Erectile Dysfunction

The inability of a man to achieve or sustain erection it is called erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a very common problem and it is believed that approximately 40% of males suffer from it at one time or another in life. In Ayurveda erectile dysfunction is referred to as ‘Klaibya’.

Numerous factors seem to be responsible for causing erectile dysfunction, e.g. certain drugs (anti-depressants), neurological disorders, cavernosal disorders (Peyronie’s disease) etc. Sometimes impotence can be traced back to certain health problems like diabetes, severe depression, or severe reaction to any drug. Excessive alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking too are causative factors. Psychological factors are also major causes of impotence and can be due to a number of reasons including the increased focus on sexual performance in society.

In Ayurveda excessive intercourse (without using aphrodisiacs), perverted sexual habits and vitiation of vata dosha have also been blamed for causing ED. Whatever the cause, the problem of ED can be very embarrassing and disheartening for both the partners and if it continues for a prolonged period, the psychological factors involved worsen the situation and can cause an unhealthy aversion to sex.

According to Ayurveda, ED is basically a condition of low vitality. Generally vitiation of vata dosha is responsible for Klaibya or ED. On the basis of the cause, seven types of Klaibya are mentioned in Ayurvedic texts, e.g. Manasik klaibya is caused by psycological factors, Doshaj klaibya is caused by physiological factors, Shukrakshayaj is caused by deficiancy of Shukra dhatu, Vyadhij is cause by some other disease like diabetes, Aghataj is caused by surgical or accidental trauma, Shukranirodhaj is caused by suppresion of sexual urge and Sahaj means congenital.

Since Klaibya or ED is primarily Vata disorder, strengthening therapies are utilized in Ayurveda. Vajikarna is a branch of Ayurveda that deals with aphrodisiacs and contains many effective therapies and herbal solutions that can completely cure this disorder. Patients

should follow the underlying guidelines:

• Take simple, chemical free diet, as many chemicals used for growing and manufacturing food articles can affect nervous functioning and sexual arousal.
• Prevent indigestion, constipation and vitiation of Apan Vayu that is resposible for penile erection. So patient should avoid foods that trigger gas formation like potato, beans, peas, brinjal etc and prefer fruit vegetables, spices like dry ginger and drinks like lemon water which release gases easily.
• Excessive salt, acids, tobacco & alcohol too should be avoided. Most of dry fruits, fresh fruits and milk products increase sexual vigour.
• Consuming pure ghee and dry fruits like almond & cashew regularly boost sexual vigour and prevents erectile dysfunction.
• Performing Yogasan & Suryanamaskar regularly improves tone of the muscles required for erection while doing Pranayam brings about mental relaxation and tranqility.