The "Cross Training" Support Program ® was developed by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac as a multi-layered health system for healing. This great resource is for those looking for a sensible and rational easy-to-use guide to the best researched alternative therapies. Developed and referenced from the foremost experts on nutrition, herbs, acupuncture, exercise, homeopathy, healing touch and the metaphysical arts, this program allows one to use an "across the board" methods in health and healing.
The following maladies are all situations that can be helped with Aromatherapy, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Exercise, Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes, Crystals and/or Homeopathy. These "Complementary Therapies" are the 'cross training program' of Alternative Medicine and is only a jumping point in the healing process. You may access other modalities at the menu bar to the left.
*Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as
diagnosis, treatment, or prescription of any kind. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader.
See also acupuncture,
andropause,
anxiety,
arterial health, erectile dysfunction, urinary tract infections
The prostate gland is below the base of the bladder of a man's urogenital tract. This gland is about the size of a walnut and has the consistency of a water chestnut. While the prostate is considered a major accessory sex gland, the way it functions is not well-understood. With younger men, the prostate rarely receives medical attention except for treatment of infections or cancer screening as part of a physical exam.
As a man ages, the cells that make up the prostate tend to multiply. The chance of having prostate problems tends to increase equally as a man ages. For instance, a man who is 50 years old has a 50% chance of having prostate issues. 60 years old, 60% chance and so on. Besides age, family history is the only other risk indicator. Throughout a man's life he produces testosterone and smaller amounts of estrogen.
Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate, is either acute or chronic and is often found in younger men. Symptoms include: frequent urge to urinate, burning pain and difficulty urinating. Also, there maybe painful ejaculations, low back pain or inflamed testes.
As a man ages, testosterone levels decrease as estrogen levels increase. He tends to become more vulnerable to the effects of certain hormones, including (DHT) dihydrotestosterone, which also rise. As DHT stimulates cell growth, the cells multiply and cause the gland to increase in size. This noncancerous growth is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It becomes a medical issue when the prostate grows large enough to obstruct the urethra, the canal that carries urine from the bladder to the tip of the penis.
Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) include a frequent urge to urinate, increased urination during the night, urinary urgency, difficulty starting urination, trouble with ejaculation and dribbling at the end of urination. Although annoying, an enlarged prostate usually is not serious unless it impairs complete emptying of the bladder. During your routine physical, your doctor will do a simple digital rectal exam (DRE) and a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test, which is done to keep a close watch on your prostate.
Prostate Cancer can develop in 1 out of 8 American men and 80% of all cases occur in men over 65. For early detection of prostate cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends that all men after the age of 40, have a digital rectal exam (DRE) and that all men after the age of 50 have a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test.
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Acute bacterial prostatitis is characterized by a very tender, warm, swollen, firm gland. When acute bacterial prostatitis is suspected, prostate massage should be avoided because of the risk of causing the presence of bacteria in the blood (bacteremia).
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is the occurrence of relapsing urinary tract infections. They often involve the same bacterial pathogen. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is often differentiated between:
Nonbacterial prostatitis: refers to a condition that affects patients who present with symptoms of prostatitis without a positive result after urine culture or expressed prostate secretion (EPS) culture.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS): also referred to as Prostatodynia, is unexplained pelvic pain in men. This pain is associated with painful urination symptoms and/or pain located in the groin, genitals or perineum, with no signs of pus cells (pyuria) or bacteria (bacteriuria) seen on microscopic analysis of the urine. There does tend to be excess WBCs or bacteria seen on gram stain and culture of expressed prostatic secretions (EPS).
Cytokines, which are special signaling molecules, are produced by white blood cells (WBC), among other cells, may play a role in CPPS syndrome. While certain cytokines stimulate an inflammatory reaction, others inhibit inflammation.
The same cytokine may act as either an antagonist influence or an inhibiting influence in different areas under varying conditions.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is relapsing urinary tract infections, often interspersed with asymptomatic periods, and are common in men with chronic bacterial prostatitis. Although some men are diagnosed because of asymptomatic bacteriuria,
most have varying degrees of painrful urination (dysuria), frequency, and urgency. Some men report feelings of vague discomfort in the pelvis and perineum. Chronic bacterial prostatitis may be associated with symptoms of perineal, scrotal, and low back discomfort.
Sometimes blood in the sperm (hematospermia) or clear urethral discharge may occur.
For a more precise diagnosis, prostatic fluid, semen culture and postmassage urine cultures should be taken.
There maybe vague discomfort in pelvis, perineum, lower abdomen, back and testicles.
Physical findings on palpation (digital rectal exam) are often unremarkable.
An elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level may typically indicated prostatitis including bacterial prostatitis.
A urine culture with greater than 100,000 colony-forming units (CFU) of Escherichia coli (E coli), the most common pathogen in acute and chronic prostatitis.
-The other members of the Enterobacteriaceae family
-Klebsiella species
-Enterobacter species
-Proteus enterococci species
-Pseudomonas species
-Staphylococcus species
are also known pathogens. Chlamydia trachomatis has been implicated as a cause of chronic bacterial prostatitis. This organism is unlikely to play a major role in the etiology of chronic bacterial prostatitis.
E coli infection accounts for 80% of cases of chronic bacterial prostatitis.
prostatic calculi are associated with a higher risk of chronic bacterial prostatitis. They are rarely (felt) palpable on a prostate examination.
Prostatic calculi, although an unspecific finding, often develop in men with chronic bacterial prostatitis; prostatic calculi may serve as a nidus for recurrent infection. A newly described entity termed nanobacteria is thought to play a significant role in urologic stone disease, including prostatic calculi.2 Nanobacteria may play a role in the chronic nature of this condition. Studies are currently underway to further delineate the role of these organisms in chronic bacterial prostatitis.
The actual routes of prostatic infection are unknown in most cases. Various etiologies may be found as a cause including ascending urethral infection, previous gonococcal prostatitis, as well as the finding of identical organisms in prostatic fluid and Intraprostatic urinary reflux (urine backing up).
Western Medical Approach for Bacterial Prostatitis
Treatment should be decided based on urinary culture results. Antimicrobial agents that most effectively penetrate into the prostatic fluid, such as fluoroquinolones and TMP-SMZ, are the treatment choices for chronic bacterial prostatitis.
An initial course of therapy, typically about 4 weeks, should prompt longer courses of treatment as best results have been observed with a 12 week course of therapy. High bactericidal activity has been demonstrated against the Enterobacteriaceae group of bacteria and P aeruginosa using fluoroquinolones, a class of antimicrobial agents that inhibits bacterial DNA replication and protein synthesis.
Penicillins are ineffective, with the exception of carbenicillin indanyl sodium at 500 mg/d. Carbenicillin may be effective for Enterobacteriaceae or Pseudomonas infections. Large-scale studies are not available.
Eastern Approach for Bacterial Prostatitis
Following the guide for urinary tract infections (aka candidiasis) is a crucial form of treatment for Bacterial Prostatitis.
Zinc supplements have been suggested as part of a holistic therapy, A zinc-containing polypeptide called prostatic antibacterial factor (PAF) may be an important antimicrobial factor within the prostate. Zinc deficiency has been linked to an enlarged prostate. Although the body may be deficient, only a very little zinc is needed and safe. 80 mg per day is the recommended dose. (Over 100 mg per day has been shown to decrease immune function).
Magnesium, calcium, and lysozyme have been found in prostate fluid, also rich in spermine, which has activity against gram-positive bacteria.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and hot sitz baths are often used clinically for symptomatic relief.
Frequent prostate massage is advocated by some in the treatment of difficult cases with persistent positive cultures.
Preliminary findings suggest that anti-nanobacterial therapy improves symptoms and decreases or eliminates prostatic calculi in patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis
Exercise advice suggests patients to avoid bicycling or other activities that may put pressure on the perineal region.
The role of ejaculation in the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis is unknown. One theory is that frequent ejaculation may assist in clearing prostatitic secretions, therefore, allowing for quicker resolution. The question is "what is frequent for you?" Moderation is the key.
See Nutritional Advise (below)
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There has been a direct correlation between obesity, diabetes and high glucose levels, which contribute to prostatitis and BHP.
One of the single most preventatives is a proper diet. Because diet strongly influences sex hormone production, including testosterone, it is important to cut back on excess meat consumption (which triples the risk), full fat, dairy products (which doubles the risk) and a lack of vegetables and fruits in the diet (which quadruple the risk).
Include legumes in your diet such as beans and peas.
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A note on tomatoes. Rich in lycopene, tomatoes are a preventative food and are beneficial. Cooked tomatoes and tomato sauce are known to have the phytonutrient, lycopene, which has shown to fight off prostate cancer by 35 to 45 percent in those who eat it ten times or more a week. Proper absorption is key and that includes lycopene with some good fat, which tomato sauce has. Ten tablespoons of spaghetti sauce will do the trick as opposed to 164 raw tomatoes per week.
Once a man has a problem with the prostate eliminate tomato and tomato products as they are too acid for an environment where inflammation is present.
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Eliminate items such as tobacco, alcoholic beverages (especially beer and wine), caffeine (especially coffee and tea), chlorinated and fluoridated water.
Avoid spicy and caffeine-containing foods, sugar and carbohydrates high on the glycemic index.
Juice Therapy for inflammatory problems includes a particularly blend of carrot, asparagus, lettuce and spinach as a drink, twice a day.
Drink 2-3 quarts of spring or distilled water daily to stimulate urine flow, which also helps to flush the kidneys, prevents cystitis and dehydration.
Black and Green Tea for years, studies have indicated that the antioxidants in green tea offer protection. One of the most beneficial of these antioxidants is called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). According to the University of California Wellness Letter, Mar 2002, regular black tea is turning out to be just as healthful as green tea. The evidence for tea's health effects comes mainly from lab studies, though some human studies point to possible benefits in preventing heart disease and cancer. EGCG, inhibited an enzyme that cancer cells need in order to grow. The cancer cells that couldn't grow big enough to divide self-destructed.
Sugar and Inflammation is one of the reasons inflammation occurs is from a rapid rise in blood sugar, which causes biochemical changes in the cell. Staying away from sugar and high-glycemic (simple) carbohydrates, which the body rapidly converts to sugar, is one of the best ways to decrease inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key factor of inflammation. In a major study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, people with elevated CRP levels were four and one-half times more likely to have a heart attack.
Balance the Body's pH is important to keep the body as pH balanced as possible. Most people's diets tend to be more on the acidic side. Therefore, eating more alkaline forming foods (plant based) helps to maintain proper pH balance. Eat foods such as non citrus fruits and plenty of vegetables, some dairy such as cottage cheese and yogurt, organic skinless chicken, turkey or grass feed, lean beef and fish. Buy dried beans such as garbanzo beans and black beans, consider whole grains such as brown rice and oats, as well as a handful of healthy fats in nuts and seeds.
Garlic and Cipro: A recent study in rats found that garlic was superior to placebo in terms of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect. This study also demonstrated a statistically significant synergistic effect of ciprofloxacin plus garlic compared with ciprofloxacin alone. Studies in humans are needed to determine if these effects would translate into a clinical setting.
With your lycopene, take 200 micrograms of Selenium a day to decrease your risk of prostate (and other cancers) by 50%. Selenium is a mineral found in vegetables such as garlic, which absorb selenium from the soil.
Vitamin B complex (make sure vitamin B6 is in this, is essential for cellular function.
Vitamin C works in synergy with Vitamin E and helps increase its function. Take 600-1000 mg, twice a day.
Consider Vitamin E, especially mixed tocopherols, which appears to work in synergy with lycopene to help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Take 400 IU daily.
A diet that includes Flaxseed, flaxseed oil and fish oils contain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids appear to help protect against prostate cancer. Take 3 grams daily.
Folate (800 mg daily), a B complex and Zinc (15 mg daily) have shown to increase fertility and improve sperm motility.
Saw Palmetto has been clinically proven to inhibit the enzyme involved in converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. These powerful berries from the saw palmetto palm tree, improve urine flow and decrease inflammation of the prostate gland. Take 160 mg, twice daily.
L-arginine (2 grams daily), an amino acid found in pumpkin seeds and L-citrulline (500 mg twice daily) may possibly increase nitric oxide production, which in turn increases blood flow and therefore can prevent erectile dysfunction and increase sperm count. Foods high in both these amino acids include pumpkin seeds, almonds, cocoa and real (dark) chocolate, garbanzo beans, peanuts, salmon, soy and walnuts.
Zinc supplements have been suggested as part of a holistic therapy, A zinc-containing polypeptide called prostatic antibacterial factor (PAF) may be an important antimicrobial factor within the prostate. Although the body may be deficient, only a very little zinc is needed and safe. 80 mg per day.
Magnesium, calcium, and lysozyme have been found in prostate fluid, also rich in spermine, which has activity against gram-positive bacteria.
Consider the Full Spectrum Diet, which includes: phytochemicals (5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables daily), 30 grams of fiber, flavinoids (found in red and purple grapes, red wine and black tea).
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners. Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It's foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.
Herbs are the "medicinals" in holistic healing. Chinese herbs are specifically used to create a decoction or "tea" and is a very powerful part of healing dis-ease. Herbal decoctions may also be given in "tea pills", tinctures, granules or as an external patch, compress, or bath.
Chinese medicine regards prostate problems as excess dampness and Qi stagnation. Please go to: Chinese Medical Terminology for further explanation.
Acupuncture for treating prostatitis helps with decreasing inflammation, helps the body fight ascending urethral infection, gonococcal prostatitis, as well as decreasing organisms in prostatic fluid and Intraprostatic urinary reflux (urine backing up).
Acupuncture Effect on Immune Function
At least seven human studies have evaluated the effect of acupuncture on immune system function in patients with prostatitis.
Four randomized controlled trials,[1,2,4,5] a nonrandomized clinical study,[3] and two case series [6,7] found that acupuncture enhanced or regulated immune function.
The first randomized controlled trial found that acupuncture treatment enhanced platelet count and prevented leukocyte decrease after radiation therapy or chemotherapy, in comparison with the control group.[1]
A second study involved a group of 40 patients, 20 of whom received daily acupuncture treatment and 20 of whom served as a control group. After 3 days, leukocyte phagocytosis was enhanced in the treated group, compared with the baseline measurement (P < .01); no such enhancement was observed in the control group.[2]
A third study observed the effect of acupuncture on interleukin-2 (IL-2) and natural killer (NK) cell activity in the peripheral blood of patients with malignant tumors. The patients were divided into an acupuncture treatment group (n = 25), which received 30 minutes of acupuncture daily for 10 days, and a nonacupuncture control group (n = 20). The data showed that IL-2 level and NK cell activity were significantly increased in the acupuncture group, compared with the control group (P < .01).[4]
A fourth study observed the effect of acupuncture on T- lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+), soluble IL-2 receptor (SIL-2R), and beta- endorphin (beta-EP) in the peripheral blood of patients with malignant tumors. The data showed that acupuncture treatment increased the proportion of the CD3+ and CD4+ T-lymphocyte subsets, the CD4+/CD8+ ratio (P < .01), and the level of beta-EP. It decreased the level of SIL-2R (P < .01). The investigators suggested that the anticancer effect of acupuncture may be mediated via the mechanism of immunomodulation. [5]
In a clinical case series, 28 patients who were treated with electroacupuncture (EA) while undergoing chemotherapy experienced no declines in T cells (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) or in NK cell activity, both of which are usually suppressed by chemotherapy.[7] Similar findings were reported in a study comparing EA to the control in patients receiving chemotherapy for breast, colorectal cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.[8]
In another clinical case series, 48 patients with leukopenia —including two cancer patients—who were treated with manual acupuncture experienced improvements in leukocyte count, intracutaneous phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, and IgM) levels after 14 daily acupuncture treatments, compared with their pretreatment levels.[6]
Differential Diagnosis
1. Acute prostatitis
Accumulation and/or attack of damp heat with symptoms including chills, fever, achiness, headache, restlessness, constipation, urination urgency, blood in the urine, pain and discomfort in genital area, hips and/or perineum, referred pain to lumbar/sacrum and thigh, Tongue body is red with yellow greasy coating. Pulse is slippery and rapid.
Consider acupoints including UB 23, 25, UB54, Sj5, SP6, 9, Lv2, 3, 8, ST36, GB34, LI11,
2. Chronic prostatitis
1. Liver stagnant due to cold: pain in the lower abdomen and testes, aggravated by cold, relieved by heat, cold in abdomen, clear urine, restricted urination, white fluid drops after urine. Tongue is pale with greasy coat. Pulse is slow, bow like and deep.
Consider acupoints including UB54 ST29 Ren3,4, 6, Lv3, 8
2. Kidney deficiency with back pain:
Consider acupoints including UB23, 24 UB52, KD 3, 7
3. Kidney essence deficiency with impotence, spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation:
Consider acupoints including SP6,9 ST36, KD3, 7
4. Spleen deficiency:
Consider acupoints including ST36, SP4,6 Ren 6,12, 17, PC6, HT7
5. Damp heat pouring down into the urinary bladder: frequent and urgent urination with short voids sometimes accompanied with soreness, urine can be dark yellow in color, maybe blood in urine in some severe cases. There can be a bitter taste in the mouth and/or dryness in the throat. There may also be a hot sensation in the genitals and/or pain in the perineum. Tongue body is red with thin yellow coating.
Pulse is thready and rapid.
Consider acupoints including GB30,34 UB32, LV2, 3, 8, ST36
6. Liver/Kidney Yin deficiency: lower back pain, soreness,weakness of knees, feverish sensation of palms and soles, night sweat, spermatorrhea, vertigo and dizziness, pain in the perineum, maybe burning sensation in the urethra. Tongue body is red with thin yellow coating. Pulse is thready and rapid.
Consider acupoints including UB32. Ren3, LV3, 8, KD 3, 6, 7
7. Kidney Yang deficiency: Dribbling urination, void not complete and or weak urination. Complexion is pale. Even Spirit is defeated with an insufficiency of vitality and energy, cold lower back with weakness in the sacrum and knees. Tongue is pale with white coat. Pulse is deep and thready.
Consider acupoints including Ren3,4, GB34, SP6, UB23, 35, KD 3, 6, 7
Auricular Acupuncture
Ear Acupoints: Urethra, Urinary Bladder, Prostate
Visit Your TCM practitioner for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Horsetail can be given to assist in urination. Take this tincture throughout the day as a natural diuretic.
Panax Ginseng is recommended for an enlarged prostate. Use these granules to make a tea, 3 times a day.
Nettle Leaf The active ingredients in this herb supresses prostatic cell growth and decreases inflammation. Take the recommended dosage when a problem flares up, then reduce to 1/3 the dosage to keep matters under control.
Saw Palmetto has been clinically proven to inhibit the enzyme involved in converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. These powerful berries from the saw palmetto palm tree, improve urine flow and decrease inflammation of the prostate gland. Take 160 mg, twice daily.
Watercress is a traditional remedy that is a tonifying herb. Eat the leaves or take the tincture as often as possible in order to alleviate any problems.
Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of the medicinal properties of herbs. Tinctures represent one of many different ways to prepare and use herbs. The terms tincture and extract are often used interchangeably.
Shake the tincture bottle well. As a dietary supplement, place 1 to 3 droppers under the tongue, or in juice or water as needed, 2-3 times a day.
Circulation Support: Hawthorn berries, Ginger, Angelica, Bayberry Bark, Hyssop, Prickley Ash bark, Cloves, Cayenne.
Infection: Echinacea, Yarrow, Myrrh, Goldenseal, Black Walnut, Marshmallow, Plantain & Cayenne.
Male Power: Korean Ginseng, Tienchi Ginseng, American Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Mura Puama, Nettle, Astragalus, Saw Palmento.
Prostate Support: Saw Palmetto, Buchu, Parsley root, Hydrangea, Cornsilk, Horsetail, American Ginseng.
Aromatherapy Aromatherapy blends can reduce inflammation, as a diuretic and to ease symptoms. Helpful, are essential oils of bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, sandalwood and myrrh oils are all beneficial for prostate problems.
Clary Sage and Geranium: contains several estrogen-like oils that, when blended together, work for this condition. Blend these oils together for a massage oil or add them to bath water.
Bergamot, with Chamomile and Myrrh are anti-inflammatory essential oils and will help to ease symptoms of prostatitis.
Cedarwood, with Frankincense and Sandalwood are diuretic oils and can be used in the bath and in massage oil.
Utilize these blends of essential oils 3 times a day, morning, afternoon and night:
Angel's Mist Prostate Rub Remedy Blend
Angel's Mist Prostate Massage Remedy Blend
Angel's Mist Prostate Bath Remedy Blend
This medical system uses infinitesimal doses of natural substances to stimulate a person's immune system and body's natural defenses. Homeopathic remedies are named for the plant or animal ingredients they are made from. Homeopathy not only offers relief from temporary disorders but, can provide long term healing of a person due to its individual and "wholistic" approach. This often leads to a complete recovery from the dis-ease, as well as, providing an improved understanding of the patient's situation. This type of healing makes it easier and possible to avoid recurrence or relapses in the future and homeopathy stimulates the body's natural defense system by reestablishing normal immune system and cell functioning.
Arg. Nit can be taken for impotence, loss of erection on penetration, low libido and pain on intercourse. Can be taken 4 times daily, for 3-4 weeks.
Sabal can be taken for difficulty with urination, painful urination or intercourse, spasm pain and enlarged prostate.
Pulsatilla can be utilized for yellow discharge from the penis and an urge to urinate.
Thuja is for a burning sensation at the neck of the bladder and a frequent need to urinate.
Baryta carb. can be used for frequent urge to urinate, a slow stream of urine and premature ejaculation.
Iodum is considered when there is are shrinking testicles, a hard prostate gland and impotence.
The mysterious and amazing healing power of water has been utilized for centuries. Water cleanses, refreshes and restores all life. We are always drawn to water. Be it a soothing fountain or majestic waterfall. Water is a carrier. It flows. It moves along the line of least resistance to find its way to the ocean where comes and goes in the ebb and flow of tides and waves. The appeal is inexplicable! We crave water, maybe because our bodies are made up of a large percent of it. Maybe beacuse we instinctively know how it can heal us.
Hydrotherapy is the use of water in any form, in the treatment of dis-ease. Hydrotherapy was used by the ancient Greek physicians. The use of baths for such purposes as well as for religious purification, personal cleanliness, and private or social relaxation dates from at least the time of ancient Greece. A German, Vincenz Priessnitz, popularized the use of spas in Germany and elsewhere in Europe, where they are still popular today.
Hydrotherapy has a number of uses. Warm water will relax spasm; thus, hydrotherapy has been useful in treating such conditions as muscular strains and sprains, muscular fatigue, and backache. Heat is often used in conjunction with massage or other manipulative or stimulative treatments, such as the whirlpool bath. Sitz baths (sitting in hot water) are effective in the treatment of many disorders. Water is also useful in physical therapy because patients who exercise in a buoyant medium can move weak parts of their bodies without contending with the strong force of gravity.
A hot sitz bath may be beneficial for prostate inflammation. Fill the tub with enough hot water to cover the navel, then sit down and soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Follow with a cold bath or shower. Use this treatment once a day for 30 days or until symptoms subside.
Prevention is the key.
Maintain a proper diet. Because diet strongly influences sex hormone production, including testosterone, it is important to cut back on excess meat consumption, full fat, dairy products and a lack of vegetables and fruits in the diet.
Consider eating flaxseed, fish or adding fish oils contain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids appear to help protect against prostate cancer.
Consider taking a Multi-vitamin daily, containing Vitamins, C, E, Selenium, Magnesium, Zinc and Lycopene.
Frequent prostate massage is advocated by some in the treatment of difficult cases with persistent positive cultures.
Get Exercise on a regular basis, at least 3 times a week. Patients should avoid bicycling or other activities that may put pressure on the perineal region.
The role of ejaculation in the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis is unknown. One theory is that frequent ejaculation may help clear prostatitic secretions, therefore, allowing for quicker resolution.
Stress Reduction: Although stress cannot be totally eliminated from our lives, we can learn to manage it more effectively. Any reduction in stress will be associated with an improved sense of well-being and increased energy. The following are some useful stress reduction techniques:
1. Identify causes of stress in your life and share your thoughts and feelings.
2. Simplify your responsibilities by setting priorities.
3. Try relaxation and meditation exercises.
4. Manage your time and conserve your energy.
5. Ask for help when needed.
6. Set both short-term and life goals for yourself.
7. Keep as active as possible both physically and mentally.
8. Recognize the things that you cannot change and don't waste your time trying.
9. Make time for fun activities and maintain your sense of humor.
10. Anxiety plays a large role in aggravating prostate issues. Reframe your mental picture. Start seeing yourself as strong, viral and empowered!
The pelvic floor muscles are located in your lower abdomen and include a variety of organs and muscles, including the prostate. Anytime you focus on the pelvic floor muscles you will receive the added benefit of increased bowel movements and better balance in your physical life. Poor blood circulation in the pelvic region may exacerbate prostate problems. In addition to the mental and emotional benefits of regular yoga practice, certain yoga postures help to lessen congestion and improve blood circulation and energy flow in this region, breaking down neuro-muscular knots in the pelvic region, toning and massaging the organs and muscles and enhancing healing in the area of the prostate.
Yoga poses can increase blood flow to the groin, thereby relieving certain prostate problems.
Kegel exercises, which help strengthen the urinary sphincter, are also a best bet for men with prostate problems. This exercise strengthens the plevic floor muscles.
Virasana or Bhekasana (Half Frog Pose), postures benefit the overall function of the urogenital tract.
Standing postures such as Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose) I and II and Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) help stimulate the liver meridian, another key factor in prostate health.
Restrained Ankle Pose stimulates the abdominal wall, bladder, kidneys and pelvic floor. After bounding the ankles slowly lean forward.
Kneeling Pose is done by sitting on the heels, with a straight back. Relax. Separate the feet and slowly sink in between, letting the buttocks touch the floor, doing this slowly and carefully so as not to strain knee ligaments. Make sure feet are not turned out. This increased circulation to prostate gland or uterus.
Other great yoga postures for the prostate include:
Vajroli mudra
Sit in any comfortable sitting position, with spine and neck straight. Place your hands on your knees, palms facing upwards and lightly touch the tip of your forefinger to the tip of your thumbs in Chin Mudra. Close your eyes and relax the body, taking your awareness to the urethra. Take a deep breath in, hold it, and draw the muscles of the urethra upwards and contracting the pelvic floor muscles. This movement is similar to holding back an intense need to urinate. The testes should move slightly when you do this. Bending forward just a little helps. Hold the contraction as long as you can and then exhale as you release and relax. This is one round. Initially practice three rounds, slowly increasing to 10 or 15 rounds.
Note: It is preferable to practice this mudra on an empty stomach. Do not practice it if you have an infection of the urethra as it may add to the irritation. You may start by holding the contraction for just a few seconds, gradually building up as you go.
Vajroli Mudra regulates and tones the uro-genital system and helps to correct benign
prostatic hypertrophy. 2
Chakki Chalanasana - Churning the Mill
Sitting with your legs about one foot apart, stretched out in front of you, interlock your fingers and hold your arms out straight in front of your chest, keeping the elbows straight throughout. Imitating the way in which an old-fashion stone grinder would churn a mill, exhale as you bend as far forward as you can and then move towards your right side, passing your fingers over the top of your right toes. Draw backwards as far as you can, breathing in, and then reach forward, passing the fingers over the top of the left toes. Continue this circular movement, moving from the waist. One rotation is one round. Complete 5 to 10 rounds clockwise and then anti-clockwise.
Repeat stage one, but keep the legs as far apart as you can. Complete 5 to 10 rounds clockwise and then anti-clockwise.
Nauka Sanchalanasana - Rowing the boat
Sit with your legs stretched out in front of you and keep them straight throughout the practice. Clench your hands as if you were grasping the oars of a boat, keeping your palms facing down. Take a deep breath in and then breathe out as you bend forward from your waist, as far as is comfortable, straightening the arms. Breathe in as you lean right back, drawing your hand back towards your shoulders. This is one round. Let the movement of the hands be circular so that as you lean back the arms move past the sides of your legs and along the side of the torso towards your shoulders. Complete 5 to 10 rounds clockwise and then anti-clockwise.
Sit in the same position as stage one, but with the legs about one metre apart. With your legs straight throughout, repeat the stage one, keeping your awareness on the pelvic area. Complete 5 to 10 rounds clockwise and then anti-clockwise.
Vajrasana - Thunderbolt Pose
Kneel on the floor with your buttocks touching your heels. Keep the big toes together and move the heels as far apart as you can. Rest your hands on your knees, palms facing upwards. Keep your head level and your spine straight but relaxed, with minimum arching in the lower back. Close your eyes and relax your body. Allowing the breath to be normal, keep your attention on your breath and observe the inhalation and exhalation as they come and go. Sit in this position for at least five minutes, or as long as you can, progressively increasing the time during each practice. If your knees become sore, shake your legs out behind you by coming up onto your hands and knees. For extra comfort, place a small blanket or a towel between your buttocks and
your heels and/or between your heels and the floors.
Vajrasana alters the flow of blood and nervous impulses in the pelvic region and
strengthens the pelvic muscles. 1
Siddhasana - Accomplished Pose for Men
Sit on the floor with your legs stretched in front of you. Bend the right leg, placing the soul of the foot against the inner left thigh, firmly pressing the heel into the perineum (half way between the genitals and the anus) so that you are partly sitting onto the right heel. If you can bend the left leg and place the left ankle directly on top of the right so the ankles are touching, heels one above the other. Press the pubis with the left heal. By now the genitals should be sitting between the two heels. For those who are more flexible, tuck the toes of your left foot between the thigh and calf muscle of the right leg and physically pull the toes of the right foot, wedging them between the left calf and thigh. If it is more comfortable, reverse the positioning of the legs. Let the knees relax, preferably touching the floor. If it hurts between your ankles, cushion them with a small cloth or sponge. Straighten the spine and place the hands on the knees with the palms of the hands facing upwards. Note: do not practice this pose if you have sciatica or sacral infections.
Andrew Pacholyk has an extensive background in biomedical science and clinical training. Andrew has done massage, yoga and music therapy for over 15 years and brings his experience as an Acupuncturist and Herbalist to such health facilities as diverse as St. Vincent's Hospital, The Body Center, New York Health Club, The Grand Meridian and his private practice, ProAcuMed Inc. in New York City. Andrew offers a safe and effective method with his diverse knowledge of the healing arts. Andrew is licensed in the State of New York and is accredited and certified by the National Boards in both Acupuncture and Herbology.
The Misson/Vision:
Andrew offers a unique and personal path in developing, understanding and incorporating the power of our belief system and your own inner wisdom in the healing process. Andrew works with:
* Functional and Orthopedic Testing
* Acupuncture and Massage Therapy
* Nutrition, Herbal and Chinese Botanicals
* Cupping, Moxabustion, Electrostimulation
* Mind Medicine, Belief Systems, Emotional Healing
Call Andrew at his office, ProAcuMed at 917 843 3623 or by email Make An Appointment NOW with Andrew
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