Is masturbation necessary for prostate health?
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As a follow-on to our topic of apana vayu, let’s take a look at ejaculation and prostate cancer.
If there’s one area where yoga and Ayurveda are at loggerheads with Western medicine, it’s the question of ejaculation. From a yogic, tantric and Ayurvedic standpoint, a man’s semen is something precious that should be conserved, in order to build ojas and raise spiritual energy. On the other hand, you’ll find a lot of urologists recommending frequent ejaculation, i.e. three times a week, as a preventative for prostate cancer. How do we resolve this?
Well, it’s true that there is a large study linking frequent ejaculation (21 times a month or more) to a lower risk of prostate cancer.
The study does not distinguish between sexual intercourse, masturbation and nocturnal emissions. The topic definitely needs more study, as the type of semen emitted by masturbation is not actually the same as that emitted during sex. Not everyone has the opportunity to have actual sexual intercourse three or more times a week.
Secondly, while there was an overall reduction in prostate cancer rates, there was no difference in the rates of aggressive cancer, the kind that could kill you.
Thirdly, these studies focus on younger age groups, so if you are an older man and have been conserving your semen all these years, there’s no point in trying to play catchup. The apparent benefit of frequent ejaculation accrues over decades.
One thing that stands out to me is that there really aren’t any studies on prostate cancer rates in men who practice yogic and tantric methods of conserving semen. So, we don’t have a way of knowing whether these practices, in themselves, benefit prostate health and counterbalance the perceived benefit of frequent ejaculation.
One thing we can be sure of, though. A man who is so deep into yoga or tantra that he is able to control ejaculation is most probably leading a very healthy lifestyle. To continue your practice of celibacy or of non-ejaculatory orgasm while protecting your prostate, follow these simple steps:
1. Prevent cancer with an Ayurvedic diet with plenty of whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables and cancer-fighting spices like turmeric.
2. Don’t smoke.
3. Take fewer than two alcoholic beverages a week.
4. Take regular exercise.
5. Keep your stress low with a regular meditation practice. Don’t worry, be happy! Happiness is your true nature.
Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.
Enliven your holistic health! Visit Alakananda Ma in Alandi Ashram’s ayurvedic clinic to support the overall rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit. In-person and virtual appointments available. Book now!
