Researchers have discovered that acupuncture successfully relieves the adverse
effects of antidepressant medications on sex drive and function. 
Men showed overall improvement in sexual function across a broad spectrum
of health concerns. Acupuncture also enhanced relief from both anxiety
and depression in the male group. Women benefitted from a more targeted
response to acupuncture therapy rather than the broad spectrum of relief
experienced by the men. Specifically, women benefitted from increased
libido and vaginal lubrication as a result of acupuncture treatments.
Patient taking SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin noradrenaline reuptake
inhibitors) for the treatment of depression may experience sexual
dysfunction as an adverse effect from the medication(s). It is estimated
that SSRIs and SNRIs have a 50% to 90% chance of inducing sexual
dysfunction. The researchers sought to determine whether acupuncture may
help in the management and resolution of these unwanted side-effects.
A standard protocol for the acupuncture treatments was performed. A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) intake
of the health history was taken following by the assessment of a TCM
differential diagnosis. Ordinarily, the acupuncture point prescription
is then customized based on the intake assessments. For purposes of this
study, the acupuncture point prescription was standardized to eliminate
variables from the research. The same acupuncture point prescription
was administered to each patient over a 12 week period. The acupuncture
points used in the study were P6, HT7, UB23, GV4 and K3.
The researchers measured significant improvements in sexual function for both the male and female groups in
the study. They noted that, “This study suggests a potential role for
acupuncture in the treatment of the sexual side-effects of SSRIs and
SNRIs as well for a potential benefit of integrating medical and
complementary and alternative practitioners.” These findings are
consistent with other research. Researchers from the University of
Nevada and Montana State University conclude that acupuncture is
“effective for reducing some FSD (female sexual dysfunction) problems….”
In related research, investigators at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan determined that acupuncture
eliminates hot flashes and benefits patients suffering from mental
depression. Additionally, the researchers concluded that acupuncture
increases sex drive, mental clarity and overall energy levels in
patients. The investigators note that acupuncture “appears to be
equivalent to drug therapy” and is “a safe, effective, and durable
treatment.”
Another recent study concluded that low frequency electro-acupuncture improved menstrual frequency and balanced
sex steroid levels in women with PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome. The
sex steroid levels in the electro-acupuncture group improved
significantly, acne markedly decreased and menstrual regularity
increased. In yet another study, acupuncture was found effective in
alleviating schizophrenia and the side effects of psychiatric
medication. Acupuncture caused a decrease in the “side effects of
antipsychotic medication; decreased auditory, visual and tactile
hallucinations; decreased anxiety and paranoia; improved sleep patterns…
increased motivation including increased sex drive and ambition to
further themselves in education and work; improved socialization and
concentration… reduced addictive behavior in relation to alcohol and
cigarettes; improved diet and weight loss; and improved exercise
regimes.”
The extensive body of research on acupuncture and its effects on sexual function and sex steroid levels
shows a positive correlation between acupuncture treatments and improved
clinical outcomes. The new study of acupuncture for the treatment of
sexual dysfunction caused by SSRI and SNRI side-effects went so far as
to suggest an integrative medical model based on the findings. The
investigators noted that there is a “potential benefit of integrating
medical and complementary and alternative practitioners.” This new way
of looking at medicine as a cooperative pooling of resources focused on
positive patient outcomes is perhaps the medical model of the future.
References:
Khamba,
Baljit, Monique Aucoin, Millie Lytle, Monica Vermani, Anabel Maldonado,
Christina Iorio, Catherine Cameron et al. "Efficacy of Acupuncture
Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction Secondary to Antidepressants." The
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2013).
Acupuncture and Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Time-Series Study of Symptom Relief. Alice Running, Julie
Smith-Gagen, Mary Wellhoner, and George Mars. Medical Acupuncture.
doi:10.1089/acu.2011.0867.
Paley CA, Johnson MI, Tashani OA, Bagnall AM. Acupuncture for cancer pain in adults. Cochrane Database of
Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD007753. DOI:
10.1002/14651858.CD007753.pub2.
Lee
H, Schmidt K, Ernst E. Acupuncture for the relief of cancer- related
pain-A systematic review. European Journal of Pain 2005;9 (4):437–44.
Elizabeth Jedel, Fernand Labrie, Anders
Odén, Göran Holm, Lars Nilsson, Per Olof Janson, Anna-Karin Lind, Claes
Ohlsson, and Elisabet Stener-Victorin. Impact of electro-acupuncture
and physical exercise on hyperandrogenismand oligo/amenorrhea in women
with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Am J
Physiol Endocrinol Metab 300: E37–E45, 2011.
Ronan P, Robinson N, Harbinson D,
Macinnes D. A case study exploration of the value of acupuncture as an
adjunct treatment for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia: results and
future study design.. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2011 May;9(5):503-14.
Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, UK.
Tony Burris, L.Ac., is a 17-year practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is an expert in safe and effective acupuncture therapy and herbal remedies. He is the only practitioner in the United States that offers a “Painless Acupuncture- Or Your Money Back!” Guarantee. Tony helps frustrated and injured athletes and chronic pain sufferers discover a unique therapy system that often provides long-lasting or even permanent pain relief. His patients include members of the San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. Tony also treats members of the Seattle Mariners, Olympic medalists, mixed martial artists and NCAA competitors. Visit Tony’s other blog at The Taoist Club of Boise or visit his website.
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