Premature Ejaculationaccording to TCM

Symptom family: Sexual Health Disorders

What is Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is a common sexual disorder characterized by ejaculation that occurs sooner than desired, either before or shortly after sexual penetration, leading to distress or interpersonal difficulty. This condition is marked by a lack of control over ejaculation, which can significantly impact self-esteem and relationships. It encompasses early ejaculation, rapid climax, and premature climax, highlighting its prevalence across various demographics.

How does TCM view Premature Ejaculation?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets premature ejaculation through the lens of energy imbalance and disharmony within the body's organ systems. Contrary to the singular focus on symptom management seen in Western medicine, TCM delves into the underlying patterns of disharmony causing the symptom.

This holistic approach underscores the significance of diagnosing the specific imbalance—be it Qi Deficiency, Yang Deficiency, or Yin Deficiency—to tailor an effective treatment plan that addresses the root cause of premature ejaculation, thus offering a more nuanced and personalized treatment pathway.

Root Causes of Premature Ejaculation in TCM

In TCM, premature ejaculation is often attributed to patterns such as Kidney Yang Deficiency or Qi Deficiency, reflecting a profound imbalance in the body's vital energies. Kidney Yang Deficiency is characterized by a lack of warming and energizing force, leading to symptoms such as lower back pain, weak knees, and a cold sensation in the back.

Qi Deficiency, on the other hand, involves a fundamental lack of life force or energy, manifesting as tiredness, weakness, and a general sense of lethargy. By identifying these patterns, TCM practitioners can develop a tailored treatment approach aimed at restoring balance and addressing the specific causes of premature ejaculation.

Explore below more details about what might cause Premature ejaculation according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Kidney
  • Spleen
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Premature Ejaculation

Common Symptoms: Chills Erectile Dysfunction Low Sex Drive Generalized Fatigue General Weakness Nocturia Diarrhea Lower Back Pain

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency Premature ejaculation, Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more Li Zhong Wan
Kidney Yang Deficiency Premature ejaculation, 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, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more You Gui Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Er Xian Tang | Shen Qi Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Ji Chuan Jian
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang Premature ejaculation, 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... see more You Gui Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Ban Liu Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Premature Ejaculation

Common Symptoms: Back Pain Frequent Urination Hearing Loss Dizziness Tinnitus Nocturia Excessive Menstruation Lower Back Pain

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Qi Deficiency Premature ejaculation, Hearing loss, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Back pain, Frequent urination, Nocturia, Excessive menstruation... see more Qing E Wan
Kidney Qi not Firm Premature ejaculation, Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Cold extremities, White vaginal discharge, Bearing down sensation in abdomen, Recurrent miscarriage... see more Qing E Wan | You Gui Wan | Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan | Fu Tu Dan | Tu Si Zi Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Premature Ejaculation

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency Premature ejaculation, Perspiration, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Detailed description of the cause

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Premature Ejaculation

Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Generalized Fatigue Back Pain Chills Oligospermia General Weakness Nocturia Depression

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency Premature ejaculation, Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more Li Zhong Wan
Kidney Qi Deficiency Premature ejaculation, Hearing loss, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Back pain, Frequent urination, Nocturia, Excessive menstruation... see more Qing E Wan
Kidney Qi not Firm Premature ejaculation, Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Cold extremities, White vaginal discharge, Bearing down sensation in abdomen, Recurrent miscarriage... see more Qing E Wan | You Gui Wan | Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan | Fu Tu Dan | Tu Si Zi Wan
Kidney Yang Deficiency Premature ejaculation, 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, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more You Gui Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Er Xian Tang | Shen Qi Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Ji Chuan Jian
Kidney Yin Deficiency Premature ejaculation, Perspiration, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Detailed description of the cause

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Premature Ejaculation

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency Premature ejaculation, Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more Li Zhong Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Premature Ejaculation

To counteract premature ejaculation, TCM recommends a variety of formulas and herbs designed to fortify the Kidney Yang, augment Qi, and nourish the Kidney Yin. For instance, Li Zhong Wan and You Gui Wan are advocated for warming the middle and bolstering Yang, particularly effective in cases of Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency.

Similarly, Qing E Wan is suggested for Kidney Qi Deficiency, aiming to enhance the body's vital energy. Additionally, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan serves to replenish Kidney Yin Deficiency, providing a comprehensive treatment strategy that not only targets the symptoms but also corrects the underlying imbalances.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address premature ejaculation, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Formulas that warm yang and tonify
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that tonify yin and yang
  • Formulas that secure essence and stop enuresis
  • Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
  • Formulas that moisten intestines and unblock bowels
  • Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
  • Formulas that warm and purge

All Formulas Recommended for Premature Ejaculation Caused by Yang Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
You Gui Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency, Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency, Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
Tu Si Zi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Li Zhong Wan Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
Er Xian Tang Kidney Yang Deficiency
Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Ji Chuan Jian Kidney Yang Deficiency
Ban Liu Wan Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang

All Formulas Recommended for Premature Ejaculation Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Qing E Wan Kidney Qi Deficiency, Kidney Qi not Firm
You Gui Wan Kidney Qi not Firm
Tu Si Zi Wan Kidney Qi not Firm
Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan Kidney Qi not Firm
Fu Tu Dan Kidney Qi not Firm

All Formulas Recommended for Premature Ejaculation Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Zuo Gui Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang Kidney Yin Deficiency
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan Kidney Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that warm yang and tonify" recommended for premature ejaculation

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
You Gui Wan Kidney Qi not Firm, Kidney Yang Deficiency, Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
Qing E Wan Kidney Qi Deficiency, Kidney Qi not Firm
Tu Si Zi Wan Kidney Qi not Firm, Kidney Yang Deficiency
Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for premature ejaculation

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency, Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Zuo Gui Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that tonify yin and yang" recommended for premature ejaculation

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Er Xian Tang Kidney Yang Deficiency
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang Not applicable

All "formulas that secure essence and stop enuresis" recommended for premature ejaculation

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan Kidney Qi not Firm
Fu Tu Dan Kidney Qi not Firm

Acupoints for Premature Ejaculation

TCM also employs acupuncture as a means of treating premature ejaculation, with specific acupoints like Shenshu BL-23 and Taixi KID-3 playing a pivotal role in tonifying Kidney Yang and Yin, respectively. These points are carefully selected to stimulate the body's healing response, enhancing Kidney strength, and stabilizing the essence to combat premature ejaculation effectively. This integrative approach, combining herbal medicine with acupuncture, exemplifies TCM's holistic strategy in restoring sexual health and balance.

Explore below some acupoints used to address premature ejaculation, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Stomach Channel
  • Governing Vessel
  • Directing Vessel
  • Kidney Channel
Shenshu BL-23

Shenshu BL-23

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).

Zhishi BL-52

Zhishi BL-52

3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).

Daju ST-27

Daju ST-27

2 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Mingmen DU-4

Mingmen DU-4

On the lower back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).

Qugu REN-2

Qugu REN-2

On the midline of abdomen, just on the upper border of the symphysis pubis.

Taixi KID-3

Taixi KID-3

In the depression between the medial malleolus tip and Achilles tendon (Calcaneal tendon), level with the tip of the medial malleolus.