Erectile Dysfunction in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different erectile dysfunction patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition where a man struggles to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. It affects men's health and quality of life significantly, leading to potential stress, relationship strain, and diminished self-confidence.
The complexity of erectile function, which involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels, means that ED can be a sign of other health issues. The condition can vary in severity; some men cannot achieve an erection at all, while others might achieve one briefly but not long enough for intercourse.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on erectile dysfunction, viewing it not merely as a physical ailment but as a symptom of imbalance within the body's energy system. TCM suggests that ED results from disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, or imbalances in Yin and Yang.
Recognizing the interconnectedness of the body and mind, TCM emphasizes diagnosing and treating the underlying patterns of disharmony. It's essential to identify the specific cause of imbalance through a holistic evaluation before prescribing treatment.
TCM Patterns for Erectile Dysfunction
Yang Deficiency
Causes: Impotence
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Impotence
Along with: Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
Impotence
Along with: Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
Impotence
Along with: Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth, Frequent urination, Polyuria, Nocturia, White vaginal discharge
Essence Deficiency
Causes: Poor sexual ability
Kidney Essence Deficiency
Poor sexual ability
Along with: Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain, Infertility, Primary amenorrhea, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Absentmindness
Herbal Formulas for Erectile Dysfunction
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address erectile dysfunction
Huan Shao Dan
Addresses these erectile dysfunction patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Spleen, Heart and Kidneys
- Nourishes Yin and Blood
- Augments Qi
- Tonifies Yang
- Promotes Longevity
Addresses These Erectile Dysfunction Pattern Variations
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Impotence
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face...
Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
Poor sexual ability
Accompanying symptoms:
Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain...
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan
Addresses these erectile dysfunction patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Strengthens the Essence
Addresses These Erectile Dysfunction Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Impotence
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
Poor sexual ability
Accompanying symptoms:
Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain...
Tu Si Zi Wan
Addresses these erectile dysfunction patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Kidneys
- Prevents abnormal leakage such as urinary incontinence or seminal emissions
Addresses These Erectile Dysfunction Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Impotence
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
Poor sexual ability
Accompanying symptoms:
Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain...
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these erectile dysfunction patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Yang
- Warms the Kidneys and lower extremities
Addresses These Erectile Dysfunction Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Impotence
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
How it manifests:
Impotence
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth...
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Addresses these erectile dysfunction patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Kidney Yin and Essence
- Nourishes the Liver Blood
- Beautifies hair
Addresses These Erectile Dysfunction Pattern Variations
Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
Poor sexual ability
Accompanying symptoms:
Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain...
Ban Liu Wan
Addresses these erectile dysfunction patterns:
Main Actions
- Fortifies the Fire at the Gate of Vitality
- Expels Cold
- Unblocks the Yang
- Drains Turbidity
Addresses These Erectile Dysfunction Pattern Variations
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
How it manifests:
Impotence
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth...
Zuo Gui Wan
Addresses these erectile dysfunction patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Strengthens the Kidneys
- Fills the Essence
- Augments the marrow
Addresses These Erectile Dysfunction Pattern Variations
Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
Poor sexual ability
Accompanying symptoms:
Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain...
Li Zhong Wan
Addresses these erectile dysfunction patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
Addresses These Erectile Dysfunction Pattern Variations
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Impotence
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face...
You Gui Wan
Addresses these erectile dysfunction patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang
- Replenishes the Essence
- Tonifies the Blood
Addresses These Erectile Dysfunction Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Impotence
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
How it manifests:
Impotence
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth...
Er Xian Tang
Addresses these erectile dysfunction patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin and tonifies Yang of the Kidneys
- Clears Empty Heat
- Regulates the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
Addresses These Erectile Dysfunction Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Impotence
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
Addresses these erectile dysfunction patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and warms Kidney Yang
Addresses These Erectile Dysfunction Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Impotence
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Ji Chuan Jian
Addresses these erectile dysfunction patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Kidneys
- Nourishes the Blood
- Strengthens the Essence
- Moistens the Intestines
- Unblocks bowels
Addresses These Erectile Dysfunction Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Impotence
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Yu Lin Zhu
Addresses these erectile dysfunction patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Consolidates the Penetrating and Directing Vessel (Chong Mai, Ren Mai)
- Facilitating pregnancy
- Promotes Blood circulation and regulates menstruation
Addresses These Erectile Dysfunction Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Impotence
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...