Premature ejaculation is one of the most common types of sexual dysfunction that affects men. Dealing with premature ejaculation can feel disheartening and embarrassing, but there are various treatments that can be administered to help manage the condition. In TCM male fertility care, practitioners may assess premature ejaculation alongside broader factors such as stress, sleep, overall health and reproductive well-being.. Let us dive into a deeper understanding of premature ejaculation from a TCM point of view, as well as the role of Chinese herbs for premature ejaculation.
How TCM Understands Premature Ejaculation
TCM views premature ejaculation as a result of energy imbalance and disharmony in the body’s organ systems, more specifically:
Yin (阴) Deficiency
Yin refers to the body’s structure, cooling, and resting aspects. Depletion of yin may cause dryness, false heat rising, and restless agitation.
Yang (阳) Deficiency
In TCM, the yang represents the body’s functional, active, and heating aspects. When the yang is depleted, the body may experience consistent coldness, fatigue, and cold limbs, along with diminished physiological functions throughout the body.
Qi (气) Deficiency
Insufficient qi or vital energy in the body may lead to fatigue, weakness, as well as reduced function of the body’s organs and protective systems. Qi that is specifically worn out in the Liver meridian is known to cause Liver Qi stagnation syndrome. According to TCM theory, the Liver meridian is directly connected to the penis, and Liver Qi deficiency may gradually cause poor erectile function.
Blood-stasis Syndrome (血瘀证)
In TCM theory, the over-consumption of cold or raw food, paired with a sedentary lifestyle, may result in poor blood flow, which eventually results in blood-stasis syndrome. This condition decreases the amount of blood that flows throughout the body, including in and out of the penis.
Phlegm-Dampness (痰湿)
Consuming excessive oily, fried, and spicy food puts pressure on our digestive system. As a result, pathogenic factors known as Dampness in TCM can build up easily together with heat, which is also known as Phlegm-Dampness syndrome. Based on TCM theory, this may cause the sexual organs to be overstimulated during intercourse, resulting in premature ejaculation.
Role of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Supporting Premature Ejaculation
Contrary to Western medicine, which often focuses singularly on symptom management, TCM helps identify the underlying patterns of imbalance causing premature ejaculation. Alongside treatments such as acupuncture and cupping, your practitioner may prescribe various Chinese herbs for premature ejaculation, which may offer support in the following ways:
May Help Balance Internal Energy
As premature ejaculation may be caused by an imbalance within the body, traditional Chinese herbs aim to help restore balance to yin, yang, qi, and blood. This may restore hormone levels to support sexual function.
May Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Mental stress and anxiety are recognised as major factors that affect premature ejaculation. Certain Chinese herbs are used to help ease mental burden, ensuring the free flow of Qi and managing Liver-Qi stagnation.
May Improve Muscle Function
Chinese herbs may help ensure smooth muscle function. This helps increase the time to ejaculation and delay urgent ejaculatory urges.
Commonly Used Herbs & Formulas for Premature Ejaculation
TCM practitioners determine the specific type of Chinese herbs and formulas after a thorough assessment of your body condition. This includes recording your pulse, checking your tongue, as well as understanding your lifestyle and daily habits. Afterwards, they will prescribe Chinese herbs for premature ejaculation tailored to address the root causes of imbalances in your body.
Liver Qi Stagnation
If the root cause of premature ejaculation is Liver Qi stagnation, you may be prescribed:
- Chinese Thorowax Root (柴胡 – Chai Hu)
- Nutgrass Rhizome (香附 – Xiang Fu)
- White Peony Root (白芍 – Bai Shao)
These herbs focus on helping soothe the liver and remove stagnation.
Blood-stasis
Some herbs help address blood-stasis and invigorate blood flow, including:
- Szechuan Lovage Rhizome (川芎 – Chuanxiong)
- Safflower (红花 – Honghua)
- Spatholobus Stem (鸡血藤 – Ji Xue Teng)
Phlegm-Dampness
To clear phlegm buildup and drain dampness, here are the Chinese herbs that you may take:
- Glabrous Greenbrier Rhizome (土茯苓 – TuFuLing)
- Plantain Seed (车前子 – CheQianZi)
Additionally, to address premature ejaculation in general, common herbs that are prescribed include Dragon Bone (龙骨 – Long Gu), Oyster Shell (牡蛎 – Mu Li), and Gorgon Fruit (芡实 – Qian Shi).
Certain formulas consisting of various herbs together may also be prescribed. Some of them are:
- Eight-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill (八味地黃丸 – Ba Wei Di Huang Wan): A formula that helps manage yang deficiency, which is a root cause of premature ejaculation. Some of its ingredients include Prepared Aconite root (附子 – Fu Zi), Cassia Twig ( 桂枝 – Gui Zhi), and Prepared Rehmannia Root (熟地黄 – Shu Di huang).
- Young Maiden Pill (青娥丸 – Qing E Wan): Supporting kidney yang as well as qi flow, this formula is made of herbs such as Eucommia Bark (杜仲 – Du Zhong), Psoralea Fruit (补骨脂 – Bu Gu Zhi), and Walnut Seed (胡桃仁 – Hu Tao Ren).
Get TCM Support for Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation may cause significant emotional distress and relationship strain. However, there are many lifestyle adjustments that can be implemented to improve sexual function. This includes limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and eating nutritious foods. It is also important to manage your stress levels and be open to your partner if you need mental support.
TCM can be a complementary approach to help manage premature ejaculation. At Yi TCM, our experienced practitioners are here to provide the support you need, with a tailored treatment and a prescription of Chinese herbs for premature ejaculation based on your internal condition. Visit our TCM fertility clinic today to begin your journey with us!
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Frederick Koh 许医师
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Sheryl Tay 郑医师
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Peh Tian Chi 白医师
Sub-fertility | Pregnancy | Gynecology | Pediatrics | Neurological Disorder |
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Na Yi Ting 蓝医师
Sub-fertility | Pregnancy | Gynecology | Gastrointestinal Health | Pediatrics | Geriatrics
Our TCM Physicians
Senior Physician
Frederick Koh 许医师
Gastrointestinal Conditions | Pain Management | Stress / Emotional conditions | Sleep Disorders | Menses disorders | General Wellness
TCM Physician
Rou Yi 丁医师
General Wellness | Pediatrics | Women’s Health | Fertility | Pain Management
Senior Physician
Sheryl Tay 郑医师
Sub-Fertility | Pregnancy | General Health | Gynaecology | Gastrointestinal | Pediatrics
Principal Physician
Tan Kang Ting 陈医师
Sub-Fertility | Pregnancy | Gynaecology | General Health | Gastrointestinal | Pain Management | Facial Acupuncture | Pediatrics
Principal Physician
Peh Tian Chi 白医师
Sub-fertility | Pregnancy | Gynecology | Pediatrics | Neurological Disorder |
Post-stroke Management
Chief Physician
Na Yi Ting 蓝医师
Sub-fertility | Pregnancy | Gynecology | Gastrointestinal Health | Pediatrics | Geriatrics