Erectile Dysfunction

   Erectile dysfunction (ED) or penile dysfunction is a condition where a man has partial or total inability to maintain an erection long enough to engage in sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction is a condition and not a disease

Ayurveda on Erectile Dysfunction

Ayurveda describes Erectile dysfunction or Linga Shaithilya through a shloka (verse) in Sanskrit language which goes as follows

Sankalpapravano nityam priyaam vashyaamapi sthreeyam || na yaathi lingashaithilyaath kadaachidyaathi vaa yadi | Shwaasaarthaha swinnagaatrshcha moghasankalpacheshtitaha || mlaanashishnashcha nirbeejaha syodetat klaibyalaxanam |

This shloka says that in spite of being strongly desirable of performing sex with a partner who consents, he is not able to do sexual intercourse due to the looseness of penis (lack of erection). If with determination and continuous efforts, he performs the sexual activity, he is not able to make his penis stiff and gets tired with perspiration and frustration to perform sex. Thus "erectile dysfunction" or ED refers to the inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, inability to maintain an erection or the ability to achieve erection only for a short span of time.

Ayurveda further describes the physiology of erection and ejaculation through the following shloka

Vrishunow basthimedram cha naabhyuuru vankshnow gudam | Apaanasthaanamantrasthaha shukra mootra shakrunti cha ||

The process of erection and ejaculation has been explained through desire of man to have sexual activity and effects of vayu (air) in his body for the same. 'Aapaanavayu' is one of the five types of vayu located in the testicles, urinary bladder, phallus, umbilicus, thighs, groin, anus and colon. It has the functions of ejaculation of semen and excretion of urine and stools. When a man has desire to have sex, his reactions to the touch increases. Vayu located in his skin send signals to brain while causing sensation of touch. This results in his arousal or 'harsha' which in turn intensifies actions of vayu. The highly active vayu releases the 'teja' or heat of pitta. Tejas and vayu increase body temperature, heart beat and blood flow causing erection. If any of these body mechanisms do not work properly, it causes erectile dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, erectile dysfunction is not a disease but a medical condition, it has no symptoms according to the standard definition of any diseases symptoms. In fact, ED can be a symptom of some other diseases or body ailment. However, erectile dysfunction can be recognized by the following conditions

• • The penis does not get or stay hard enough to perform sexual intercourse
• • Sex drive may be normal at times but there can also be changes in levels of sex drive
• • Not being able to start or finish intercourse
• • Lack of energy
• • Reduced interest in once favorite activities
• • Decreased athletic performance
• • Frequent mood swings

Erectile Dysfunction Causes

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by many factors including stress, anxiety over sexual performance, certain medications, injury to the penis, cardiovascular impairment etc.

• • If there is any disturbance in the sequence of events occurring during sexual arousal, it may lead to erectile dysfunction. This may include disturbances in the nerve impulses in the brain, spinal column, around the penis and response in muscles, fibrous tissues, veins, and arteries in and around the phallus.
• • Injury to the penis or any other parts (nerves, arteries, smooth muscles, fibrous tissue) directly connected to penis that help in erection can also lead to erectile dysfunction. Injury to the pelvic region and surgeries for certain body areas like for prostate, bladder, colon, or rectal area may also result in erectile dysfunction.
• • Low testosterone levels which is the primary male hormone can also result in erectile dysfunction.
• • Physical or mental stress, sleep disorders also cause erectile dysfunction.
• • Disliking for the sexual partner or strained relationship with her can also lead to erectile dysfunction while attempting for sexual intercourse.
• • Certain diseases like neurological disorders, hypothyroidism, Parkinson's disease, anemia, depression, arthritis, asthma, liver disorders, fatigue, endocrine disorders, diabetes, heart diseases and diseases linked to cardiovascular system are also major causes of erectile dysfunction.
• • Imbalance in tridoshas- Pitta, Kapha and Vayu- can also cause erectile dysfunction.
• • Certain medicines such as anti-depressants, tranquilizers and antihypertensive medicines taken for a long time can also lead to erectile dysfunction.
• • Addiction to smoking or any other form of tobacco, cocaine, heroin and marijuana as well as excessive intake of alcohol are also causes of erectile dysfunction.
• • Obesity, prolonged bicycle riding, past history of sexual abuse and old age are some other causes of erectile dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction Remedies

Avoiding the causes of erectile dysfunction (like smoking, drugs, stress, fatigue and other avoidable causes mentioned in the section- erectile dysfunction causes) is the main focus of treatment for erectile dysfunction.

• • The Ayurveda treatment for erectile dysfunction is the 'Vajikaran' therapy. According to Ayurveda, vajikaran therapy increases the strength of a man like a horse to perform sexual act ('Vaaji' in Sanskrit means horse). Vajikarana refers to the therapeutic use of various aphrodisiacs and tonics as well as massages with herbal oil, exercises and proper diet for enhancing the reproductive capabilities and vigor of men while strengthening the body and overall well-being.
• • If anxiety for sexual performance is the cause of erectile dysfunction, discussions (as in psychological treatment sessions) are held with the man and his sexual partner. The partner is required to help with the treatment methods including gradual development of intimacy and stimulation.
• • Many herbs are used by Ayurveda for treating erectile dysfunction including Shilajit, Safed Musli, Ashwagandha etc. Ayurveduc massage with recommended herbal oils are also beneficial for treatment of erectile dysfunction. The ayurvedic herbal preparations are meant for proper supply of nutrients which are necessary for production of semen.

Yoga For Erectile Dysfunction

Apart from herbal remedies for erectile dysfunction and other treatments, 'Yoga' is also very useful in treating erectile dysfunction. It relaxes the entire body while relieving the stress that might be the cause of erectile dysfunction. Secondly, the ancient Indian art of exercises- the Yoga- also presents excellent cardiovascular conditioning that help in treating any physiological condition causing erectile dysfunction. A particular 'yoga sana' or yoga posture has been recommended for treating erectile dysfunction and that is the 'Khandasana.' Here are the instructions for doing Kandasana

• • Sit on the floor with the legs stretched in front. Noe bend the knees and bring the heels close to the perineum (the area in front of the anus, toward the roots of the penis).
• • Hold both the feet with corresponding hand ( right foot with right hand and left one with left hand).
• • Draw the feet up towards the trunk, invert the ankle and pull the knees and thighs. Place the heels against the navel.

Practice the kandasana yoga pose for a few weeks. Kandasana is good for the legs, thighs and muscles below the navel region. It also treats the stiffness in the hips and joint pains in the region of legs. Practicing Kandasana gives sexual vigor and is good for treating impotence including erectile dysfunction.