User:Kirkpatrickke/shenkui

Shenkui
This culture-bound syndrome is based upon the fear of losing or the actual loss of semen (thought to be a loss of yang, which is the positive or male energy in the culture). This syndrome shares many of the same symptoms as the culture-bound syndrome "dhat" which is found in India.

Symptoms
Symptoms of Shenkui are dizziness, backache, tiredness, weakness, insomnia, frequent dreams, and complaints of sexual dysfunction. The presence of "white turbid urine" is feared in this syndrome because of the fear that the urine contains semen.

Origin
This syndrome is based upon the yin/yang concept where the balance of yin (negative/female energy) and yang (positive/male energy) is of utmost importance. The loss of semen or yang will lead to a decrease in masculine traits and energy. Studies have shown that the patients treated for this syndrome are often from rural areas, come from families with a conservative attitude toward sex, and belong to the average or low socioeconomic status classes. Shenkui is found in Taiwan and China.

Traditional Treatment
The traditional treatment of Shenkui usually involves the healer moving the 'chi' of the affected man around. The 'chi' is moved in such a way to energize the kidney and spine area. Another treatement of shenkui that is advised is repeated contraction and relaxation of the anus which stimulates a weak prostate as well as push the positive energy back in the kidneys where it belongs. The use of herbs to replenish the 'yang' are also used which include: 1. things shaped like a penis. 2. deer horns or other hard things used in a tea. 3. animal penises. 4. animals with folk association to sexuality such as oysters, deer, and silk worms. Other men that are too ashamed to approach a doctor use the services of a prostitute or go to massage parlors where the attendants are "understanding" women. These places advertise themselves as being therapy for shenkui. The loss of 'yang' from the man is believed to be replenished with the 'yin' from women during intercourse.

Western Treatment
The treatment usually involves a visit to a urologist or to clinics that specialize in sexual health. If no medical problems are found to be present, the treatment that can be given ranges from reduction of stress in their life to medications.