Tango is a proprietary blend of Chinese
foods and medicinal herbs that enhance energy, sexual
desire and physical vitality, while supporting long-term
rejuvenation of general health. This energizing supplement
is a modern version of traditional Essence tonic formulas
that incorporates modern concepts of herb function and
processing.
Tango was designed on the basis of
scientific research on individual herbs that promote
a specific sexual benefit while retaining the long-term
restorative effects of an Essence formula.
The formula incorporates the recent
Traditional Chinese Medicine understanding of the role
of blood-moving herbs in treating the disorders of aging.
Traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM]
is a stand-alone medical system based on functional
groupings that define activities and pathologies.
While sharing many names in translation with western
medicine concepts, the TCM system has its own terminology
and consistent internal logic. Its treatment modalities
are most effective when applied from within the
system and improved by outside scientific knowledge.
The Tango combination is based on traditional Essence
tonic herbal formulas that strengthen the human
system in face of the declines associated with
aging.
The Chinese research team that developed
the Tango formula over twenty year’s time continuously
improved the base Essence formula using scientific knowledge
of physiological response to the active ingredients in
Chinese tonic herbs.
After initially noting a strong sexual
response from the formula, they focused on enhancing
the immediate results while retaining the restorative
aspects. They added some herbs and deleted others from
the basic formula and adjusted percentages of particular
ingredients. They also worked closely with the developer
of a unique manufacturing process to extract the active
ingredients of the formula. Over a thousand people used
the formula before the research team felt it was ready
for release to market.
Essence is a unique term in TCM that encompasses our genetic heritage at
birth followed by the unfolding of growth, maturation and aging. After
maturation, aging is marked by a gradual loss of Essence. Essence can be
replenished by special herbs and formulas, as well as by qigong and taijiquan,
the Chinese rejuvenative exercise systems.
Essence tonics are given to children
only when there is lack of growth toward maturity. They
are reserved usually for the elderly or those recovering
from debilitating disease or injury, including surgery.
However, there is a sensible modern movement in China
to begin daily use of Essence tonics at a much earlier
age, just after reaching full physical maturity at around
age 30.
Historically for the Chinese if a healthy
sexual desire and function was not present in old age,
a person could not be considered truly healthy and possessed
of the ability to live a long and happy life. Throughout
Asia, millions of people have consumed Essence formulas
to extend sexual health into old age based on empirical
evidence that such formulas do possess this capability.
The modern Priaplex blend improves this Essence concept
by providing an immediate sexual response and a stronger
sexual restorative effect.
The singular Tango/Priaplex Essence
formula is designed for long-term use to restore
and balance all of the interrelated human functions
as described in TCM terms as follows:
The Kidney system in TCM is a group of
functions with some correlation to the western organ
in terms of urinary tract function, but is much more
responsible for reproduction and sexual health and the
root strength of the body. The combined Yin and Yang
of the Kidney is actually what the Chinese term Essence,
so its preservation and replenishment is vital.
The Yin is thought to be a substantial
nutrient while the Yang is functional activity. They
must remain in balance and both be fed to nourish the
Essence lost in aging. The Yin would roughly correlate
to sexual fluids in both men and women.
The Yang, as the expression of vitality,
is particularly important to the maintenance of sexual
function. Herbs in Tango that supplement the Kidney Yin
and Yang include Rou Cong Rong [Herba Cistanches],
Dong Chong Xia Cao [Cordyceps Sinensis], Shan
Yao [Radix Dioscorea], Yin Yang Huo [Herba
Epimedium], Nu Zhen Zi [Fructus Ligustri Lucidi],
Tu Si Zi [Semen Cuscutae], and Gou Qi Zi [Fructus
Lycii].
Many of the Kidney Essence herbs have
long empirical histories as sex restoratives and appear
in a multitude of formulations for this purpose. Yin
Yang Huo and Gou Qi Zi are widely used as daily teas
in support of sexual function on the recommendation of
medical herbalists.
Modern Asian scientific researchers
equate some of the function of Kidney Essence with endocrine
activity, including the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal
axis [stress reaction] and the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal
axis. [sex hormones and function]
While the Kidneys rule the preservation of Essence, the Liver governs coursing
and discharge. The Liver channels and vessels pass by and through the genital
region, helping to deliver blood and nutrients to the area. Herbs that
tonify the Liver Yin and Yang are important in maintaining proper Kidney
Essence function. Nu Zhen Zi [Fructus Lucidi] and Gou Qi Zi [Fructus
Lycii] contribute this action to the Priaplex blend.
Many Essence herbs are thought to brighten
the senses, counteracting the declines in vision and
hearing that occur in aging. In particular, Liver tonic
herbs are felt to promote this function by improving
the quality and delivery of the blood to the sense organs.
In the Tango formula Nu Zhen Zi [Fructus Lucidi],
Gou Qi Zi [Fructus Lycii], and Ju Hua [Flos
Chrysanthemi] are herbs felt to contribute to better
vision.
Interestingly, research scientists
are looking at zeaxanthen esters along with lutein to
treat macular degeneration. Gou Qi Zi is an herb containing
zeaxanthen that is suggested as possible source of this
compound.
Historically, Essence tonics contain herbs that support the Spleen and
Stomach systems in TCM. These systems are roughly equivalent to the digestive
tract organs – stomach, pancreas, intestines, etc. – in their
function of extracting nourishment from foods and herbal supplements. This
aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine is responsible for maintaining tissue
strength and building the blood.
Several of the herbs in Tango are devoted
to this function, including Ren Shen [Radix Ginseng (panax),
Shan Yao [Radix Dioscorea], and Gan Cao [Radix
Glycyrrhizae]. Modern studies of Gou Qi Zi would
add that herb to the Spleen/Stomach camp because of its
ability to stimulate protein synthesis in support of
maintaining muscular strength in the elderly.
While the Heart has a role in blood
circulation in TCM similar to the western cardiovascular
system, it is also felt to store the human consciousness.
Reactions to stress that appear as difficulty in
sleeping or unfocused thinking are treated in TCM
by herbs that tonify the Heart spirit function.
Ling Zhi [Ganoderma Lucidum] and Ren Shen
[Radix Ginseng (panax)] are thought to
be the strongest in this capability and play prominent
roles in the Priaplex blend. Da Zao [Fructus
Ziziphi Jujubae] supports these two herbs
in calming the Heart spirit. Strong Kidney function
in TCM supports the Heart in this aspect and is
well nourished by the many Essence herbs in the
formula.
This is a truly unique aspect of the
Tango formula and reflects the modern TCM thinking about
what needs to be in an Essence formula. This concept
is one of the great advances in recent years in the treatment
principles of TCM, particularly as a central concept
in anti-aging therapies.
Chinese researchers and doctors feel
that combining Qi-tonic and Blood-moving herbs treats
the root cause of most aging disorders – blood
stagnation. Blood stagnation in western terms implies
poor blood circulation, encompassing atherosclerosis,
elevated blood viscosity, and damage to the microcirculation
or capillary system. With Blood stagnation, all of the
tissues of the body are poorly nourished, including the
sexual organs.
The Priaplex blend in Tango addresses
Blood stagnation in a very unique way. It does not use
traditional Blood-moving herbs, but instead relies on
the Blood-moving aspects of the Qi tonics that contribute
to this concept. Herbs such as Ling Zhi [Ganoderma
Lucidum], Ren Shen [Radix Ginseng (panax)]
and Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps Sinensis)
have a positive impact on nitric oxide formation, which
relaxes the blood vessels that feed the sexual organs.
This modern knowledge about these herbs enabled the formulation
team to provide Tango with an immediate impact on sexual
function by increasing blood flow to the sexual organs.
Several other herbs, while not known
as Blood-movers, clearly have that function and are attributed
with mild hypotensive or vasodilatory effects. These
effects are often peripheral, promoting circulation to
the skin. Rou Gui [Cortex Cinnamomi] and Ju
Hua [Chrysanthemum Flower] are noted for their
ability to promote diaphoresis.
According to Dr. Hong-Yen Hsu in his
Oriental Materia Medica, Rou Gui or cinnamon bark is
thought pharmacologically to stimulate blood circulation
by dilating blood vessels. Because of its ability to
improve circulation it is included in many formulas to
enhance the effects of other herbs. According to Hsu “Experience
indicates that cinnamon bark can be used as a guide to
enable other herbs to reach where they could not otherwise.” Other
herbs with vasodilatory action include Yin Yang Huo [Herba
Epimedium], Rou Cong Rong [Herba Cistanches]
and Tu Si Zi [Semen Cuscutae].
Antioxidant action is another powerful
contribution to the Blood-moving aspect of Tango. In
this case, the effect is more long-term as the herbs
help to limit peroxidative damage to blood lipids, vital
liver cells and blood vessel walls. Ten of the herbs
in Tango have potent antioxidant action, with the dried
fruit Gou Qi Zi [Fructus Lycii] and Rou Gui
[Cortex Cinnamomi] thought to be especially
active.
From every aspect Tango is a modern
Essence formula. It provides the long-term restorative
activity of traditional Essence tonics that balance internal
organ systems and strengthen functions of the entire
body. But, it goes beyond the traditional function to
provide a safe and immediate stimulus to sexual activity
based on scientific knowledge of the physiological actions
of its individual herbal ingredients.
