In Traditional Chinese Medicine, men age in cycles of 8 years governed by Jing, or essence that
is stored in the kidneys. Each 8 year cycle marks different changes, and cycle 6, ages 40-48, is when peak vitality has started to decline. While women experience more obvious symptoms of midlife changes, like the cessation of period and the end of childbearing years, the changes men experience can be more subtle. These changes are also hormonally driven, as testosterone naturally drops when men hit their forties and fifties. Symptoms range from physical to mental, and can be supported and alleviated through acupuncture, lifestyle changes like nutrition and stress management, and herbs that support kidney function.
Common Symptoms
- Physical: reduced muscle bulk and strength, hair loss, height loss, increased body fat in the belly, indigestion, decreased libido, reduced testosterone levels, impotence, anemia, infertility,night sweats, fatigue.
- Mental: depression and irritability, poor concentration, reduced self confidence.
Remedies
Since aging is linked to the decline of Jing, treatment revolves around supporting and maintaining the remaining Jing and kidney yang. Techniques like acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal blends are all Jing and Yang boosting, and can help ease symptoms related to cycle 6 aging for men.
Acupuncture:
The practice of inserting thin needles into acupressure points throughout the body is used to balance and stimulate the flow of Qi. Stimulation of certain points can increase blood flow to the reproductive system, regulate hormone levels, and reduce stress.
Moxibustion:
Moxibustion is the Traditional Chinese Medicine practice of burning mugwort (moxa) near specific acupuncture points on the body to stimulate circulation, improvise energy flow, and enhance vitality. The heat from burning the moxa penetrates the skin, increasing blood flow and relieving muscle tension. This alleviates symptoms associated with fatigue and low energy levels. Increased circulation also supports reproductive health, regulating testosterone levels, restoring hormonal balance, and improving mood. Moxibustion is also known to manage stress and anxiety and support immune function.
Herbs:
- Liu Wei Di Huang Tang is one of the most famous herbal formulas for kidney support, as it replenishes kidney essence, supports hormonal balance, and strengthens the reproductive system.
- Shu Di Huang nourishes kidney yin and replenishes kidney Jing, which are responsible for vitality, hormonal balance, reproductive health, healthy fluid production, lower back strength, and for combating age related decline.
- Astragalus root helps protect kidney function by boosting Qi, improving circulation, reducing fatigue, and supporting immune resilience.
- Ren Shen Jian Pi Tang is a spleen strengthening formula that supports kidney health by improving digestion and creating higher quality Qi and blood, which reduces tax on the kidneys. When this system is nourished, the kidneys can maintain optimal functionality, which is regulating fluids and supporting hormonal balance.
Nutrition:
Warming foods like soups and broths, root vegetables, avocados, olive oil, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, salmon, chicken, turkey, eggs, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale, spinach, swiss chard, berries, pomegranates, bananas, quinoa, brown rice, oats, lentils, chickpeas, black beans, turmeric, ginger, garlic, greek yogurt, cottage cheese, oysters, pumpkin seeds, soft rice or millet congee. Proper protein and mineral intake is important to maintain strength as you age.
Make sure food is lightly cooked to make it easier to digest.- Steamed or sauteed vegetables, warm fruit instead of raw fruit, and room temperature or warm drinking water.
Sleep and stress management:
Sleep is crucial in preserving Jing. When the body gets deep, consistent rest, the body is allowed to repair and regenerate, while chronic sleep deprivation accelerates depletion and decline. Practice no electronics before bed, establish a calming routine, and minimize stimulation to best support quality sleep. Along with sleep, relieving stress is so important to maintaining Jing.
Chronic stress levels disrupt hormonal balance, weaken Qi, and accelerate aging. Acupuncture and light exercise can help regulate the nervous system and promote long term vitality. The midlife hormonal changes men experience are not only about sex drive; the drop in testosterone affects mood, weight regulation, muscle loss, weakness, and hormonal imbalances.
To combat these symptoms, consult a TCM practitioner to find a treatment plan that works best for you. Acupuncture and herbs, proper nutrition to support digestion, quality sleep, and stress management are all important lifestyle changes to adopt to best support your body through the changes of aging, maintain Jing, and increase overall vitality.
Resources
● https://scottsdaleintegrativeacupuncture.com/blog//blog/men-and-midlife-3-tips-for-navigating-sucessfully
● https://www.drxiangjun.com/blog/mens-health-series-signs-of-male-menopause
● https://www.orientalremediesgroup.com/tcm-clinic/articles/do-men-go-through-menopause/
● https://acaacupuncture.com/blog/womens-7-year-cycles-and-mens-8-year-cycles-in-traditional-chinese-medicine/
● https://www.ginsen-london.com/blog/chinese-herbs-for-kidney-health/
● https://berkeley-acupuncture.com/2025/07/21/vitality-digestion-tcm-older-adults/
● https://trtgulf.com/key-principles-of-moxibustion-for-mens-health/