Male menopause, often referred to as “manopause”, is a hot topic in the medical community. We know that women go through hormonal changes after a certain age. Do men as well?  Yes. Manopause changes usually manifest as a drop in testosterone levels. This can lead to loss of sexual drive, erectile dysfunction, infertility, insomnia, emotional changes (anxiety or depression), and lower energy.

In Chinese medicine, a drop in testosterone levels is usually related to the energetic functioning of the Kidney. This organ is the energetic powerhouse for the entire body. It is also responsible for supporting men’s reproductive and hormonal health. When the Kidney is out of balance or depleted due to chronic stress, overworking, or excessive sexual activity, men often experience physical symptoms. Lower back and knee pain, tinnitus, premature hair graying or hair loss, and bladder or prostate issues, in addition to the symptoms mentioned previously, all link to a Kidney function disorder.

Luckily, these symptoms can be easily addressed. Here are a few tips to boost your Kidney function and keep manopause at bay:

Tip #1: Release stress in a healthy way. Men are often expected to “man up and take it”. But keeping worry, stress, and fears inside uses up precious energy. Give yourself permission to cry, shout, or just say what’s on your mind. Letting off steam saves a tremendous amount of energy in the long run.

Tip #2: Know when to stop and rest. Giving yourself permission to slow down isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s the smart thing to do when you’re exhausted. Going to bed early (at least before midnight)  zis the easiest way to recharge Kidney energy.

Tip #3: Choose foods wisely. It’s easy to grab a quick lunch between meetings or work through lunch. Instead, take the healthier route—eat a healthy meal in a quiet and peaceful place. Choose seasonal fruits and cooked vegetables. Cooking vegetables helps the body allocate energy toward healing that it would’ve otherwise used to process and digest food.

Tip #4: Find an energy practice that you resonate with. Qigong, Tai Chi and meditation are great ways to recharge your batteries while releasing stress. These mind-body activities provide numerous mental and physical health benefits. Learn how Qigong practice can help you discover your Inner-net and connect to Universal wisdom.