar is present all over the sugarcane. It is extracted by subjecting
the sugarcane to number of processes.
Same way shukra is present all over the body. But the cream of
shukra (semen) comes out of the body only during the process of
ejaculation. But this process of ejaculation needs a joyful union of mind
and body.
Decrease in production of 'Shukra' causes erectile dysfunction.
Over Exertion
- physically and mentally : Working for long hours in office, mental
stress at office and home, short temperedness ,insufficient sleep cause
erectile dysfunction.
These causes are explained in Ayurveda as "shoka, chintaa, bhaya,
traasaat .... " which means that erectile dysfunction or Impotence
occurs due to grief, fear, anxiety and terror.
Strained relationship with sexual partner: Erectile dysfunction also
occurs when there is a disliking towards sexual partner.
Ayurveda describes this as "naarinaamarasamjnatwaat..." means
disliking for women.
Diseases that Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Neurological disorders, hypothyroidism, Parkinson's disease, anemia,
depression, arthritis, endocrine disorders, diabetes, diseases related to
cardiovascular system also become reasons for erectile dysfunction..
According to ayurveda the diseases which cause erectile dysfunction are "Hritpaandurogatamakakaamalashrama..."
- Heart diseases , anemia , asthma , liver disorders , tiredness .Apart
from these the imbalance in tridoshas also cause impotence or erectile
dysfunction.
Consumption of medicines, drugs and tobacco: Using anti-depressants,
tranquilizers and antihypertensive medicines for a long time, addiction to
tobacco especially smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, addiction to
cocaine, heroin and marijuana cause erectile dysfunction.
In Ayurveda texts these causes have been said in brief as "rukshamannapaanam
tathoushadham" - "dry food, drinks and medicines" cause impotence or
erectile dysfunction.
Trauma to pelvic region: accidental injury to pelvic region and surgeries
for the conditions of prostate, bladder, colon, or rectal area may lead to
erectile dysfunction.
These causes are mentioned as abhighata (trauma),
shastradantanakhakshataha (injury from weapons, teeth and nail.) in
Ayurveda.
Other reasons
Obesity,
prolonged bicycle riding, past history of sexual abuse and old age also
cause Erectile dysfunction.
Ayurveda describes the cause of impotence or erectile dysfunction due to
old age as follows. " diminution of - tissue elements, strength, energy,
span of life, inability to take nourishing food, physical and mental
fatigue lead to impotence"
Remedies for ED
ED is treatable at any age. The total treatment in for impotence is called
as Vajikarana therapy in Ayurveda. As this therapy increases the
strength of a man to perform sexual act, like a horse, it is called 'Vaajikarana'.
(' Vaaji' = Horse.)
Vaajikarana therapy leads to
Happiness.
Good strength.
Potency to produce offspring.
Increased span of erection.
Eligibility for Vajikarana therapy:
-
The vajikarana therapy should be administered to persons who are between
18 to 70 years of age.
-
These therapies should be administered only to a self controlled person.
If this therapy is administered to a person who does not have self
control, he becomes nuisance to society through his illegitimate sex acts.
Psychotherapy
Decreasing anxiety associated with intercourse, with psychologically based
treatment helps to cure ED. The patient's partner can help with the
techniques, which include gradual development of intimacy and stimulation.
Such techniques also can help relieve anxiety when ED from physical causes
is being treated.
Same treatment is illustrated in Ayurveda. It has been said 'A woman who
understands a man and is liked by him, along with erotic environment act
as best aphrodisiac.'
Drug Therapy
Numerous herbal preparations are mentioned in Ayurveda to treat ED or
impotence. It has been said that people who have strong sexual urge, who
want to enjoy sex regularly have to consume these preparations regularly
to replenish the energy, vigor, stamina and strength. These preparations
also supply the nutrients which are necessary for production of semen.
Ayurveda tips to overcome ED
Erectile dysfunction
which is a very common complaint can be generally rectified by
following few simple steps. Here goes the list of simple but
effective tips to rectify erectile dysfunction.
- Avoid consumption
of alcohol. If you are addicted to alcohol restrict the intake.
Alcohol acts on central nervous system and causes erectile
dysfunction.
- Keep away from
smoking. Men who smoke suffer from erectile dysfunction than men
who do not. It is evident from researches. Smoking causes
formation of plaques in arteries (atherosclerosis) which
obstruct the blood flow.
- Avoid working for
long hours. Take a break from regular routine at week ends and
spend time with your partner.
- Practice Yoga and
meditation regularly to keep away anxiety, depression and
stress. Meditation and Yoga are best stress busters.
- Do not have the
fear of not getting hard erections or do not doubt your ability
to satisfy your partner. It will lead to psychological ED.
- Happy and
comfortable atmosphere at home is very essential to stimulate
sexual desire and keep sexually healthy.
- Exercise
regularly and daily. Brisk walk for 45 minutes is the best
exercise which keeps the cardiovascular system healthy.
Researches have shown that the incidences of erectile
dysfunction are less in men who regularly exercise.
- Weight reduction
helps to increase testosterone level and increases sexual energy
and stamina. Weight reduction helps to keep hypertension and
diabetes in control. Diabetes causes erectile dysfunction and
anti hypertensive medications may cause erectile dysfunction.
- Marijuana,
heroin, cocaine etc cause erectile dysfunction. Withdrawing from
addiction to the above mentioned substances really helps in
increasing erections and sexual stamina.
- Reduce the
frequency of masturbation. Masturbating twice in a week is
ideal. .
- Massage whole
body with herbal oil at least once in a week. This increases
sexual energy and stamina. Body massage (abhyanga) is mentioned
as the best aphrodisiac in Ayurveda.
- Sleep at least
for 8 hours a day. Body gets energized with good sleep.
- Do not control
natural urges. Empty your bladder before going to bed with your
partner.
- Take all steps to
prevent indigestion and constipation. Indigestion and
constipation vitiate doshas and cause diseases. Hard erections
will not occur when body is not healthy.
- Avoid hot, spicy
and bitter foods which imbalance vata . According to Ayurveda
imbalanced vata causes erectile dysfunction.
- Give a gap of
four days between two consecutive intercourses.
- Regularly consume
Vajikarana Preparations. Vajikarana preparations always keep men
sexually healthy.
Give a gap of four days between two consecutive intercourses.
Originally published November
7, 2004
Revised August 12, 2007
Dr. Savitha Suri , B.A.M.S is
Chief Consultant physician at Chaitanya Integrated Medical Center,
Udayagiri, Mysore, Karnataka, India. She is practicing Indian Systems of
Medicines since 12 years. By arrangement with
http://www.ayurhelp.com
Disclaimer:
Information provided in this article is for the sole purpose of imparting education on
Ayurveda and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult your physician.
Top |
Ayurveda
Image under license with Gettyimages.com
|
