Boschniakia rossica is a commonly-used Chinese herb that can boost active and masculine energy and help treat sexual dysfunction. Photo: CFP

An increasing number of foreigners are turning to Chinese medicine to treat sexual dysfunction. Photo: IC

Erectile dysfunction had troubled Adam Taylor (pseudonym), a 27-year-old Italian who works in China and the US, for three months. That is, until two months ago, when a friend suggested he see a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctor. Taylor decided to try it and was prescribed herbs and acupuncture.

"I could not remember [the names of the herbs], but they were not very tasty. It takes time to see the influence of the herbs on body, but I think it is healthy and has helped me," said Taylor, who found that after taking the herbs and getting acupuncture for two months, his sexual health improved. He said he has continued the treatment.

An increasing number of foreigners are turning to TCM for treating sexual health issues, including low sex drive, premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction, said Amir Hooman Kazemi, an Iranian doctor of Western medicine for 15 years and clinical PhD of Chinese medicine for 10 years.

"Chinese medicine is a very good method for treating sexual dysfunction. It is popular both around China and outside of China. So far, more than 100 foreign patients have come to me for the treatment of this problem," said Kazemi. "About 70 to 80 percent see very good results. Many foreign patients prefer Chinese medicine now as it is natural, can balance the body and has more long-lasting effects and fewer side effects than Western medicine."

Kazemi said that in Chinese medicine, the main cause for sexual problems are kidney deficiencies, blood stasis, qi (the energy that flows through one's body in TCM) stagnation, and qi deficiency. The main purpose behind treatment is to promote blood and qi circulation, and improve kidney function.

One of the most commonly used herbs for sexual health treatment in TCM around the world is ginseng. People can take it in many forms, including in tablets, capsules or naturally, via ginseng root. Other helpful herbs for sexual dysfunction include cistanche, which belongs to the ginseng species, gingko, ginger, and pepper because they have a warm nature, said Kazemi.

Thomas Garran, a PhD candidate at National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, said "horny goat weed" is also a popular herb for treatment.

"Lots of Westerners have used these herbs. They all work differently, but according to Chinese medicine, most of them boost active and masculine energy," said Garran, who has also been a practitioner of Chinese medicine for over 20 years.

He said people interested in using TCM for treatment of sexual dysfunction should first see a qualified practitioner.

"This is a complex condition with many causes. Taking the wrong thing, whether herbs or drugs, could make the problem worse, or have no effect," he said. 

Kazemi explained that the major difference between Western and Chinese medicine lies in time and effect. Western medicine, like Viagra, increases serotonin and blood flow in the genitals. It works quickly, but they can only relieve the symptoms for a short time. Chinese medicine is not as fast as Viagra. Treatment normally takes at least two weeks to two months, but the effects last for a long time and balances the body. TCM treatments can also treat other problems patients have, such as hair loss and constipation. 

"People get more holistic treatment by using Chinese medicine, not just an erection," Garran said. "You can take herbs for a relatively limited time and resolve the problem in the long term, as opposed to just taking a drug so you can have sex."

Guo Jun, director of andrology at Xiyuan Hospital under the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine said Western medicine has some side effects, but for young people who are relatively healthy, Western medications are usually their first choice. 

"But for people older than 40, I advise using a combination of Western and Chinese medicine,"  Guo said.