Flatline after relapse

A few years ago I saw a video of someone on YouTube who also had POIS and he was cured by fixing his gut microbiome. He mentioned it was because his gut health was compromised. He took specific brand of probiotics for a while and he was cured. Now I tried to look for that video but couldn't find it anymore. I still remember he was at a beach talking when he recorded that video.

 

Hi Guys,

After some reading and reflection I think I somewhat understand what is going on. Its a bit complex, so I will try using my recovery as a way to explain.

First off, I think we are approaching recovery in the wrong way. We talk a lot about dopamine deficiency or testosterone deficiency when in actual fact most of us likely have an emotional issue. This week I started a strict dopamine detox, that saw me have to really sit with my feelings for the first time in a long time. I felt so stressed, angered and irritated from not having YouTube or Social Media to soothe my emotional pain, that I decided to look for answers.

After hours of reading, I came to the conclusion that my body is likely stuck in what is more commonly known as 'fight-or-flight' mode. When our body senses danger, it releases essential hormones to aid in the survival of the body. If a man was to break into your home in this moment, your body would react by releasing adrenaline, preparing your body to either fight or flee the situation. When stuck in this mode your body is constantly releasing numerous hormones, as it actually believes you are in danger. The problem with this is that as your body is constantly on the offense and releasing hormones to survive, it struggles to heal. Almost like trying to walk forwards and backwards at the same time.

With the above in mind I decided to visit a traditional Chinese doctor. They consensus was that if my body was stuck in fight or flight mode, alternative methods to western medicine may help.

After explaining my emotional symptoms to the doctor, he first asked to see my tongue, explaining that the condition of the human tongue revealed a wealth of information about the individuals physical and emotional health. He then observed my pulse for a few moments before writing a few notes down. I was slightly sceptical as the diagnosis was extremely quick and in some ways unusual, however what he explained next bought things together.

He explained that my liver qi is blocked. While I know that qi in Chinese culture means energy, I still wasn't 100% sure what he meant. He explained that when looking at my tongue he had noticed the that the tip of my tongue was red, while the bed of my tongue had a thin white coating with a lot of cracks on top. He said the symptoms usually someone with an unstable emotional state, depressive, experiencing insomnia and tinnitus. All symptoms that I have been experiencing. He then explained that my pulse was taut and rapid, which he said was another translation of the fact that my liver was not properly carrying out its function in the body.

He went on to explain that the onset of acne/eczema on the skin was a sign that the liver had become overloaded with toxins which was resulting in the release of those toxins into the bloodstream. He said substances such as alcohol, social drugs/amphetamines put a strain on the body causing the liver to work even harder to remove them and return to homeostasis. The liver meridians pass around the external genitals, meaning a stagnation of energy can reduce a man's ability to achieve an erection and cause premature ejaculation. A lot of what was said was contradictory to what I have learnt online, but at this point I was willing to listen.

In short it was a complex conversation, but made a lot of sense. He made a suggestion that I return for an acupuncture session where he would also prescribe me with herbal medicine also. He explained that the acupuncture needles would unblock the stagnation of energy, increasing the flow throughout the body and that the herbal medicine will aid in the recovery of my liver function. I couldn't help but ask how long I would be looking at for a full recovery. He confidently told me it should take around 6 weeks until I feel like my old self again before patting me on my back and sending me on my way.

I am due to see him later today for the first acupuncture session, the truth is that after almost 2.5 years of recovery with minimal orgasms, it wo

Sorry for the long message, when discussing the symptoms with the doctor I considered this thread a lot and the fact that recovery has been so slow for so many of us. As explained by this doctor, unprocessed stress and emotions will lead to the stagnation of liver, kidney, heart and lung deficiency. It wasn't until he pointed this out, that I realised that my symptoms started pretty much when I started my current position 3 years ago, and after some reflection it really has been stressing me the f**k out these past 3 years. Its a long shot, but I think its worth considering that our issue is actually an emotional one and that we may need to approach recovery in a different way.

 

Interesting. Do you recommend one to stop abstinence then if in this situation, or continue it? In your case, what do you plan on doing?

 

I cannot speak directly for everyone, but for me I think it makes sense to continue abstinence. The idea is to continue abstinence on one hand and then to go to regular acupuncture sessions while dosing on herbal medicine on the other hand.

After having the acupuncture session today, the Dr explained that the sessions are like a tune up for the body and will help the body recover from the damage that has been done through years of masturbation, alcohol and drugs. He mentioned that it can take everybody a different number of sessions to feel like themselves again, but that I should notice a difference in general mood, wellbeing and erectile function in the coming weeks. Its still early days, but lets see..

 

Two days don't really mean anything. Just go back to the reboot and you will even out.

 

Hi guys,

I suffered from PAWS for 13 months. Things got a lot better over that time, in the first 4 months I was in hell and then I saw gradual improvements to the point where it was tolerable. However, I relapsed once with orgasm and once without two weeks apart and I've been feeling pretty terrible ever since. Do you think I've set my recovery all the way back? Or am I going to recover from this and go back to how I was feeling before relapse soon?

Relapses were 8th and 24th October btw.

 

Hey mentor and legancy and all,
thanks for sharing the valuable information. I can relate to a lot. How are you doing now? Did accupuncture help? I'm considering to do the same.

 

It didn't do the job for me unfortunately. Acupuncture for me was also like a 'pick me up' you feel great for a while but it doesn't resolve the core issue. I think there was another rebooter who recently recovered, who has had more experience with acupuncture than I - @Grateful Retainer

 

Is that even possible?