Hematuriaaccording to TCM

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What is Hematuria?

Hematuria, commonly referred to as blood in urine, is a condition characterized by the presence of red blood cells in the urine, making it appear reddish or brownish. This symptom can indicate various underlying conditions, ranging from urinary tract infections to more serious diseases affecting the kidneys or urinary tract.

Hematuria can be visible to the naked eye (gross hematuria) or detectable only under a microscope (microscopic hematuria). It's a symptom that warrants medical evaluation to determine its cause.

How does TCM view Hematuria?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches hematuria from a holistic perspective, focusing on the balance and flow of Qi, the body's vital energy. In TCM, hematuria is often seen as a manifestation of underlying disharmonies within the body's organ systems, particularly the Kidneys and Bladder.

Treatment in TCM aims to restore balance and address the root cause of the symptom through a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle modifications.

Root Causes of Hematuria in TCM

In TCM, hematuria is often attributed to patterns of disharmony such as Heat or Phlegm. For instance, Damp-Heat in the Bladder can lead to symptoms like blood in urine, urinary burning, and frequent urination. Similarly,

Full-Heat in the Small Intestine might present with hematuria, restlessness, and mouth ulcers. Other patterns like Phlegm in the Kidneys or Gallbladder can also manifest as hematuria. TCM practitioners tailor their approach based on the individual's specific pattern to effectively treat the condition.

Explore below more details about what might cause Hematuria according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Heat
  • Mind Disturbance
  • Dampness
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Hematuria

Common Symptoms: Restlessness Feeling Of Heat Insomnia Dark Urine Fever Scanty And Dark Urine Thirst Bitter Taste In The Mouth

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Bladder Blood in urine, Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary burning, Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Dark urine, Cloudy urine, Hematuria, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Lower abdominal fullness and pain, Feeling of heat... see more Ba Zheng San
Full-Heat in the Small Intestine Blood in urine, Restlessness, Insomnia, Tongue ulcers, Mouth ulcers, Throat pain, Deafness, Cardiac burning sensation, Abdominal pain, Craving for cold beverages, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Urinary burning... see more Dao Chi San
Greater Yang Accumulation of Blood Blood in urine, Lower abdominal distension, Lower abdominal fullness, Hematuria, Restlessness Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Heat victorious agitating Blood Blood in urine, Restlessness, High fever, Mania, Macules, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Hematochezia, Hematuria... see more Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Heart Fire blazing Bloody urine, Palpitations, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia, Flushed face, Hematuria, Dark urine, Bitter taste in the mouth... see more Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin | Liang Ge San
Heat in the Blood Bloody urine, Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation... see more Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Gu Jing Wan | Shi Hui San | Bai He Di Huang Tang | Hua Ban Tang | Qing Ying Tang | Qing Re Gu Jing Tang
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing Bloody urine, Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan
Damp-Heat Red urine, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Yi Huang Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Hematuria

TCM offers a range of herbal formulas for treating hematuria, depending on the underlying pattern. For Damp-Heat in the Bladder, formulas like Ba Zheng San, containing herbs like Chinese Pink (Qu Mai), are used to clear heat and expel Dampness.

In cases of Full-Heat in the Small Intestine, Dao Chi San, with Akebia Stems (Mu Tong), can be effective. For Phlegm in the Kidneys or Gallbladder, Si Ni San, which includes Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), is often recommended. These formulas are selected based on the specific TCM diagnosis and are part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hematuria, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Heat
  • Mind Disturbance
  • Dampness

All Formulas Recommended for Hematuria Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang Heat victorious agitating Blood, Heat in the Blood
Ba Zheng San Damp-Heat in the Bladder
Dao Chi San Full-Heat in the Small Intestine
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang Greater Yang Accumulation of Blood
Xie Xin Tang Heart Fire blazing
Zi Xue Dan Heart Fire blazing
Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin Heart Fire blazing
Liang Ge San Heart Fire blazing
Gu Jing Wan Heat in the Blood
Shi Hui San Heat in the Blood
Bai He Di Huang Tang Heat in the Blood
Hua Ban Tang Heat in the Blood
Qing Ying Tang Heat in the Blood
Qing Re Gu Jing Tang Heat in the Blood
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Damp-Heat
Yi Huang Tang Damp-Heat

Acupoints for Hematuria

Acupuncture, another cornerstone of TCM, involves stimulating specific points on the body to restore balance. For hematuria, acupoints in the Bladder Channel like Pishu BL-20 and Shenshu BL-23 are used to strengthen the spleen and kidney functions, respectively. In the Kidney Channel, points like Fuliu KID-7 help resolve dampness and tonify the kidneys.

The Heart Channel's Tongli HE-5 point calms the mind and benefits the bladder, while the Spleen Channel's Yinbai SP-1 and the Liver Channel's Dadun LIV-1 have actions tailored to stop bleeding and regulate Qi. These points are selected based on their specific actions that correspond to the diagnosed pattern of disharmony causing hematuria.

Explore below some acupoints used to address hematuria, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Kidney Channel
  • Heart Channel
Pishu BL-20

Pishu BL-20

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra (T11).

Sanjiaoshu BL-22

Sanjiaoshu BL-22

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra.

Shenshu BL-23

Shenshu BL-23

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).

Xiaochangshu BL-27

Xiaochangshu BL-27

At the level of the 1st posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

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