Ayurveda and Men’s Sexual Health
Men are almost always portrayed as being the perfect beings– the ones who never have problems, the ones who are the strongest and the ones who can never be at fault. Not only do these patriarchal thoughts undermine the power of women, but it also puts undue pressure on men. Let’s accept it– Men are Humans too. Just as any human has problems, men have their fair share as well. One such issue that is rarely discussed, especially in our country, is men’s sexual health.
Though we are the land where the Kamasutra originated, sexual wellness and health are taboo topics in our society with both men and women. It is very common to hear people shoot suggestions to couples who find it difficult to conceive and the woman is often to blame. Talk of ‘sexual health problems’, and you presume it is related to women. But, did you know that men’s sexual health is ignored and very few men actually speak about it? According to a study, a whopping 31% of men are affected by sexual disorders!
Importance of Men’s Sexual Wellness
Sex is an important part of life (In ghrihasthashrama) and sexual dysfunction can seriously impair the quality of life of any male going through it. It may be the reason why Acharya Vagbhata– the author of Ashtang Hridaya, which is the most recent of all Samhitas and more nearer to the present-day life of humans in this era included Abramhacharya in 3 pillars of life i.e. Ahara, Nidra and Abramhacharya.
Sexual health refers to a state of well-being that lets a man fully participate in and enjoy sexual activity. A range of physical, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors influence a man’s sexual health. The balance between Dosha, Dhatu, Agni and ‘Prasanna Atmendriya Manah‘ in the definition of health by Ayurveda advocates it beautifully.
Male sexual health isn’t merely the absence of disease. Men can experience difficulties related to erection, ejaculation, including premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation or the inability to experience orgasm upon ejaculation. Male sexual health also covers the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and the assessment, treatment of male infertility.
What Does Ayurveda say about Men’s Sexual Health?
With the advances in medicine today, there are lots of treatments available for a variety of men’s sexual health problems in Allopathy. From medications to procedures, most sexual health issues and diseases are being successfully treated. One of the major limitations of Allopathy when it comes to men’s sexual health problems is that it treats only the problem.
For example – a male suffering from oligoteratozoospermia is often prescribed a few tonics with minerals and vitamins. Little effort goes into understanding the lifestyle of the individual and working towards creating a healthy environment for healthy spermatogenesis.
However, Ayurveda does not just treat the problem. Ayurveda looks at the individual as a whole and treats the causative factors of the problem.
According to the principles of Ayurveda, when the Tridoshas are balanced, any man would be able to live a healthy and fulfilling life. In Ayurveda, the treatment of sexual dysfunction is given huge importance since it improves the overall wellbeing of an individual in every aspect like physical and psychological.
Vajikarana therapy is one of the special branches of Ayurveda. With this therapy, the treatment of sexual dysfunctions along with other body ailments are done. One can overcome the problems related to sexual activity, vigour, and stamina by proper Ayurvedic treatment.
This age-old therapy not only helps in treating sexual problems but also ensures better sexual health. Vajikaran is undertaken to revitalize the seven Dhatus in the body which results in the restoration of equilibrium and good health. As described in the Ayurvedic texts, Vajikarana therapy prevents premature ejaculation, improves fertility, rejuvenates the reproductive organs, improves memory, and increases the span of erection. This therapy also reduces Shukra (sperm and ovum) defects.
In this therapy, individualised treatment is given after proper consultation and exact history of the person, several elements are used in this therapy to treat different problems. Wearing metals like gold and silver can be used to arouse sexual desire. Consuming Jaiphal and Ashwagandha will help in preventing premature ejaculation. Herbs like Brahmi, Shatavari, Vidari, kavach beej can be trusted for better fertility when taken orally with milk.
Consumption of Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu, ghee and Gokshura helps in enhancing semen production. Apart from such treatments, there are multiple herbs & herbo-mineral formulations that help in improving sexual wellness in men, but at first, you need to consult your Ayurveda doctor for applying all this.
Key Takeaway!
The age-old authentic practise of Ayurveda is the science & art of life; it’s the storehouse of solutions for all health issues & wellness. Though the field of medicine is far advanced, when it comes to men’s sexual problems, choosing self-medication or consumption of Viagra or so-called Superman’s drug is not the right way of it at all. We as a society need to create an environment where men will feel confident to share their sexual health issues and seek appropriate, comprehensive Care of Ayurveda!