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Taking Time Out to Consider 'Man-o-pause'
As we Baby Boomers start to hit retirement age we have more to worry about than whether or not Social Security will be there for us. Much has been made of menopause as a women's health problems (primarily by the pharmaceutical companies).
But for us guys, how any of us are familiar with the term "menopause"—or to be medically correct, andropause?
Many of us are becoming familiar with the symptoms, which include loss of strength, energy and stamina; declining enthusiasm, productivity and initiative; low mood, irritability and or depression; difficulties with memory and concentration; and weight gain and obesity.
If that weren't enough, other signs my include sleep problems, prostate problems and difficulties with libido and sexual functioning. There are symptoms that may not be readily noticeable, such as higher blood pressure, elevated blood usage levels and insulin resistance.
Men as a group are less likely to consult their physicians about any of these problems—and when they do, general they will be treated as individual problems and not recognized or treated as part of a larger syndrome.
So what's going on here? As men get older, there is a decline in the production of testosterone. As a result, a relative excess of estrogen develops which creates an imbalance that contributes to a cascade of interdependent hormonal reactions that affect our metabolism, digestion, mood and other functions regulated by our endocrine system.
If you think you may suffer from testosterone deficiency you should consult your doctor and have your levels tested to determine if supplementation may be appropriate for you. It is not for everyone as there are serious potential risks, such as prostate cancer.
In chinese medicine, andropause is considerer a weakness of the kidneys. The kidneys in Chinese medicine are said to be where we store our Jing (or essence).
Essence is said to be composed of the prenatal factors we inherit from our parents along with the nutrition we derive from the foods we eat. As we age we are said to use up our essence.
Unless we conscientiously cultivate our Qi through careful diet and lifestyle we will see it decline as we age. Fortunately there are a umber of herbs that tonify the kidney and essence and help offset that effects of aging.
Acupuncture can also tonify the kidneys and support the body's ability to balance its hormones.
Chinese medicine originally developed in large part as a way to promote longevity. Early Taoist monks used their bodies as test labs by ingesting virtually every substance they could find to document its effects and side effects.
Over time, they were able to document which plants, minerals, and animal -parts were conducive to health. The ones that were the safest, with the greatest health benefits, were classified as superior—the emperor class of herbs.
Ginseng is the most widely recognized of these herbs. However, ginseng is rarely consumed alone; it works best when combined with other herbs that increase its effectiveness.
To learn more about how Chinese medicine can help keep you looking and feeling younger, contact a licensed acupuncturist who can evaluate your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment regiment for you.
© 2007 Larry Forsberg. All rights reserved.
Articles posted on this Web site are for personal use only and remain the property of Larry Forsberg, L.Ac.
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