Symptoms of an enlarged prostate affect about 40 percent of men in their 50s and 90 percent in their 80s, this common problem can be frustrating and painful to experience.Whether you are looking to reduce your risk of prostate disease or treat an existing condition, acupuncture may be able to help.
According to a clinical trial published in PLOS ONE, electroacupuncture improved International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) on patients. The trial measured improvements in symptoms such as frequent urination, strain and other bladder related complications. The trial found that acupuncture treatment improved these symptoms in patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate. There have been multiple studies that have proven acupuncture helpful. Another Chinese study published in 2008 also found that electroacupuncture had a 96.4 percent rate of effectiveness for treatment.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among men in the United States with around 290,000 new cases diagnosed each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are at risk or currently dealing with prostate cancer or prostatitis, you are not alone. It is important to know if prostate cancer runs in your family and if you are at risk, especially if you are a man over 40.
In modern practice of acupuncture, each patient is assessed and given a treatment plan to reduce their symptoms. Acupuncture accomplishes this by addressing the body as a whole and using acupuncture points to stimulate meridians that then return the body to balance and natural flow.
The principle behind this practice is that our bodies have a natural energy flowing through them at all times. When our body’s energies become stuck or stagnant, our bodies are susceptible to disease and illness, including prostate cancer and prostatitis.
Consider acupuncture as an alternative, safe treatment to reduce symptoms associated with prostate problems and restore your body to better health. Below are three tips for a healthy prostate and for better health.
Diet and Exercise
Certain foods are known to help prostate health and prevent cancer. These include nuts, seeds, pumpkin, mushrooms and berries. Foods that contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene can be very effective. Some of foods high in lycopene include: watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava, papaya, apricot and tomatoes.
Focusing on a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods and meat high in fat is a part of a healthy diet for maintenance and preventive care. Reducing stress and regular exercise can also decrease your risk of cancer.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Prostate cancer and decreased prostate health are associated with a heat and kidney deficiency in TCM. Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat and improve prostate function as well as energy flow in this area and throughout the body. As you get older, the kidney function starts to decrease, which can lead to other issues including decreased prostate health. Acupuncture focuses on the kidney meridian to help improve the body’s circulation.
Stop Smoking
According to the American Cancer Society, smokers are more likely to have a more severe form of prostate cancer. A patient who smokes also has a higher rate of recurrence. Consider quitting smoking to better your overall health and reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Patients who quit smoking for over 10 years reduced their mortality risk by an amount comparable to those who had never smoked.
Contact an experienced traditional Chinese medicine doctor if you think you are at risk or are currently managing prostate cancer and are looking for an alternative, safe treatment option.
Sources:
- www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/742-prostateub33
- http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0059449
- www.acupuncture.com/newsletters/m_nov05/main3.htm
- www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/9-tips-to-prevent-prostate-cancer#7
- www.realnatural.org/acupuncture-and-chinese-herbal-medicine-found-to-successfully-treat-prostate-enlargement/
The information provided on this site is for reference only and should not be taken as medical recommendations or professional guidance.
Share this Blog
