Symptom family: Urine Volume & Frequency Abnormalities
Sub-symptom(s): Nocturia
Did you mean? Frequent Urination
Polyuria is a condition characterized by the production of abnormally large volumes of dilute urine. The increase in urine output can significantly disrupt normal life, necessitating frequent trips to the bathroom, even during the night, a condition known as nocturia. This can be a transient symptom or indicate more chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney issues.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), polyuria is often interpreted as a disruption in the balance of Yin and Yang within the body, specifically related to the Kidney's function.
TCM does not just treat the symptoms but aims to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony causing them. By determining whether the root cause is a Deficiency or an Excess, a practitioner can address the imbalance through tailored herbal prescriptions and acupuncture.
TCM sees polyuria as a sign of underlying imbalances, often involving a Deficiency in the Kidney system. A pattern such as Kidney Qi not being firm may lead to symptoms like abundant urination and a feeling of cold, indicating a Yang Deficiency.
Conversely, an Excess of Yin can manifest as polyuria without thirst and a feeling of cold. Understanding these patterns is crucial in TCM to provide effective treatment and restore equilibrium.
Explore below more details about what might cause Polyuria according to TCM.
Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more
Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Generalized Fatigue Chills Back Pain Frequent Urination Premature Ejaculation Dizziness Nocturia
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Kidney Qi not Firm | Abundant urination, Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Cold extremities, White vaginal discharge, Bearing down sensation in abdomen, Recurrent miscarriage... see more | You Gui Wan | Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan | Fu Tu Dan | Qing E Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan |
Kidney Qi Deficiency | Urination at night, Hearing loss, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Back pain, Frequent urination, Nocturia, Premature ejaculation, Excessive menstruation... see more | Qing E Wan |
Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency | Frequent night urination, Early menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Chills, Nocturia, Thin menstrual blood, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Spontaneous sweat... see more | Gui Pi Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | He Che Da Zao Wan |
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 General Weakness Nocturia Generalized Fatigue Diarrhea Erectile Dysfunction Low Sex Drive Premature Ejaculation
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang | Profuse urination, Night time urination, Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth, Frequent urination, Polyuria, Nocturia, White vaginal discharge... see more | You Gui Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Ban Liu Wan |
Kidney Yang Deficiency | Night time 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, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more | You Gui Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Er Xian Tang | Shen Qi Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Ji Chuan Jian |
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency | Urination at night, Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more | Li Zhong Wan |
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 | Profuse urination, 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, Pale urine... see more | Wu Ling San | Wu Pi Yin |
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 |
---|---|---|
Bladder Deficient and Cold | Nocturia, Frequent urination, Pale and abudant urination, Urinary or fecal incontinence, Enuresis, Lower back pain, Dizziness, White urethral discharge, Chills... see more | Sang Piao Xiao San | Suo Quan Wan |
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: Lower Back Pain Generalized Fatigue Chills Premature Ejaculation Nocturia Back Pain Frequent Urination Dizziness
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Kidney Qi not Firm | Abundant urination, Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Cold extremities, White vaginal discharge, Bearing down sensation in abdomen, Recurrent miscarriage... see more | You Gui Wan | Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan | Fu Tu Dan | Qing E Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan |
Kidney Yang Deficiency | Night time 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, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more | You Gui Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Er Xian Tang | Shen Qi Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Ji Chuan Jian |
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency | Urination at night, Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more | Li Zhong Wan |
Kidney Qi Deficiency | Urination at night, Hearing loss, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Back pain, Frequent urination, Nocturia, Premature ejaculation, Excessive menstruation... see more | Qing E Wan |
Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency | Frequent night urination, Early menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Chills, Nocturia, Thin menstrual blood, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Spontaneous sweat... see more | Gui Pi Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | He Che Da Zao Wan |
In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more
Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Chills Nocturia Generalized Fatigue General Weakness Early Menstruation Pale Menstrual Flow Dizziness
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency | Urination at night, Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more | Li Zhong Wan |
Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency | Frequent night urination, Early menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Chills, Nocturia, Thin menstrual blood, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Spontaneous sweat... see more | Gui Pi Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | He Che Da Zao 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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Bladder Deficient and Cold | Nocturia, Frequent urination, Pale and abudant urination, Urinary or fecal incontinence, Enuresis, Lower back pain, Dizziness, White urethral discharge, Chills... see more | Sang Piao Xiao San | Suo Quan Wan |
For polyuria linked to Qi Deficiency, formulas like You Gui Wan are used to warm and tonify Yang, addressing symptoms like abundant urination and a weak urine stream.
On the other hand, a Yin Excess pattern may be treated with diuretic formulas like Wu Ling San that promote urination and leach out Dampness, helping to balance the body's fluids. It is essential to have a customized treatment plan from a qualified TCM practitioner, as self-diagnosis and treatment can lead to complications.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address polyuria, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause polyuria, such as Kidney Qi not Firm or Kidney Qi Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Qing E Wan | Kidney Qi not Firm, Kidney Qi Deficiency |
You Gui Wan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
Fu Tu Dan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
Gui Pi Tang | Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency |
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency |
He Che Da Zao Wan | Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency |
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause polyuria, such as Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang or Kidney Yang Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
You Gui Wan | Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang, Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang, Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
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 |
Ji Chuan Jian | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Li Zhong Wan | Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency |
Suitable for Yin Excess patterns that may cause polyuria, such as Yin Excess
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Wu Ling San | Yin Excess |
Wu Pi Yin | Yin Excess |
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause polyuria, such as Bladder Deficient and Cold
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Sang Piao Xiao San | Bladder Deficient and Cold |
Suo Quan Wan | Bladder Deficient and Cold |
These formulas are suitable for some polyuria-causing patterns like Kidney Qi not Firm or Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang.
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 | Kidney Qi not Firm, Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang, Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Qing E Wan | Kidney Qi not Firm, Kidney Qi Deficiency |
Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Qi not Firm, Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Shen Qi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
These formulas are suitable for some polyuria-causing patterns like Kidney Qi not Firm.
One such formula is Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan, with milkvetch seeds as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
Fu Tu Dan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
Sang Piao Xiao San | Bladder Deficient and Cold |
Suo Quan Wan | Bladder Deficient and Cold |
These formulas are suitable for some polyuria-causing patterns like Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency.
One such formula is He Che Da Zao Wan, with human placenta as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
He Che Da Zao Wan | Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency |
Er Xian Tang | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
These formulas are suitable for some polyuria-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 polyuria-causing patterns like Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency.
One such formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency |
Bu Fei Tang | Not applicable |
These formulas are suitable for some polyuria-causing patterns like Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency.
One such formula is Li Zhong Wan, with dried ginger as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Li Zhong Wan | Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency |
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang | Not applicable |
These formulas are suitable for some polyuria-causing patterns like Yin Excess.
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 |
Wu Pi Yin | Yin Excess |
These formulas are suitable for some polyuria-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 polyuria-causing patterns like Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency.
One such formula is Gui Pi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some polyuria-causing patterns like Kidney Yang Deficiency.
One such formula is Ji Chuan Jian, with desert-living cistanche as a key herb.
In TCM, acupressure or acupuncture may be utilized to address polyuria. Points like Dazhui DU-14 at the base of the neck are used to clear Wind-Heat, release the Exterior, and tonify Yang.
This holistic approach aims to reduce excessive urination by realigning the body’s energy flow and enhancing organ function, providing relief and promoting overall well-being.
Explore below some acupoints used to address polyuria, organized by meridian.
On the midline at the base of the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7).
4 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).