The Guardian of Men's Health: Identification of Testicular Diseases, Prevention of Atrophy, and Anti-inflammatory Methods Using Yangchi Acupoint

Testicular tumors are one of the most common tumors of the male reproductive organs. Generally, the incidence of testicular tumors is highest in men aged 25-40. This disease shares a common characteristic: it silently creates a mass inside the testicle. This mass is painless and does not itch, but it can feel very heavy, hard to the touch like a stone, and patients often experience a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the testicle. Testicular tumors are very dangerous, as they can metastasize to distant parts of the body via the lymphatic system or bloodstream. Therefore, it is crucial to be vigilant and seek timely treatment if symptoms appear to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.

When the scrotum is exposed to excessive cold, it may contract; this is a normal phenomenon and not indicative of testicular atrophy. Testicular atrophy, as discussed below, refers to a condition where the testicles, initially normal, gradually shrink and become smaller due to various reasons. These reasons generally include: 1. Viral infection: This is most common in children and adolescents, especially mumps. 2. Injury or impact: This can cause scrotal hematoma or testicular laceration. 3. Inflammation: Severe orchitis can cause tissue damage due to fungal invasion. 4. Effects of radioactive substances: Long-term exposure to X-rays, isotopes, etc. 5. Endocrine disorders: Conditions affecting the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, etc., can interfere with testicular function. 6. Drug effects: Long-term use of arsenic or estrogen-like drugs.

The epididymis is one of the male reproductive organs, its main function being to expel sperm from the body. What diseases might indicate if the epididymis is enlarged? 1. Epididymal tuberculosis: often secondary to posterior urethral infection. 2. Epididymitis: acute cases are accompanied by high fever and chills, local redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the epididymis; chronic cases are accompanied by a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the lower abdomen. 3. Epididymal cyst: the resulting mass is small and often asymptomatic. 4. Epididymal tumor: clinically rare and difficult to diagnose.

Hydrocele refers to the accumulation of fluid in the tunica vaginalis of the testis exceeding the normal amount. Large hydroces can compress the testis, affecting blood circulation and ultimately leading to testicular atrophy or infertility. To prevent hydrocele, the following precautions must be taken: (1) Abstain from alcohol and spicy, irritating foods. (2) Those with large amounts of hydrocele should use a scrotal support. (3) Actively treat the underlying disease. (4) Rest after surgery.

Studies have shown that there are a staggering 163 diseases specific to men's genitals. Orchitis, in particular, has a very high incidence rate, ranging from 12% to 18%. The Yangchi acupoint is located at the transverse crease on the back of the hand, on the outer edge of the tendon opposite the ring finger. Yangchi is the Yuan-Source point on the Sanjiao Meridian. Yuan-Source points are where primordial Qi passes through and resides. The Sanjiao Meridian facilitates the flow of primordial Qi, transporting it throughout the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acute orchitis is often caused by damp-heat in the Liver Meridian. Moxibustion at the Yangchi acupoint on the Sanjiao Meridian can promote the flow of primordial Qi, enabling it to maintain the body's vital energy and resist pathogenic factors. It also clears damp-heat and unblocks the water passages. When the damp-heat is eliminated, the swelling subsides, and the primordial Qi flows freely, the body can recover.