Prostate massage is a technique that has been used for thousands of years. Originally the purpose of prostate massage was to improve a man’s sexual prowess. Wealthy men who had many women to please in their harems would engage a private doctor or monk to perform the massage.
Today prostate massage is used to treat prostatitis, BPH, male infertility, and other prostate disorders, as well as sexual problems. What makes prostate massage effective for these conditions?
It has to do with structure and location. The prostate gland is connected to the autonomic nervous system through many organs and to the brain through hormones that are released by the testes and the pituitary gland. A healthy prostate sends healthy signals to the pituitary, and the pituitary in turn sends messages to other glands (e.g., adrenals, testicles, thyroid). As a result, the testicles manufacture testosterone and high quality sperm, and a man’s sexual energy and stamina are heightened.
When the prostate is inflamed, infected, or congested, the small sacks inside the gland become blocked and accumulate prostatic fluids. These fluids are a breeding ground for microbes that can cause more inflammation and prostatitis. The fluids cause the prostate to become enlarged, and the nerves are irritated, causing pain and tightness. Once the prostate becomes congested, a message is sent to the pituitary to stop the presses! The reproductive process is shutting down. The result is a flagging libido and urinary problems.
Therapeutic prostate massage may milk out the accumulated fluids, open up the passages in the prostate, and allow the gland to shrink back to normal size. This is a key factor in helping to prevent and treat prostatitis, BPH, and even cancer. Prostate massage also improves blood flow to the prostate, which delivers more essential nutrients, oxygen and white blood cells to fight infections.
Regular therapeutic prostate massage can also decrease the pressure on the urethra, which then restores healthy urinal bladder function and urine flow rate and control. When the technique is done properly, it can improve the tonus of the pelvic muscles, which can relieve urinary incontinence.
One reason Asian men have much lower rates of prostate enlargement and cancer than American men could also be attributed to prostatic massage. In traditional Japanese families, wives often perform prostate massage for their husbands.
Therapeutic prostate massage can be helpful for sexual health as well. For men to experience strong orgasms, the prostate needs to have open passages, clear prostatic fluid, and forceful prostatic muscle contractions. Prostate massage can improve these factors and thus improve libido and sexual function.
When prostate massage is done by medical professionals, it is generally safe and effective. Some men learn how to massage their own prostates, while others go Japanese and ask a partner to help them out. Generally, therapeutic prostate massage should not be done if the prostate is greatly enlarged. If in doubt, consult your physician.
