Nocturnal Emissionaccording to TCM

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What is nocturnal emission?

Nocturnal emission, commonly known as a wet dream, refers to involuntary ejaculation during sleep, often accompanied by erotic dreams but not exclusively so. This phenomenon is predominantly observed in adolescent males but can occur at any age beyond puberty. While usually considered a normal part of sexual development, frequent nocturnal emissions can sometimes signify underlying health concerns or imbalances, particularly when they cause distress or impact daily life.

How does TCM view nocturnal emission?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets nocturnal emissions as a manifestation of underlying disharmonies within the body's vital energies. TCM emphasizes the balance and flow of Qi (energy), Blood, Yin, Yang, and Essence. According to TCM, nocturnal emissions may indicate imbalances in these areas, particularly relating to Kidney, Liver and Spleen. The approach to treatment involves not just addressing the symptom but restoring overall harmony and balance within the body.

Root Causes of Nocturnal Emission in TCM

In the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), nocturnal emission is often seen as a symptom arising from imbalances such as Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency or Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency. Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency is characterized by a depletion of the body's cooling and nourishing energies, leading to symptoms like dizziness, insomnia, and unregulated seminal discharge. This condition reflects an underlying insufficiency in the vital substances that maintain the body's internal balance and support sexual health.

On the other hand, Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency indicates a weakening of the energy responsible for vital bodily functions, including the stabilization of Essence and the regulation of bodily fluids. This deficiency can manifest as fatigue, weak limbs, and involuntary seminal emissions, highlighting the interconnectedness of bodily systems in maintaining sexual health.

Explore below more details about what might cause Nocturnal emission according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Nocturnal Emission

Common Symptoms: Dizziness Insomnia Night Sweats Dry Stools Tinnitus Lower Back Pain Poor Memory Restlessness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency Nocturnal emissions, Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more Zuo Gui Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qing Gu San | Yi Guan Jian | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Zuo Gui Yin | Ming Mu Di Huang Wan
Kidney Yin Deficiency Nocturnal emissions, Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Zuo Gui Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing Nocturnal emissions, Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan
Yin Deficiency Nocturnal emissions, Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy, Scanty and dark urine, Dry stools, Dry mouth and throat at night, Nocturnal emission, Pain relieved by pressure and cold, Preference for sipping... see more Zuo Gui Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Mu Li San | Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang
Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions, Sore knees, Lower back pain, Knee weakness, Dry mouth, Dry tongue, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Hair graying... see more Er Zhi Wan
Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions, Palpitations, Insomnia, Poor memory, Night sweats, Anxiety, Tinnitus, Dizziness, Vivid dreaming, Restlessness, Nocturnal emission... see more Jiao Tai Wan | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Ci Zhu Wan
Yin and Blood Deficiency Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions, Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission, Poor memory, Dry stools, Mouth ulcers, Menopausal symptoms... see more Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Nocturnal Emission

To address nocturnal emission rooted in Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, TCM practitioners often prescribe Zuo Gui Wan, a formula renowned for its ability to nourish Yin and replenish Essence with key ingredients like Prepared Rehmannia. This herbal combination aims to cool and moisten the body, counteracting the Yin Deficiency that leads to uncontrolled emissions.

For cases of Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency, a different approach is taken, utilizing formulas such as Si Jun Zi Tang, which focuses on tonifying Qi with Ginseng as a primary component. By strengthening the Spleen and Kidney, this treatment helps stabilize the Essence and control nocturnal emissions, demonstrating TCM's tailored approach to restoring harmony and balance within the body.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address nocturnal emission, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Nocturnal Emission Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing, Yin Deficiency... see more
Zuo Gui Wan Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency, Yin Deficiency
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency, Yin and Blood Deficiency
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang Kidney Yin Deficiency
Jiao Tai Wan Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Qing Gu San Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Yi Guan Jian Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Gui Shao Di Huang Tang Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Zuo Gui Yin Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Ming Mu Di Huang Wan Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Mu Li San Yin Deficiency
Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang Yin Deficiency
Er Zhi Wan Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin
Ci Zhu Wan Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency

Acupoints for Nocturnal Emission

In managing nocturnal emission through acupuncture, TCM emphasizes the importance of selecting acupoints that directly influence the Kidney and Liver Yin, as well as the Spleen and Kidney Qi. Points like Shenshu BL-23 are vital for nourishing Kidney Yin and Yang, while Taixi KID-3 focuses on reinforcing Kidney health, essential for addressing the root causes of nocturnal emissions.

Additionally, Sanyinjiao SP-6 plays a crucial role in tonifying not just the Kidney, but also the Spleen and Liver, supporting the overall balance of Qi and blood. These targeted acupoint selections are integral to TCM's holistic strategy, aimed at rectifying the underlying disharmonies leading to nocturnal emissions.

Explore below some acupoints used to address nocturnal emission, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Kidney Channel
  • Stomach Channel
Shenshu BL-23

Shenshu BL-23

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

Baihuanshu BL-30

Baihuanshu BL-30

At the level of the 4th posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

Shangliao BL-31

Shangliao BL-31

In the 1st posterior sacral foramen, about midway between the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the midline.

Gaohuangshu BL-43

Gaohuangshu BL-43

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th thoracic vertebra (T4).

Zhishi BL-52

Zhishi BL-52

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

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