People Healer

Ba Ji Tian (Radix Morindae Officinalis)

Dang Gui (Radicis Angelicae Sinensis)

Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae)

Fu Zi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata)

Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii)

Jiu Cai Zi (Semen Allii Tuberosi)

Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)

Rou Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi)

Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae)

Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni)

She Chuang Zi (Fructus Cnidii)

Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata)

Suo Yang (Herba Cynomorii)

Tu Si Zi (Semen Cuscutae)

Yin Yang Huo (Herba Epimedii)

Alive is an excellent formula to tonify Kidney yang and Kidney jing (essence). Clinically, deficiencies of Kidney yang and Kidney jing (essence) are characterized by impotence, premature ejaculation, low sperm count, low libido, and general sexual disorders. In western terminology, these herbs increase the production of sex hormones; and in TCM terminology, these herbs tonify Kidney yang and Kidney jing (essence). This formula works to enhance libido in women as it boosts the testosterone levels and Kidney yang.

The direct translation of the chief herb Yin Yang Huo (Herba Epimedii) is “horny goat herb.” It was originally discovered by a farmer who noticed the increase in proliferation in one of his herds of goats that were grazing on this herb. Yin Yang Huo (Herba Epimedii) increases sexual activity, increases sperm production, stimulates the sensory nerves and therefore increases sexual desire. Weakness of Kidney yang and depletion of Kidney jing (essence) contribute to symptoms of impotence, decreased libido, spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation and other sexual dysfunctions. The treatment protocol is to increase the Kidney yang and tonify the Kidney jing (essence). Fu Zi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata), Rou Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi), Jiu Cai Zi (Semen Allii Tuberosi), Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae), Tu Si Zi (Semen Cuscutae), Ba Ji Tian (Radix Morindae Officinalis), Suo Yang (Herba Cynomorii), and She Chuang Zi (Fructus Cnidii) warm and tonify the Kidney yang. Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni), Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata), Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii), Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae) and Dang Gui (Radicis Angelicae Sinensis) tonify the Kidney jing (essence) and blood. Dang Gui (Radicis Angelicae Sinensis) also moves blood and directs the effect to the lower abdomen. Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng) is used to replenish the vital energy and prolong stamina.

NUTRITION

• Eliminate alcohol from the diet as it decreases the body’s ability to produce testosterone.
• Intake of vitamin E should be increased. Foods high in vitamin E include wheat germ oil, almonds, sunflower seed or oil, peanuts, soybeans, whole wheat products and asparagus. Kiwi and fresh oyster can also be taken together as an aphrodisiac.
• Shellfish, oyster, shrimps, cashews, beef and mushrooms are all foods that either contain high protein or zinc that may increase libido. However, these foods often are high in cholesterol and should not be over-consumed or otherwise will cause blockage and achieve the opposite effect.
• Impotence is sometimes caused by circulatory problems. In such cases, increase the consumption of foods rich in niacin (eggs, peanut butter, avocado, and fish) and vitamin E (raw wheat germ and vegetable oil).
• Zinc is also beneficial in preventing impotence and reduced sperm count. Zinc is found in such foods as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, oysters, soy, and eggs. Avoid eating foods that deplete the body of zinc, such as alcohol and coffee.

The Tao of Nutrition by Ni and McNease

• Impotence

§         Recommendations: scallions, scallion seeds, lamb, sea cucumber, shrimps, rooster, bitter melon seeds, ginseng, black beans, kidney beans, yams, and lycium fruit. Maintaining a calm composure.

§         Avoid obscene visual stimulation, dairy products, sweets, masturbation, overwork, and too much sex.

• For more information, please refer to The Tao of Nutrition by Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease.

LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTIONS

• Avoid cigarette smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke.
• Vigorous exercise, hot tubs, saunas and tight underwear lead to increased temperature in the testicles and reduced sperm count.
• Refrain from sexual activity when exhausted or under stress. Do not overindulge in sexual activity when any weakness in function or performance is present.
• Exercises for men with impotence and premature ejaculation:

• Tip-toe and clench one’s teeth while urinating. This simple posture will tighten and strengthen the muscles surrounding the groin to help condition the Kidney qi. This is also a good exercise to help with terminal dripping in elderly patients. Women can practice this exercise by squatting and tip-toeing over the toilet while urinating. This exercise for women will strengthen and tighten the muscles and ligaments surrounding the reproductive organs to help treat prolapse of the bladder and uterus or frequent urinary urges due to Kidney yang deficiency. It also tightens the muscles surrounding the vagina and can be recommended to the partners of those taking Alive or those who have low libido to enhance pleasure. Results can be expected in a few months if practiced daily and consistently.

• Exercises for women with low libido:

§         Walking on the balls of the feet with the navel pulled towards the spine and the heels off the ground, taking care to breathe deeply. Engaging in the Kegel exercise (attempting to use vaginal muscles to stop and start the flow of urine rapidly and frequently at each time of urinating) while also clenching the teeth and breathing through the nose. Exercises such as the following may be helpful if practiced regularly.

• There are five conditions when sexual activity should be avoided: when one is hungry, full, drunk, emotionally unstable (angry, sad, fearful, hateful or worrying) or recovery from a chronic illness.

CLINICAL NOTES

• Alive is an excellent male and female tonic to increase sexual prowess and strengthen sexual energy. It is important to keep in mind that Alive nourishes the body from within to change the underlying constitution of the person. It does not provide an immediate boost of sexual power.
• The practitioner may be able to find in chiropractic or medical supply catalogs a small piece of furniture that fits around the toilet to provide a safe, stable platform to support the feet several inches off the floor, promoting a more natural 'squatting' posture for the individual seated on the toilet. This may assist in promoting complete evacuation of the bladder and bowels, enhancing the effort to strengthen normal function and organ position.

 CAUTIONS

•   Patients who wear a pacemaker, or individuals who take anti-arrhythmic drugs or cardiac glycosides such as Lanoxin (Digoxin), should not take this formula. Fu Zi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata) may interact with these drugs by affecting the rhythm and potentiating the contractile strength of the heart.
• Patients who are on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies, such as Coumadin (Warfarin), should use this formula with caution, as there may be a slightly higher risk of bleeding and bruising.
• Alive should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing hypertension, since many herbs in this formula are warm or hot in nature and may raise the blood pressure.
• This formula is contraindicated in individuals with exterior or excess conditions, such as infections or inflammations.
• Because this formula is warm to hot in property, prolonged use may be associated with reactions such as thirst, dry mouth, warm sensations, constipation, flushed face, and nosebleeds. To avoid these reactions, decrease the dosage or temporarily discontinue the formula.

Yang tonics have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine to treat male sexual disorders. Alive is formulated with yang-restoring Chinese herbs that are directly linked to the increased secretion of endogenous hormones, such as corticosterone, cortisol and testosterone. ^1,2

Rou Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi), Suo Yang (Herba Cynomorii), Yin Yang Huo (Herba Epimedii) and Fu Zi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata) have been studied extensively and have demonstrated effects to enhance the production of corticosterone and testosterone. Yin Yang Huo (Herba Epimedii) significantly increased the level of corticosterone; and Rou Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi) and Yin Yang Huo (Herba Epimedii) significantly increased the level of testosterone.[1] The findings in this study were verified by another study in which Rou Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi), Yin Yang Huo (Herba Epimedii) and Fu Zi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata) restored yang deficiency by increasing cortisol secretion.[2]

Yin Yang Huo (Herba Epimedii) has been studied extensively for its influence on the secretion of endogenous hormones. It has demonstrated effects to increase the levels of corticosterone, cortisol, and testosterone. ^1,2 In addition, it has androgen-like effects as it stimulates sexual activity, increases sperm production, and heightens sexual desire. ³ In addition, other herbs such as Ba Ji Tian (Radix Morindae Officinalis), Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae), Tu Si Zi (Semen Cuscutae) and Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii) have similar functions and are commonly used in treatment of male sexual disorders. Clinical applications of Alive include, but not are limited to, impotence, spermatorrhea, frequent urination, and male infertility.[3]

PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS & CHINESE MEDICINE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

One striking difference between western and traditional Chinese medicine is that western medicine focuses and excels in crisis management, while traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes and shines in holistic and preventative treatments. Therefore, in emergencies, such as gun shot wounds or surgery, western medicine is generally the treatment of choice. However, for treatment of chronic idiopathic illness of unknown origins, where all lab tests are normal and a clear diagnosis cannot be made, traditional Chinese medicine is distinctly superior.

Western Medical Approach: Sexual disorders such as erectile disorder, is treated with drugs such as Viagra (Sildenafil) and Cialis (Tadalafil). These drugs generally have a quick onset of effect, and they work primarily by increasing blood flow to the penis. However, these drugs may cause side effects such as headache, upset stomach, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, flushing, nasal congestion, blindness, breast enlargement, rash, painful erection, prolonged erection, fainting, chest pain, and itching or burning during urination. Furthermore, these drugs are only effective for men, and not for women.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach: One main function of Kidney yang is regulation of sexual and reproductive functions. Alive is a Kidney yang tonic formula that emphasizes more to maintain sexual functions and treat sexual disorders, such as decreased libido in men and women, impotence, premature ejaculation, and spermatorrhea. Though this formula is very effective, it does not have an instantaneous effect, but rather requires continuous use of two to three months for maximum effect.

Summation: Both drugs and herbs are effective for treating sexual disorders. Drugs have quick onset of action, but they only have one specific indication, are effective only for men, and have numerous significant side effects. Herbs have a gradual onset of action, but may be used in both men and women to treat a wide variety of sexual disorders. Furthermore, herbs are safe and natural, and have few or no side effects. Finally, it is important to remember that neither drugs nor herbs prevent pregnancy nor do they protect either partner from sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.

CASE STUDIES

A 65-year-old male presented with generalized male sexual dysfunction, possibly due to old age and/or use of high blood pressure medications. The diagnosis was Kidney yang and qi deficiencies. The patient was instructed to take Alive with good results noted within one week.

R.C., M.D., Ph.D., NY, New York

T.S. is female who presented with pain (especially of the joints of the limbs), coldness of the fingers and difficulty falling asleep. Objective findings revealed that her fingers were icy and cyanotic. Her leg muscles appeared to be abnormally tight. Her blood pressure was 110/80 mmHg and her heart rate was 78 beats per minute. She also received monthly rheumatoid arthritis shots. Western diagnosis for this patient was fibromyalgia. The TCM diagnosis was yang deficiency. Alive was prescribed and the patient reported she felt the formula worked well in improving her condition and relieving the pain. 

M.W., San Diego, California