Symptom family: Urine Color & Composition Abnormalities
Sub-symptom(s): Pale And Abudant Urination Scanty Clear Urination
Pale urine, known medically as pallid or light-colored urination, is a condition where the urine appears less concentrated and more clear than usual. This symptom can be temporary, often influenced by factors like hydration levels or dietary changes. In certain cases, however, persistent pale urine may indicate underlying health issues. Variations like pale and abundant urination or scanty clear urination are sub-symptoms that provide additional clues about an individual's health status.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches pale urine as a symptom reflecting internal imbalances within the body’s energy systems. In TCM, the color and nature of urine provide valuable insights into the state of the body's vital energy (Qi) and the balance between Yin and Yang.
Conditions like Yang Deficiency or Yin Excess are often considered when analyzing this symptom. TCM practitioners focus on identifying the root cause behind pale urine, aiming to restore harmony and balance within the body.
In TCM, pale urine is associated with specific patterns of imbalance. One common cause is Yang Deficiency with or without Empty Yang, where symptoms like general coldness, weakness, and abdominal pain relieved by warmth often accompany pale urine.
Another pattern is Yin Excess, characterized by an absence of thirst, slow movements, and nausea, along with pale urine. These patterns highlight the intricate connections TCM makes between various bodily symptoms and the underlying state of Qi and bodily organs.
Explore below more details about what might cause Pale urine according to TCM.
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
Common Symptoms: Pale And Abudant Urination Chills Diarrhea Cold Extremities Frequent And Urgent Urination Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flow Upper Abdominal Heaviness Urethral Heaviness
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Damp-Cold in the Bladder | Pale urine, Frequent and urgent urination, Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Upper abdominal heaviness, Urethral heaviness, Cloudy urine... see more | Ba Zheng San | Wu Lin San | Shi Wei San |
Bladder Deficient and Cold | Pale and abudant urination, Frequent urination, Urinary or fecal incontinence, Enuresis, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Nocturia, White urethral discharge, Chills... see more | Sang Piao Xiao San | Suo Quan Wan |
Small Intestine Deficient and Cold | Pale and abudant urination, Borborygmi, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure or eating, Craving for hot beverages, Diarrhea, Cold extremities... see more | Xiao Jian Zhong Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
Lesser Yin Cold Transformation | Frequent pale urination, Chills, Diarrhea, Absence of thirst, Desire to lie down curled up, Low energy, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities... see more | Si Ni Tang |
Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs | Scanty clear urination, Ocular swelling, Shiny complexion, Fever, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Aversion to cold, Facial edema... see more | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more
Common Symptoms: Chills Cold Extremities Diarrhea General Weakness Frequent Urination Nocturia Pale Face Aversion To Cold
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang | Pale urine, Chills, General cold feeling, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth, Frequent urination, Polyuria, Nocturia, White vaginal discharge... see more | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | You Gui Wan | Ban Liu Wan |
Kidney Yang Deficiency | Pale and abudant urination, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Constipation... see more | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | You Gui Wan | Er Xian Tang | Shen Qi Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ji Chuan Jian |
Lesser Yin Cold Transformation | Frequent pale urination, Chills, Diarrhea, Absence of thirst, Desire to lie down curled up, Low energy, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities... see more | Si Ni Tang |
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing | Scanty clear urination, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, White and watery sputum, Coughing, Asthma... see more | Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan |
"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: Scanty Clear Urination Shortness Of Breath Coughing Frequent And Urgent Urination Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flow Upper Abdominal Heaviness Urethral Heaviness Cloudy Urine
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Damp-Cold in the Bladder | Pale urine, Frequent and urgent urination, Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Upper abdominal heaviness, Urethral heaviness, Cloudy urine... see more | Ba Zheng San | Wu Lin San | Shi Wei San |
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing | Scanty clear urination, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, White and watery sputum, Coughing, Asthma... see more | Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan |
Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs | Scanty clear urination, Ocular swelling, Shiny complexion, Fever, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Aversion to cold, Facial edema... see more | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
Yin Excess in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by an overabundance of Yin energy, leading to symptoms of dampness and coldness in the body. This condition often results from an imbalance where the cooling, moistening aspects of Yin overshadow the warm, active qualities of Yang energy. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, lethargy, cold sensations, pale complexion, and possibly edema or fluid retention. Digestive issues such as poor appetite, bloating, and loose stools may also be present, reflecting the impact of excess Yin on the body's metabolic processes. Treatment in TCM for Yin Excess focuses on reducing the excess Yin and stimulating Yang energy to restore balance. ... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Yin Excess | Pale urine, Absence of thirst, Slow and forceful movement, Epigastric pain worsen by pressure, Polyuria, Feeling of chest oppression, Nausea, Excessive vaginal discharge, Lack of appetite, Pain relieved by heat, Chills, Cold extremities... see more | Wu Ling San | Wu Pi Yin |
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 |
---|---|---|
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat | Scanty clear urination, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps... see more | Gua Lou San |
In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs | Scanty clear urination, Ocular swelling, Shiny complexion, Fever, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Aversion to cold, Facial edema... see more | Xiao Qing Long 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
Common Symptoms: Chills Diarrhea Cold Extremities Coughing Asthma Edema Of The Lower Extremities Lower Back Pain Dizziness
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Kidney Yang Deficiency | Pale and abudant urination, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Constipation... see more | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | You Gui Wan | Er Xian Tang | Shen Qi Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ji Chuan Jian |
Lesser Yin Cold Transformation | Frequent pale urination, Chills, Diarrhea, Absence of thirst, Desire to lie down curled up, Low energy, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities... see more | Si Ni Tang |
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing | Scanty clear urination, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, White and watery sputum, Coughing, Asthma... see more | Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan |
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: Frequent And Urgent Urination Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flow Upper Abdominal Heaviness Urethral Heaviness Cloudy Urine Frequent Urination Pale And Abudant Urination Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Damp-Cold in the Bladder | Pale urine, Frequent and urgent urination, Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Upper abdominal heaviness, Urethral heaviness, Cloudy urine... see more | Ba Zheng San | Wu Lin San | Shi Wei San |
Bladder Deficient and Cold | Pale and abudant urination, Frequent urination, Urinary or fecal incontinence, Enuresis, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Nocturia, White urethral discharge, Chills... see more | Sang Piao Xiao San | Suo Quan Wan |
In TCM the Small Intestine plays a critical role in receiving partially digested food from the Stomach and further separating the clear from the turbid, essentially distinguishing nutrients from waste. This process is vital for proper absorption and assimilation of food. The Small Intestine is also associated with clarity of judgment and decision-making. When it malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to digestive issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, poor appetite, or irregular bowel movements. Additionally, a malfunctioning Small Intestine may manifest as mental confusion or difficulty in making decisions, reflecting its role in discernment and clarity in both physical and mental realms. ... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Small Intestine Deficient and Cold | Pale and abudant urination, Borborygmi, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure or eating, Craving for hot beverages, Diarrhea, Cold extremities... see more | Xiao Jian Zhong Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat | Scanty clear urination, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps... see more | Gua Lou San |
In TCM the Lungs are seen as the organ responsible for controlling Qi and respiration, as well as being a key part of the body's defensive system. They are thought to maintain the balance and flow of air and moisture, and are closely linked to the skin and hair. When the Lungs are imbalanced or malfunctioning in TCM, it can lead to respiratory issues like coughing or asthma, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and emotional disturbances such as sadness or grief. These symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the Lungs' ability to regulate Qi and protect the body, highlighting their central role in maintaining overall health and well-being.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs | Scanty clear urination, Ocular swelling, Shiny complexion, Fever, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Aversion to cold, Facial edema... see more | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
Addressing pale urine in TCM involves using herbal formulas that correspond to the identified imbalances. For Yang Deficiency, a formula like Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, which contains Prepared rehmannia, is used to nourish Yin and tonify the body.
In cases of Yin Excess, Wu Ling San, featuring Water Plantain, can be effective in promoting urination and leaching out Dampness. For patterns like Damp-Cold in the Bladder, Ba Zheng San, with its key herb Chinese Pink Herbs, clears Heat and expels dampness. These formulas are tailored to the individual's TCM diagnosis, focusing on holistic healing.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address pale urine, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause pale urine, 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 |
Sang Piao Xiao San | Bladder Deficient and Cold |
Suo Quan Wan | Bladder Deficient and Cold |
Xiao Jian Zhong Tang | Small Intestine Deficient and Cold |
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San | Small Intestine Deficient and Cold |
Si Ni Tang | Lesser Yin Cold Transformation |
Xiao Qing Long Tang | Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs |
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause pale urine, such as Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang or Kidney Yang Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang, Kidney Yang Deficiency |
You Gui Wan | Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang, Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Wu Ling San | Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing |
Ban Liu Wan | Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang |
Er Xian Tang | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Shen Qi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Ji Chuan Jian | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Si Ni Tang | Lesser Yin Cold Transformation |
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing |
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause pale urine, such as Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Wu Ling San | Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing |
Ba Zheng San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Wu Lin San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Shi Wei San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing |
Xiao Qing Long Tang | Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs |
Suitable for Yin Excess patterns that may cause pale urine, such as Yin Excess
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Wu Ling San | Yin Excess |
Wu Pi Yin | Yin Excess |
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause pale urine, such as Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Learn moreSuitable for Wind patterns that may cause pale urine, such as Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some pale urine-causing patterns like Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang or Kidney Yang Deficiency.
One such formula is You Gui Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
You Gui Wan | Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang, Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Shen Qi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing |
These formulas are suitable for some pale urine-causing patterns like Yin Excess or Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing.
One such formula is Wu Ling San, with water plantain as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Wu Ling San | Yin Excess, Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing |
Wu Pi Yin | Yin Excess |
These formulas are suitable for some pale urine-causing patterns like Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang or Kidney Yang Deficiency.
One such formula is Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some pale urine-causing patterns like Damp-Cold 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 |
Wu Lin San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Shi Wei San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
These formulas are suitable for some pale urine-causing patterns like Bladder Deficient and Cold.
One such formula is Sang Piao Xiao San, with praying mantis egg-Case as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Sang Piao Xiao San | Bladder Deficient and Cold |
Suo Quan Wan | Bladder Deficient and Cold |
These formulas are suitable for some pale urine-causing patterns like Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang.
One such formula is Ban Liu Wan, with sulfur as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some pale urine-causing patterns like Kidney Yang Deficiency.
One such formula is Er Xian Tang, with curculigo rhizome as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some pale urine-causing patterns like Kidney Yang Deficiency.
One such formula is Ji Chuan Jian, with desert-living cistanche as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some pale urine-causing patterns like Small Intestine Deficient and Cold.
One such formula is Xiao Jian Zhong Tang, with maltose as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some pale urine-causing patterns like Small Intestine Deficient and Cold.
One such formula is Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, with ginseng as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some pale urine-causing patterns like Lesser Yin Cold Transformation.
One such formula is Si Ni Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some pale urine-causing patterns like Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat.
One such formula is Gua Lou San, with snake gourd as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some pale urine-causing patterns like Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs.
One such formula is Xiao Qing Long Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
TCM also utilizes acupuncture as a part of the treatment strategy. For pale urine, specific acupoints on the Governing Vessel are recommended. Dazhui (DU-14), located at the base of the neck, is used to clear Wind-Heat, release the Exterior, and tonify Yang.
Mingmen (DU-4), on the lower back, is another crucial point that tonifies Kidney Yang, warms the Gate of Life, and strengthens the Original Qi. These acupoints are selected to address the underlying patterns contributing to the symptom of pale urine, aiming to restore the body's natural balance and health.
Explore below some acupoints used to address pale urine, organized by meridian.
On the lower back midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).
On the midline at the base of the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7).