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Erectile dysfunction or ED is one such issue in our country that people don’t talk about openly, despite it being so common. In India, research indicates ED affects about 6% of men aged 20-29 and 50-70% of men aged 40-79. This simply means that as you grow old, your risk of ED also increases.
ED is not only about physical wellbeing but it also impacts your self-esteem, mental health, and your relationships. Modern medicine provides treatments for ED but these generally focus on treating the symptoms and not the root causes.
That's where Ayurveda can prove useful. Ayurveda considers ED not simply a physical issue but an imbalance in your body’s energies or doshas. It looks at your diet, lifestyle, mental health and vigour. A customised Ayurvedic session with an expert can help you find the underlying imbalances within your body which are causing ED and thereby get prescriptions for nutritional modifications, herbal medications, lifestyle changes and therapies to restore your sexual health.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction and Why Does It Happen?
Erectile dysfunction simply means that you have trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sexual activity. This is normal and generally happens when you're exhausted or stressed. However, if it occurs frequently, it can impact your confidence, your relationship and your quality of life.
When we look at this issue medically, ED could happen due to :
- Poor blood flow to the penis.
- Nerve damage from conditions like diabetes.
- Hormonal imbalances like low testosterone.
- Side effects of certain medicines.
- Stress, anxiety, or depression.
As per Ayurveda, ED is called Klaibya. Ayurveda thinks that your sexual strength is dependent on the wellness of Shukra Dhatu, the reproductive tissue formed at the end of the digestion process. If your body isn't properly fed, this tissue becomes weak and your sexual function suffers.
Ayurveda lists several causes of ED:
- Dhatukshaya or tissue depletion due to chronic illness or poor diet.
- Psychological stress or anxiety upsets your body’s balance.
- Stimulants or too much sexual activity can drain your energy.
- Diseases like diabetes or obesity make your reproductive strength weaker.
- Poor digestion leading to toxins that block nourishment.
How Does Ayurveda View Erectile Dysfunction?
As we have discussed, erectile dysfunction is called Klaibya in Ayurveda and it is viewed as an indication that your body's internal balance is upset. Ayurveda believes that your sexual strength is dependent upon the wellness of something called Shukra Dhatu, your reproductive tissue, which is the final and most refined product formed from the food you eat.
When your Shukra Dhatu is nourished, you feel lively, confident and sexually healthy. But when it is weak or depleted, you might have low libido, bad sperm quality and issues like ED.
There are many kinds of Klaibya in Ayurveda with different causes :
Dhatukshayajanya Klaibya - Caused by weakness of tissues due to poor nutrition or long-term illness.
Manasika Klaibya - Mental or psychological ED because of anxiety, stress, or depression. This is often associated with Vata imbalance.
Shukrakshayajanya Klaibya - Caused by overuse of sexual energy, addictions, or unhealthy habits that reduce Shukra Dhatu.
Vyadhijanita Klaibya - Caused by some other health issues including diabetes or obesity that impact your blood flow and hormone levels.
Agnimandya Klaibya - When digestion or Agni is poor, Ama builds up & blocks Shukra Dhatu.
What To Expect From a Personalised Ayurvedic Consultation?
If you're dealing with ED and considering Ayurveda, a personalised consultation is the best place to start. Unlike general treatments, this approach examines you closely, including your body type, diet, lifestyle, medical history and mental health.
During your first appointment, the Ayurvedic expert will ask questions regarding your Prakriti and Vikriti. They'll observe things like:
- Your pulse, i.e., Nadi Pariksha.
- Your tongue, eyes and skin.
- Your digestion, sleep and everyday routines.
- Your mental & sexual health.
The objective is to figure out which of your body’s doshas are out of balance - Vata, Pitta, or Kapha, and how this is impacting your sexual health. For ED, they will also check your Shukra Dhatu and Agni, as they are closely associated.
Based on this, you will receive a customised treatment plan. This might include:
- Natural medicines to nourish your Shukra Dhatu.
- Diet changes according to your dosha type.
- Lifestyle changes to ease stress and boost energy.
- Panchakarma detox therapies if there's too much Ama.
Pro Tip
Always be truthful during your Ayurvedic consultation. Share everything - your diet, stress levels, relationship problems, health conditions or other habits such as drinking or smoking. The more your Ayurvedic physician understands, the better they can design a plan which matches your health needs.
What Ayurvedic Herbs Are Commonly Recommended for ED?
In Ayurveda, a number of natural herbs are used to improve your sexual health by boosting your reproductive system and relaxing the mind. These herbs are called Vrishya and Rasayana.
Most common Ayurvedic herbs for ED are:
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is a natural stress-buster that helps to improve stamina and sperm quality. It is considered useful for ED caused by anxiety or exhaustion.
Shilajit: This is a mineral-rich resin for improving testosterone, strength and power. This is especially helpful if your ED is due to ageing or weakness.
Safed Musli: Safed Musli is renowned for boosting libido and erection strength naturally.
Gokshura: Supports healthy blood flow and corrects Vata imbalances. It is primarily used in Ayurveda for targeting reproductive and urinary health.
Kaunch Beej: This herb is believed to increase dopamine, support fertility and improve sperm health and overall mood.
Pro Tip
Don't self-medicate. These herbs are powerful and work better when taken in the right dose and form. Before taking any herbal product, speak with an experienced Ayurvedic doctor. They will prescribe the right herb for you depending upon your dosha imbalance, health history and lifestyle.
Are Lifestyle Changes & Yoga Good for ED Symptoms?
Yes. In Ayurveda, your lifestyle plays a major role in your sexual wellness. If you are always stressed, sleeping late, skipping meals or not moving your body enough, this can lead to imbalance in your doshas, particularly Vata.
Simple modifications in your daily routine can lead to remarkable changes. Ayurveda recommends following a ‘Dinacharya’, a basic daily routine which includes proper sleep, relaxation, exercise and healthy meals. These habits nourish your Shukra Dhatu and boost sexual health, confidence, and overall vitality.
Here are some yoga poses that can prove helpful if you are suffering from ED:
Bhujangasana: Increases blood circulation to your pelvis and also strengthens your lower back.
Paschimottanasana: Releases pressure and also improves pelvic flexibility.
Sarvangasana: Balances your hormones and also stimulates reproductive organs.
Kegel Exercises: Helpful in building your pelvic floor muscles to better sustain erections.
Pro Tip
Start your day with light stretching, 15 minutes of yoga, and 5 minutes of deep breathing or Pranayama. It calms your mind and increases blood circulation, two important things which can help you perform better sexually.
Ayurvedic Therapies for Treating ED
When lifestyle modifications and herbs aren't sufficient, Ayurveda prescribes a number of rejuvenating and cleansing therapies to heal you from deep within. These therapies are part of Panchakarma, a set of five powerful detox procedures.
These are the most effective Ayurvedic therapies for ED:
Virechana: This therapy is useful for eliminating excess Pitta dosha and toxins from your liver and stomach. A clean liver facilitates better digestion and hormone production.
Basti: Basti is one of the best therapies for Vata imbalance, the root cause of ED. It strengthens your nervous system and also nourishes your reproductive tissues.
Shirodhara: In this Ayurvedic therapy, warm herbal oil is gently poured onto the forehead in a relaxing environment. It is useful for relieving mental stress, balancing Rajas and calming the mind.
Uttar Basti: This is a specialised form of Basti given through the urinary tract. It directly nourishes Shukra Dhatu and supports sperm health and erection strength.
Conclusion
You may have felt frustrated and stuck in your life because of ED but now there’s something you can do about it. If your body is trying to tell you something, Ayurveda lets you listen to it correctly. Instead of hiding your ED symptoms, book a customised Ayurvedic consultation to fight this issue from the source and regain your life’s best years naturally.
Reach out to our expert Jiva doctors for more information by dialing 0129-4264323.
