How acupuncture can help with Male Fertility and Libido?
Facts from the latest research about the connection between human brain and testis (1)
- Link between the brain and male fertility system was found by the Royal Society. Apparently, there're many similarities between the brain's contents and the scrotum. Brain and testis have the highest number of common proteins, compared with other human body tissues. Many of the same receptors and signalling pathways are also found in both tissues. Common proteins are involved in a process called exocytosis. When exocytosis occurs in the brain, cells hand off neurotransmitters between each other, which is also an essential process during fertilisation.
- Link between sexual dysfunction and brain disorders has been clearly defined. Sexual dysfunction may be presenting symptom of a developing neurologic disease or it may be due to more general effect of a neurologic disorder.
- Links between intelligence levels and semen quality: Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered a specific area of the brain where male libido is produced. In this region, a key gene, known as aromatase, determines the strength of male sexual desire. Aromatase is a key enzyme in oestrogen production. Estrogen functions in both males and females. Testosterone must be converted to estrogen to drive male sexual desire.
- Link between the hypothalamus and the testes was found by group of scientists in California. This newly discovered neural connection runs through the spinal cord, allowing brain events to affect testosterone secretion much faster than the regular hormonal wiring of the pituitary gland does for testosterone secretion.
Other factors contributing to male fertility:
- Diet rich in selenium, zinc, L-carnitine, CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, lycopene, and Vitamins A, B, C, and E. Food products should be included in everyday meals are:
1.Oysters and pumpkin seeds, they are very high in Zinc 2. Green leafy vegetables are high in Folate and vitamin C 3. Dark chocolate, high in Arginine 4. Nuts, especially Walnuts and Brazil nuts, high in Selenium and Omega-3 fatty acids 5. Organic meat, high in protein 6. Pomegranates, the source of antioxidants which helps to improve testosterone levels
Alcohol, coffees, white sugar, proceeded meats and fried foods should be avoided.
- Additional Supplements:
Ubiquinol, supports energy production in reproductive cells Pycnogenol, benefits sperm morphology and improves erectile function N-Acetyl Cysteine, improves sperm quantity and overall quality L-Arginine, benefits sperm formation and motility Acetyl-L-Carnitine, benefits sperm formation and motility Omega-3, reduces inflammation & supports health cell growth Vitamin C, supports healthy cell growth Vitamin E, improves sperm motility and overall quality Selenium and Zinc (supports sperm production and testosterone metabolism) Vitamin B12 (promotes healthy cell replication)
- Reduce genital heat
Examples of activities that heat up scrotum: hanging out in hot water (hot springs, hot tubs, saunas, hot showers), sitting for extended periods of time (at work, watching TV), cycling, typing with a laptop on your lap, and wearing tight-fitting clothing.
- Reduce Stress, as it ruins sperm production
Evidence suggests that high levels of cortisol, the “stress hormone,” negatively impact testosterone levels, which in turn decreases sperm production
- Reduce exposure to toxins like cigarettes, Bisphenol A (BPA), found in plastics, pesticides and herbicides like Roundup, heavy metals especially cadmium and lead. They all causes endocrine disruption.
- Detoxify your body with Glutathione and Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Glutathione is a master antioxidant, it reduces oxidative stress, repairs mitochondria and plays a prominent role in detoxification process (5). Manual Lymphatic drainage is the type of treatment to clean the lymph and promote regeneration of the cells. They both work synergistically encouraging the production of healthy, good quality sperm.
Book your first appointment with Giedre, licensed acupuncturist, nutritionist and lymphatic drainage specialist. She is passionate about helping couples achieve optimal health and maximise their fertility so that they can create the families they desire.
REFERENCES:
[1] Brain and testis: more alike than previously thought? Matos B., Publicover S.J.,.Castro L.F., Esteves P.J. and Fardilha M. [2] Quantitative evaluation of spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for idiopathic male infertility. Pei J et al Fertil Steril. 2005 Jul;84(1):141-7, Fertility and Sterility [3] Effect of acupuncture on sperm parameters of males suffering from subfertility related to low sperm quality. Siterman S et al Arch Androl. 1997 Sep-Oct;39(2):155-61, Archives of Andrology [4] Does acupuncture treatment affect sperm density in males with very low sperm count? A pilot study. Siterman S et al Andrologia. 2000 Jan;32(1):31-9., Andrologia [5] Review on the role of glutathione on oxidative stress and infertility. Adeoye,O., Olawumi, J., Opeyemi, A. and Christiania, O. JBRA Assist Reprod. 2018 Jan-Mar; 22(1): 61–66.
