Urinary Retentionaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Urine Volume & Frequency Abnormalities
Sub-symptom(s): Acute Urinary Retention
Did you mean? Weak Urine Stream
What is Urinary Retention?
Urinary retention is a condition characterized by the inability to empty the bladder completely. It can manifest as difficulty initiating urination, a weak urinary stream, or a sense that the bladder is not fully empty. Acute urinary retention is a sudden and painful inability to urinate, often requiring immediate medical attention.
How does TCM View Urinary Retention?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a 'pattern' refers to a complex of symptoms and signs reflecting an imbalance or blockage in the body's natural flow of Qi and Blood. Determining the specific pattern is pivotal as it guides the personalized treatment plan.
For urinary retention, identifying whether the cause is an Excess pattern like Damp-Heat causing obstruction, or a Deficiency pattern like Yin Collapse is essential. Proper pattern differentiation ensures that the treatment will harmonize and rebalance the body's energies, addressing both the symptoms and their underlying cause.
Root Causes of Urinary Retention in TCM
In TCM, urinary retention can arise from multiple sources. A common cause is Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, which creates a blockage and inflammation in the urinary passages.
Another cause might be Yin Collapse, where there's a deficiency of cooling, nourishing fluids in the body, leading to symptoms like low-grade fever and restlessness alongside urinary issues. In addressing these imbalances, TCM seeks to identify the root cause based on a patient's unique presentation of symptoms and constitution.
Explore below more details about what might cause Urinary retention according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yin Collapse
- Dampness
- Heat
- View More Causes
Yin Collapse
Yin Collapse in TCM represents an extreme form of Yin deficiency and is considered a serious and critical state of imbalance. It occurs when the body's nourishing and cooling Yin energy is so depleted that it can no longer counterbalance the active and warm Yang energy. This leads to a surge of uncontrolled Yang, manifesting as severe heat signs. The symptoms of Yin Collapse are more intense than those of a simple Yin deficiency. They include profuse sweating (especially at night), a severe sensation of heat and burning, often in the palms, soles, and chest, a very red tongue with little or no coating, a rapid and thin pulse, and potentially severe restlessness or agitation. There might also be symptoms of severe dryness, like dry throat, thirst, and dry skin. Yin Collapse is considered an emergency in TCM and requires immediate intervention. Treatment aims to rapidly nourish and replenish Yin while simultaneously subduing the excessive Yang.... see more
Yin Collapse Patterns That Can Lead to Urinary Retention
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Collapse of Yin | Urinary retention, Low grade fever, Night sweats, Restlessness, Dry mouth with desire to sip liquids, Heat sensation in palms, Flushed cheekbones, Emaciation, Constipation... see more | Da Bu Yin Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Urinary Retention
Addressing urinary retention in TCM involves formulas that either expel Damp-Heat or nourish Yin. For Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, Ba Zheng San, a formula with Chinese Pink Herbs (Qu Mai), is frequently used to clear Heat, promote diuresis, and alleviate symptoms.
For a Yin Collapse scenario, Da Bu Yin Wan, with Prepared rehmannia (Shu Di huang), helps to replenish the body's Yin and promote fluid production, thus aiding urinary function.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address urinary retention, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yin Collapse
- Dampness
- Heat
- View More Causes
Top Formula for Yin Collapse:
Da Bu Yin Wan
Suitable for Yin Collapse patterns that may cause urinary retention, such as Collapse of Yin
Learn moreAcupoints for Urinary Retention
Acupuncture points are selected based on their ability to influence the Qi dynamics of the urinary system. Points like Baohuang BL-53 and Pangguangshu BL-28 on the Bladder Channel are used to regulate Qi in the Lower Burner and to benefit urination.
Points on the Kidney Channel, such as Fuliu KID-7, open water passages and strengthen Kidney Qi. Meanwhile, Sanyinjiao SP-6 on the Spleen Channel supports the Spleen's role in fluid management and removes obstructions that can lead to retention. These points are part of a comprehensive treatment strategy tailored to the individual's specific TCM pattern of disharmony.
Explore below some acupoints used to address urinary retention, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
- Liver Channel
- Kidney Channel
Sanjiaoshu BL-22
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra.
Xiaochangshu BL-27
At the level of the 1st posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Pangguangshu BL-28
At the level of the 2nd posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline, in the depression between the medial border of the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the sacrum.
Ciliao BL-32
In the 2nd posterior sacral foramen, about midway between the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the midline.
Zhongliao BL-33
In the 3rd posterior sacral foramen, between the posterior superior iliac spine and the midline.
Weiyang BL-39
At the lateral end of the popliteal crease, on the medial border of the tendon of biceps femoris muscle, 1 cun lateral to Weizhong BL-40 which is the midpoint of the popliteal crease. It is also 1 cun below Fuxi BL-38.
Baohuang BL-53
At the level of the 2nd posterior sacral foramen, 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Zhibian BL-54
At the level of the 4th posterior sacral foramen, 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
