Women, on average, live five to ten years longer than men. There is a reason for this – women take care of themselves. Men are less likely to seek any medical help; let alone pursue Holistic Healthcare as a viable option.

In the past decade, there has been a growing convergence between the most advanced research knowledge from physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology; and knowledge obtained from research in the field of Acupuncture. We are learning that the findings of modern international medical science and the traditional wisdom of Chinese medicine have remarkable parallels. Among the growing portion of the population seeking Holistic Healthcare, there has been an increase in male patients choosing alternative treatments for pain, sports injuries, stress, prostate issues, diminished sex drive and infertility – to name just a few.

Sports Injuries

We are seeing more men seek out long-term answers to their health problems from western medicine, yet no one can give them definitive answers. This is because they are seeking quick-fix solutions to problems that require time to heal. One example is the use of Cortisone shots for pain from sports injuries. We may see a short-term gain because the pain will go away (masked by the drug), however, the long-term prognosis for Cortisone use is not a good one.

Cortisone can cause tendons to weaken or even rupture. Moreover, by inhibiting the normal healing inflammatory reaction, Cortisone accelerates the degenerative process in the tendons, ligaments, and joints into which it is injected. It also gives the individual a false sense that the injury is healed when it is clearly not; and the combination of a cortisone shots and continual over-exertion is a deadly combination for cartilage. Acupuncture helps increase circulation to the targeted area, and will reduce the inflammation rather than just cover it up.

Male Fertility

The average sperm count of American males has declined more than 40% over the last few generations. In one study, Acupuncture was shown to increase both the quantity and quality of sperm. The three main reasons for male factor infertility are low sperm count, reduced motility (ability to move and swim in a straight line), and deformed morphology (shape and size of the sperm). In the field of Reproductive Acupuncture, infertility has historically been an issue that was 80% female factor and a 20% male factor. Now we have seen these numbers shift; the female factor is now 60% and the male factor is 40%. Is this due to an increase in the use of herbicides and pesticides, alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs and prescription medicines? We don’t know yet. What we do know is that there is no reason to continue the stress and disappointment of infertility. Acupuncture is being used in Europe, Asia, and the U.S. as a safe and natural option to support male factor fertility.

Traditional Acupuncturists treat the whole “man” rather than one symptom. Instead of masking the pain caused by the problem Acupuncture activates the body’s natural healing potential. An accredited Acupuncturist will assess all lifestyle and environmental factors before commencing treatment. Holistic Healthcare is a viable option, and Acupuncture works as the means to this alternative. Men, take action for the betterment of your health – and close the gap in the average life span.

Marc Cutler is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and a Licensed Acupuncturist. He can be reached at Advanced Healthcare Solutions, 8351 Standonshire Way Suite 101 in Raleigh. 919-846-2239. www.advancedhealthcaresolutions.org.