Symptom family: Urine Volume & Frequency Abnormalities

Sub-symptom(s): Nocturia

Did you mean? Frequent Urination

What is Polyuria?

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.

How does TCM View Polyuria?

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.

Root Causes of Polyuria in TCM

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.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Kidney
  • Spleen
  • Bladder
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Deficiency

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

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Polyuria

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
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Deficiency

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

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Polyuria

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
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Excess

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

Yin Excess Patterns That Can Lead to Polyuria

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
Detailed description of the cause

Cold

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

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Polyuria

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
Detailed description of the cause

Kidney

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

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Polyuria

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
Detailed description of the cause

Spleen

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

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Polyuria

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
Detailed description of the cause

Bladder

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

Bladder Patterns That Can Lead to Polyuria

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

TCM Herbal Formulas for Polyuria

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.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that warm yang and tonify
  • Formulas that secure essence and stop enuresis
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
  • Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
  • Formulas that tonify yin and yang
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that warm and purge
  • Formulas that tonify qi and blood
  • Formulas that moisten intestines and unblock bowels

All Formulas Recommended for Polyuria Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula 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

All Formulas Recommended for Polyuria Caused by Yang Deficiency

Formula 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

All Formulas Recommended for Polyuria Caused by Yin Excess

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wu Ling San Yin Excess
Wu Pi Yin Yin Excess

All Formulas Recommended for Polyuria Caused by Cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Sang Piao Xiao San Bladder Deficient and Cold
Suo Quan Wan Bladder Deficient and Cold

All "formulas that warm yang and tonify" recommended for polyuria

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

All "formulas that secure essence and stop enuresis" recommended for polyuria

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

All "formulas that tonify yin and yang" recommended for polyuria

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
He Che Da Zao Wan Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency
Er Xian Tang Kidney Yang Deficiency

All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for polyuria

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency
Bu Fei Tang Not applicable

All "formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold" recommended for polyuria

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Li Zhong Wan Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang Not applicable

All "formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness" recommended for polyuria

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Wu Ling San Yin Excess
Wu Pi Yin Yin Excess

Acupoints for Polyuria

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.

  • By Meridian
  • Governing Vessel
  • Stomach Channel
  • Bladder Channel
Dazhui DU-14

Dazhui DU-14

On the midline at the base of the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7).

Guilai ST-29

Guilai ST-29

4 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Shenshu BL-23

Shenshu BL-23

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