The Viagra alternatives: helping men rise to the occasion - naturally

Vegetarian Times, Oct, 1998 by Kevin Haynes

RELAX AND RECHARGE

Very often work-related or emotional stress can prevent you from rising to the occasion. "When you're preoccupied [with worry] sexual interest diminishes rapidly," says Allen Elkin, Ph.D., program director for the Stress Management and Counseling Center in New York City. Men under severe stress get hit with a double whammy: Not only does stress reduce testosterone levels in the body, it prompts the release of a form of adrenaline that makes it impossible to maintain an erection.

Yoga, meditation and progressive relaxation are terrific stress busters (numerous how-to tapes can show you what to do). Exercising, finding a hobby, even getting a pet can also help reduce stress levels.

Mechanical difficulties don't have to sideline your love life. But think carefully about how you tune up your equipment. "Viagra may be a wonderful aid to jumpstart a stalled sex life, but it's best to take a good look under the hood," says Kuriansky. "You don't just run a car into the ground."

Kevin Haynes is executive editor of Unlimited magazine.