Prostatic Hypertrophyaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Prostate issues
Did you mean? Prostate Swollen
What is Prostatic Hypertrophy?
Prostatic hypertrophy, medically termed benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a common condition where the prostate gland enlarges, potentially causing urinary difficulties in men. This enlargement is not cancerous but can significantly impact quality of life by obstructing the flow of urine from the bladder.
How does TCM view Prostatic Hypertrophy?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches prostatic hypertrophy through a lens distinct from Western medicine, viewing it as an imbalance of the body’s fundamental energies. In TCM, identifying the underlying pattern of disharmony is essential for tailoring an effective treatment strategy.
Root Causes of Prostatic Hypertrophy in TCM
In the context of TCM, prostatic hypertrophy may stem from imbalances such as Kidney Yang Deficiency, where the body's vital warmth and functional activity are diminished, leading to symptoms like lower back pain, a feeling of cold, and urinary frequency or difficulty.
Explore below more details about what might cause Prostatic hypertrophy according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yang Deficiency
- Kidney
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 Prostatic Hypertrophy
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yang Deficiency | Prostatic hypertrophy, 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 | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan |
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 Prostatic Hypertrophy
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yang Deficiency | Prostatic hypertrophy, 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 | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Prostatic Hypertrophy
In addressing prostatic hypertrophy, TCM practitioners might recommend formulas such as Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, a classic concoction tailored for those with Kidney Yang Deficiency. This formula often includes Prepared rehmannia, known to nourish Yin and Blood, providing a counterbalance to the Deficient Yang.
Treatment is highly individualized, taking into account the patient's specific symptoms and overall constitution, to promote the body's natural healing abilities.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address prostatic hypertrophy, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yang Deficiency
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause prostatic hypertrophy, such as Kidney Yang Deficiency
Learn moreFormulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some prostatic hypertrophy-causing patterns like Kidney Yang Deficiency.
One such formula is Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Prostatic hypertrophy can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
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.
All "formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold" recommended for prostatic hypertrophy
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Li Zhong Wan | Not applicable |
| Xiao Jian Zhong Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Prostatic hypertrophy can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan, with cinnamon twigs as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Prostatic Hypertrophy
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address prostatic hypertrophy, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Herbs that drain Dampness
Prostatic hypertrophy 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 Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for prostatic hypertrophy, like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for prostatic hypertrophy
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan |
| Japanese Climbing Fern Spores (Hai Jin Sha) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Prostatic hypertrophy can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for prostatic hypertrophy, like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Prostatic hypertrophy can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for prostatic hypertrophy, like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Prostatic hypertrophy can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for prostatic hypertrophy, like Li Zhong Wan.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Prostatic hypertrophy 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 Maltose (Yi Tang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for prostatic hypertrophy, like Xiao Jian Zhong Tang.