Symptom family: Urine Volume & Frequency Abnormalities
Parent symptom: Frequent Urination
Frequent and urgent urination is a condition characterized by the need to urinate more often than usual, accompanied by a sudden, compelling urge to urinate that is difficult to defer. This can disrupt normal activities and sleep patterns, leading to a reduced quality of life.
Traditional Chinese Medicine perceives frequent and urgent urination as a symptom of imbalance within the body's organ systems, primarily the Bladder and Kidneys. Identifying the underlying pattern of disharmony—whether it's due to Dampness, Heat, or Qi Deficiency—is essential in TCM for providing the correct treatment to restore equilibrium.
In TCM, frequent and urgent urination can be symptomatic of Dampness accumulation in the Bladder, often manifesting as Damp-Cold or Damp-Heat. Damp-Cold patterns may present with symptoms such as a heavy feeling in the abdomen and cloudy urine, while Damp-Heat patterns could cause symptoms like burning urination and fever. Treatment focuses on expelling Dampness and regulating the affected organ's function to alleviate urgency and frequency.
Explore below more details about what might cause Frequent and urgent urination according to TCM.
"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more
Common Symptoms: Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flow Cloudy Urine Upper Abdominal Heaviness Urethral Heaviness Pale Urine Urinary Burning Dark Urine Hematuria
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Damp-Cold in the Bladder | Frequent and urgent urination, Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Upper abdominal heaviness, Urethral heaviness, Cloudy urine, Pale urine... see more | Ba Zheng San | Wu Lin San | Shi Wei San |
Damp-Heat in the Bladder | 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 |
In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder | Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary dysfunction, Hematuria | Si Ni San | Pai Shi Tang |
Qi Sinking is a pattern of disharmony in TCM where the body's energy, or Qi, is thought to "sink" or drop down. Imagine a balloon slowly deflating and falling; that's similar to what happens with Qi Sinking. This can lead to feelings of heaviness, fatigue, and even physical symptoms like prolapse of organs or frequent urination. It's as if the body's energy, which usually supports and holds things in place, isn't able to do its job properly. TCM views this as an imbalance where the uplifting and supporting qualities of Qi are weakened.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking | Frequent and urgent urination, Uterine prolapse, Prolapsed bladder, Stomach prolapse, Nephroptosis, Anus prolapse, Bearing down sensation in abdomen, Hemorrhoids, Chronic diarrhea, Urinary incontinence, Generalized fatigue, Low energy, Intestines prolapse, Vaginal prolapse... see more | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Du Shen Tang |
In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Damp-Cold in the Bladder | Frequent and urgent urination, Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Upper abdominal heaviness, Urethral heaviness, Cloudy urine, Pale urine... see more | Ba Zheng San | Wu Lin San | Shi Wei San |
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Damp-Heat in the Bladder | 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 |
In TCM the Bladder plays a crucial role beyond its basic function of storing and excreting urine. It is intimately connected with the Kidney system, helping to regulate the body's water balance and being a key component in the processing and elimination of fluids. The Bladder also influences the lower part of the body and the back. When it malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to urinary issues like frequent urination, incontinence, or painful urination. Additionally, there may be problems related to its meridian pathway, such as lower back pain, stiffness, or weakness in the legs. The Bladder’s condition in TCM can also reflect emotional states, with imbalances potentially leading to feelings of fear or anxiety.... see more
Common Symptoms: Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flow Cloudy Urine Upper Abdominal Heaviness Urethral Heaviness Pale Urine Urinary Burning Dark Urine Hematuria
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Damp-Cold in the Bladder | Frequent and urgent urination, Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Upper abdominal heaviness, Urethral heaviness, Cloudy urine, Pale urine... see more | Ba Zheng San | Wu Lin San | Shi Wei San |
Damp-Heat in the Bladder | 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 |
In TCM the Gallbladder has a unique role in storing and excreting bile, but more importantly, it's seen as crucial for decision-making and courage. It's closely connected to the Liver, assisting in the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and supporting the Liver's role in maintaining emotional balance. When the Gallbladder malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to physical symptoms like gallstones, jaundice, or a bitter taste in the mouth. There might also be digestive disturbances, particularly related to fat metabolism. On an emotional level, a Gallbladder disorder can manifest as indecisiveness, timidity, or a tendency to easily succumb to stress. These symptoms highlight the TCM view of the Gallbladder as integral to both physical processes and emotional resilience.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder | Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary dysfunction, Hematuria | Si Ni San | Pai Shi Tang |
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder | Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary dysfunction, Hematuria | Si Ni San | Pai Shi Tang |
For Damp-Cold in the Bladder, formulas like Ba Zheng San are commonly used to dispel Dampness and promote normal urination. This formula may include herbs like Chinese Pink Herbs, known for their diuretic action. In the case of Damp-Heat, the same formula can be adapted to clear Heat and Dampness from the Bladder.
Additionally, for patterns involving Phlegm in the Kidneys or Gallbladder, harmonizing formulas such as Si Ni San might be used. Qi Sinking conditions, causing a bearing-down sensation and possibly affecting organ positions, are often treated with Qi tonifying formulas like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang. Each herbal prescription is customized after a thorough TCM diagnosis to ensure the treatment aligns with the individual's specific disharmony pattern.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address frequent and urgent urination, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause frequent and urgent urination, such as Damp-Cold in the Bladder or Damp-Heat in the Bladder
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Ba Zheng San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder, Damp-Heat in the Bladder |
Wu Lin San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Shi Wei San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause frequent and urgent urination, such as Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Si Ni San | Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder |
Pai Shi Tang | Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder |
Suitable for Qi Sinking patterns that may cause frequent and urgent urination, such as Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking |
Du Shen Tang | Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking |
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause frequent and urgent urination, such as Damp-Cold in the Bladder
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Ba Zheng San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Wu Lin San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Shi Wei San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause frequent and urgent urination, such as Damp-Heat in the Bladder
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some frequent and urgent urination-causing patterns like Damp-Cold in the Bladder or Damp-Heat in the Bladder.
One such formula is Ba Zheng San, with chinese pink herb as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Ba Zheng San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder, Damp-Heat in the Bladder |
Wu Lin San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Shi Wei San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Pai Shi Tang | Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder |
These formulas are suitable for some frequent and urgent urination-causing patterns like Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder.
One such formula is Si Ni San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some frequent and urgent urination-causing patterns like Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking.
One such formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some frequent and urgent urination-causing patterns like Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking.
One such formula is Du Shen Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address frequent and urgent urination, organized by herb category.
Frequent and urgent urination can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Chinese Pink Herbs (Qu Mai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for frequent and urgent urination, like Ba Zheng San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Chinese Pink Herbs (Qu Mai) | Ba Zheng San |
Knotgrass (Bian Xu) | Ba Zheng San |
Frequent and urgent urination can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for frequent and urgent urination, like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang |
Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Du Shen Tang |
Frequent and urgent urination can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for frequent and urgent urination, like Wu Lin San.
Frequent and urgent urination can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for frequent and urgent urination, like Si Ni San.