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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that essence (jing) is fundamental to the human body and is an essential substance for maintaining life activities. Men should follow the TCM principle of “nourishing essence for health” and focus on the cultivation of essence, qi, and spirit to achieve longevity. TCM has unique theories and methods for maintaining sperm health, primarily centered on harmonizing Yin and Yang, replenishing kidney essence, and enhancing qi and blood. In TCM theory, the kidneys govern reproduction and store essence, which is one of the most important basic substances in the human body. Kidney deficiency is a significant cause of male oligospermia. When the kidneys are deficient, essence is insufficient, leading to decreased sperm production and quality, which directly affects reproductive health and physical strength.
Key Points for Nourishing Essence in TCM
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Kidney-Nourishing Diet: In daily diet, attention should be paid to the intake of kidney-nourishing foods. TCM believes that black foods help to nourish the kidneys and store essence, such as black beans, black rice, and black sesame. Additionally, walnuts, oysters (rich in zinc), and lamb are also excellent kidney-nourishing ingredients that can enhance the body’s essence, qi, and spirit.
Herbal Regulation: Commonly used kidney-nourishing herbs in TCM include Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi), Epimedium (Yin Yang Huo), Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong), and Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang). These herbs not only nourish the kidneys and assist essence but also improve sperm quality and enhance fertility. These herbs are typically consumed in the form of tea or decoction.Massage Therapy: TCM recommends using massage techniques to regulate the flow of qi and blood within the body, especially abdominal and lumbar massages, such as massaging the kidney shu point (Shen Shu) and the life gate point (Ming Men), which can directly stimulate the kidneys and enhance kidney function, thereby aiding in sperm production and quality improvement.Acupuncture Treatment: Acupuncture regulates the body’s meridians and improves the circulation of qi and blood, thereby enhancing various bodily functions, including reproductive function. Specific acupuncture points such as Guanyuan (Guanyuan) and Sanyinjiao (Sanyinjiao) can directly or indirectly promote blood circulation in the reproductive system and improve the living environment for sperm.Lifestyle Adjustments: TCM emphasizes that “health preservation must follow natural laws” and suggests that men maintain a regular lifestyle, avoiding staying up late and excessive fatigue. Poor lifestyle habits can directly affect kidney essence, thus impacting sperm quality.Emotional Regulation: Maintaining a calm mindset and avoiding excessive emotional agitation is recommended. TCM believes that emotional injuries are one of the significant factors leading to disease, and activities such as meditation and painting can help soothe emotions and harmonize qi and blood. Through these TCM health preservation methods, not only can male reproductive health be improved, but overall vitality and physical health can also be enhanced.
Clinical Case Study
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Patient Wang, male, 35 years old, married, has been trying to conceive for a year without success, came for consultation. Chief complaint: One year of infertility after marriage, accompanied by decreased sperm quality. The patient has symptoms of dizziness, tinnitus, weakness in the lower back and knees, fatigue, and insomnia with vivid dreams, which worsen after sexual activity. In the past six months, he has felt a lack of energy and decreased memory. Physical examination revealed low sperm motility, reduced quantity, and high abnormality rate, diagnosed as oligospermia.
Based on Wang’s symptoms and examination results, TCM diagnosed him with kidney deficiency syndrome, specifically characterized by both kidney Yin and Yang deficiency, and insufficient essence and blood. Wang’s symptoms indicate the coexistence of kidney Yin deficiency and kidney Yang deficiency, with dizziness, tinnitus, weakness in the lower back and knees, insomnia with vivid dreams, and lack of energy being manifestations of kidney Yin deficiency, while fatigue and worsening symptoms after sexual activity indicate kidney Yang deficiency. Treatment Method: Based on the principle of nourishing the kidneys and producing essence, a comprehensive treatment approach was adopted, including nourishing kidney Yin, warming kidney Yang, and benefiting essence and filling marrow. Chinese Herbal Formula: Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia) 15g, Huang Jing (Polygonatum) 10g, Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer Antler Glue) 6g, Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta) 10g, Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries) 10g, Fu Pen Zi (Raspberry) 10g, Sha Yuan Zi (Astragalus) 10g, Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum) 10g, Xu Duan (Dipsacus) 15g, Du Zhong (Eucommia) 15g, Sheng Mu Li (Raw Oyster Shell) 30g, Dan Shen (Salvia) 15g, Sha Ren (Amomum) 6g, 14 doses, decocted in water, taken in the morning and evening. Combined with a proprietary formula from Xuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Jing Wan (Nourishing Essence Pill), 6g each time, taken twice daily.
Treatment Effect: After half a month of treatment, the patient’s symptoms of dizziness, tinnitus, weakness in the lower back and knees, insomnia with vivid dreams significantly improved, and his mental state also showed remarkable enhancement. After over three months of adjustment, sperm quality tests showed significant improvement, and he ultimately achieved successful conception.Case Summary: This case significantly improved the patient’s kidney deficiency symptoms and enhanced sperm quality through the kidney-nourishing and essence-producing method, combined with herbal medicine, diet, and lifestyle adjustments. This method reflects the advantages of TCM’s holistic view and syndrome differentiation, providing valuable reference for the treatment of male infertility.
Expert Introduction
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Qi Feng
Chief TCM Physician
Professor, Renowned TCM Expert
Executive Director of the Male Health Professional Committee of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, Executive Director of the International TCM Male Health Association, Executive Member of the Male Health Professional Committee of Jiangsu Province, Executive Director of the Xuzhou Sexual Health Association, Member of the Xuzhou Male Health Association.
Graduated from Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine in 1987, engaged in TCM male health for over 30 years. Studied under Xu Fushong, the founder of contemporary TCM male health, and has accumulated rich clinical experience in male infertility, testicular and epididymal diseases, prostate issues, seminal vesicle diseases, sexual dysfunction, sexually transmitted diseases, and various male health conditions, earning the trust of patients.
Expert Consultation Hours: Tuesday and Friday all day;
Expert Consultation Location: Room 311, West Third Floor, Outpatient Building.
Contact Number: 0516-68692039.
Editor-in-Chief| Fan Conghai
Editor| Niu Yong
Deputy Editors| Chen Yong, Wang Yan, Liang Tian, Ji Peichen
Reviewer| Xu Mudan
Contributor| Qi Feng
Editor| Zhang Zhehan
Proofreader| Si Lei
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