September is National Prostate Month, a good time to invite your male clients to receive a reflexology session geared specifically to their health. Suggest a weekly session during the month of September, followed up by monthly maintenance sessions. Send them home with an informational handout on how to keep this walnut-shaped gland functioning optimally, and test how targeted treatments might support the health of their prostate.
The prostate is the structure that secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. During ejaculation, the prostate squeezes this fluid into the urethra, and it’s expelled with sperm as semen. It makes sense that the Greeks named the prostate the “protector”, since the alkalinity of semen protects sperm from the acidic environment of the vagina.
There are three primary conditions that can afflict the prostate:
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that can result in swelling, pain, problems with urination, sexual dysfunction, fatigue and depression.
Many urologic disease experts believe that as many as 10% of males will experience prostatitis at some point in their lives, so taking proactive steps early on to support the health of this gland just makes sense.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) generally occurs in men over 50, when the prostate enlarges to the point where urination becomes difficult. Symptoms include increased frequency and hesitancy in getting started. If the prostate grows too large, it can constrict the urethra (which passes through it) and impede the flow of urine, making urination difficult and painful and, in extreme cases, completely impossible.
BPH is treated medically with pharmaceuticals, a minimally invasive procedure or, in extreme cases, surgery that removes the prostate.
Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men in industrialized countries (besides skin cancer). It’s estimated that by age 50, about 25% of the male population has cancerous cells in their prostate glands. This percentage jumps to 50% by age 80, at which time the condition can become a significant cause of death.
Surgery, radiation, hormone therapy and chemotherapy are often used to treat prostate cancer.
Care of the Prostate
Here are some commonly recognized methods by which to take care of the prostate:
1. Make mindful choices when it comes to food & beverages
- Maintain a healthy weight, especially around the middle;
- Eat a plant based diet high in anti-oxidants and omega-3 fatty acids;
- Reduce protein-dense animal foods;
- Drink fluids throughout the day in small amounts, not all at once;
- Reduce the consumption of fluids, especially caffeine and alcohol, in the evening.
2. Increase blood circulation to the pelvis
- Exercise regularly;
- Practice Kegel exercises.
3. Reduce stress
4. Avoid over-the-counter medications with decongestants and/or anti-histamines if possible. They are known to increase symptoms of BPH.
Reflexology
Reflexology’s role in supporting prostate health is focused on increasing blood circulation to the pelvis, reducing overall stress and helping to regulate the production of testosterone, a hormone that plays a vital role in the health of the prostate.
Reflexes to target in a prostate session are:
- prostate
- testes
- vas deferens
- central nervous system
- solar plexus
- adrenals
- groin lymph nodes
Act Now
Commit to making September the month to focus on men’s health. Send a newsletter or email to your clients now inviting them to schedule weekly sessions next month to learn about and support prostate health. Prepare an educational handout with information such as I shared above. (Use what you wish from this post.)
And, as always, feel free to share your experiences and that of your clients below!
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