Retraction of the penis syndrome refers to a group of comprehensive signs of imbalance characterized by the retraction of the penis or scrotum accompanied by cramping pain in the lower abdomen, predominantly occurring in young and middle-aged individuals. The chapter “Jingjin” in Lingshu states: “The tendons of the Foot Jueyin channel…ascend along the inner thigh and converge at the genitalia; when injured by cold, they retract inward.” In modern times, Qin Bowei believed
It is manifested as “contraction of the penis or scrotum, which can occur in both cold and heat syndromes.” Clinically, it seems to be more common in cold syndromes.
I.Causes of Genital Retraction Syndrome
There is no such wellness name in modern medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that this syndrome is mostly caused by Kidney yang deficiency or exposure to cold pathogens. As stated in Su Wen · Chapter on the Grand True Discussion of the Extremes: “All conditions of cold with contraction and spasm belong to the Kidney.” The two yin regions (the external genitalia and the anus) are governed by the Kidney. When Kidney yang is deficient and exhausted, the fire of the gate of life declines, leading to the internal generation of cold and yin; cold has the properties of contraction and stagnation, causing the penis to contract and spasm and the testicles to be pulled up with drawing pain. Alternatively, improper clothing, exposure to rain, or wading through water can lead to the invasion of cold pathogens, which lodge in the meridians of the Liver and Kidney, resulting in the obstruction of qi and blood, contraction of the external genitalia, and cold pain in the lower abdomen. If the Kidney qi is inherently deficient and one is suddenly attacked by cold-damp pathogens, this syndrome is more likely to occur.
II.Syndrome Differentiation and Dietary Therapy
1.Deficiency of Kidney yang
Insufficient Kidney yang leads to the internal generation of yin coldness and the contraction and spasm of the penis (Zong Jin), thus resulting in occasional penile retraction with drawing pain, testicular retraction, scrotal contraction, and cold pain in the lower abdomen. This is accompanied by a pale complexion, aversion to cold with cold limbs, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, a swollen tongue with a white coating, and a deep and slow pulse. The supports principle is to warm and tonify Kidney yang. One can consume shrimp and pepper cooked in white wine.
Formula and Preparation Method: An appropriate amount of white liquor (over 60 proof), 2 – 3 red chili peppers, and 100 grams of fresh shrimp. First, stir-fry the chili peppers and fresh shrimp in oil, then pour in the white liquor and bring to a boil. Consume the entire mixture while it is still hot.
In the formula, warm-natured marine shrimp nourishes the Kidney and strengthens yang, chili pepper and white liquor warm the middle-jiao and disperse cold, and promote blood circulation to unblock the meridians. Therefore, this formula can supports retraction of the penis with failure to protrude and a sallow complexion with pale lips in men, a condition known as penis retraction syndrome.
One can also drink leek juice. Formula and preparation method: An appropriate amount of fresh leeks and 100 grams of white liquor (60% alcohol by volume). First, wash the leeks, chop them, mash them, wring out one cup of leek juice, add the white liquor, steam until warm, and take it all at once.
In the formula, fresh Chinese chive juice tonifies the Kidney and boosts yang, while white spirit warms the middle-jiao, dispels cold, promotes blood circulation, and unblocks the collaterals. It can be used to supports retraction of the penis, accompanied by pale complexion, pale lips, and incessant sweating.
2. Cold Stagnation in the Liver Meridian
This syndrome has an acute onset, mostly caused by sudden exposure to cold pathogens that invade the meridians of the Liver and Kidney, leading to impairment of qi and blood.
Constriction and blockage. signs of imbalance include coldness in the genital region, tightness and spasm in the lower abdomen, testicles drawing upward, retracting and throbbing pain of the penis, and in severe cases, chills and shivering throughout the body, with a white and moist tongue coating and a wiry and tight pulse. The supports principle is to warm the meridians and disperse cold, regulate qi and helps with occasional pain. White spirit with pepper can be used.
Formula and Preparation Method: 50 peppercorns, an appropriate amount of white liquor (over 60% alcohol by volume). First, warm the white liquor with water, then pour it over the crushed peppercorns and take it while hot.
In the formula, pepper can dispel cold-dampness and descend counterflow qi. It is combined with white liquor to warm the middle-jiao and dispel cold, promote blood circulation and unblock the collaterals. Therefore, it can supports retraction of the penis due to cold congealing the Liver meridian.
III. External Folk and Proven Prescriptions
In addition to oral administration, external supports methods can also be used. The method is as follows: Take a piece of old ginger, peel it, roast it until warm, and insert it into the anus, and the penis will then protrude.
Interesting article! I’ve heard about this syndrome before but never understood the TCM perspective. The connection to Liver meridian makes sense given the symptoms. Would be curious to know if dietary remedies actually work for most people. Thanks for sharing this information.
Interesting to see TCM perspectives on this condition. I’ve read that emotional stress and cold exposure can trigger it in some men. Would love to know more about the dietary remedies—ginger and warming foods maybe?
Interesting read! I’d never heard of this syndrome before. The TCM perspective on liver meridian imbalance makes sense given the symptoms. Do the dietary remedies focus on warming foods to counteract cold stagnation? Would love more practical tips.
Interesting read! I’ve never heard of this syndrome before. It’s fascinating how TCM links physical symptoms to specific organ imbalances and dietary factors. Are there certain foods they recommend to avoid or include for prevention? Would love to learn more about the practical diet tips.
Interesting how TCM ties emotional and physical symptoms together. The description of contractions in the lower abdomen sounds so specific—have you found ginger or warm compresses helpful for acute episodes? Would love to hear more about the dietary remedies mentioned.