Much of the literature on the subject shows little awareness of the anatomical conditions which can be cured by this archaic form of surgery. The above quote is taken from the Jewish Encyclopedia, it appears that this is a traditional and accepted practice in Indian medicine.
Related practices exist among Chinese and Indian mystics.
It should come as no surprise to us that this was also practiced in New Guinea. Currently they are in a struggle with clearing of the forest and Muslim settlers. While they were once fierce headhunters, since the early 1930's have been mostly Catholic. I met a man many years ago from Madagascar, raised in a village where his father had seven wives. They also stuck a stick thru the penis right behind the glans and this stayed with them and was supposed to 'help' in satisfying the women.