Symptom family: Urine Volume & Frequency Abnormalities
Urination stopping in the middle of flow is a symptom that can indicate an underlying issue with the urinary system. This condition, often a sign of interrupted bladder function, may result from various causes, including obstructions or nerve-related problems that affect bladder control.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), urination stopping midstream is seen as a signal of imbalance within the body's Qi, or vital energy, particularly involving the Bladder and Kidney systems. TCM emphasizes identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptom to tailor an effective treatment plan, focusing on restoring harmony and balance to the flow of Qi.
TCM interprets urination stopping in the middle of flow as often related to Dampness within the body, particularly affecting the Bladder. Damp-Cold in the Bladder may present with symptoms like interrupted urination, a sensation of heaviness, and cloudy urine, indicating a Stagnation of Cold and Dampness. Addressing this involves warming the Bladder and dispelling Dampness.
Another cause may be Damp-Heat in the Bladder, which can cause urgent, painful, and interrupted urination, along with signs of Heat like fever and dry mouth. Clearing heat and promoting diuresis are the primary TCM strategies to alleviate these symptoms.
Explore below more details about what might cause Urination stopping in the middle of flow according to TCM.
"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more
Common Symptoms: Frequent And Urgent Urination Cloudy Urine Upper Abdominal Heaviness Urethral Heaviness Pale Urine Urinary Burning Dark Urine Hematuria
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Damp-Cold in the Bladder | Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Frequent and urgent urination, Upper abdominal heaviness, Urethral heaviness, Cloudy urine, Pale urine... see more | Ba Zheng San | Wu Lin San | Shi Wei San |
Damp-Heat in the Bladder | Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary burning, Dark urine, Cloudy urine, Hematuria, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Lower abdominal fullness and pain, Feeling of heat... see more | Ba Zheng San |
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 |
---|---|---|
Damp-Cold in the Bladder | Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Frequent and urgent urination, Upper abdominal heaviness, Urethral heaviness, Cloudy urine, Pale urine... see more | Ba Zheng San | Wu Lin San | Shi Wei San |
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Damp-Heat in the Bladder | Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary burning, Dark urine, Cloudy urine, Hematuria, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Lower abdominal fullness and pain, Feeling of heat... see more | Ba Zheng San |
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
Common Symptoms: Frequent And Urgent Urination Cloudy Urine Upper Abdominal Heaviness Urethral Heaviness Pale Urine Urinary Burning Dark Urine Hematuria
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Damp-Cold in the Bladder | Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Frequent and urgent urination, Upper abdominal heaviness, Urethral heaviness, Cloudy urine, Pale urine... see more | Ba Zheng San | Wu Lin San | Shi Wei San |
Damp-Heat in the Bladder | Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary burning, Dark urine, Cloudy urine, Hematuria, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Lower abdominal fullness and pain, Feeling of heat... see more | Ba Zheng San |
To counteract Damp-Cold affecting the Bladder, TCM might recommend formulas like Ba Zheng San, known for its efficacy in expelling Dampness and clearing Heat, thus restoring a smooth urinary flow. It often includes herbs such as Chinese Pink Herbs (Qu Mai) that promote urination and relieve Damp-Heat.
For more severe Damp-Heat, Wu Lin San might be used, which combines the fire-purging properties of Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) with other herbs to clear the Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner. The choice of formula is made after a careful assessment of the individual's specific TCM pattern.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address urination stopping in the middle of flow, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause urination stopping in the middle of flow, such as Damp-Cold in the Bladder or Damp-Heat in the Bladder
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Ba Zheng San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder, Damp-Heat in the Bladder |
Wu Lin San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Shi Wei San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause urination stopping in the middle of flow, such as Damp-Cold in the Bladder
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Ba Zheng San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Wu Lin San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Shi Wei San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause urination stopping in the middle of flow, such as Damp-Heat in the Bladder
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some urination stopping in the middle of flow-causing patterns like Damp-Cold in the Bladder or Damp-Heat in the Bladder.
One such formula is Ba Zheng San, with chinese pink herb as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Ba Zheng San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder, Damp-Heat in the Bladder |
Wu Lin San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Shi Wei San | Damp-Cold in the Bladder |
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address urination stopping in the middle of flow, organized by herb category.
Urination stopping in the middle of flow 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 Chinese Pink Herbs (Qu Mai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for urination stopping in the middle of flow, like Ba Zheng San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Chinese Pink Herbs (Qu Mai) | Ba Zheng San |
Knotgrass (Bian Xu) | Ba Zheng San |
Urination stopping in the middle of flow can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for urination stopping in the middle of flow, like Wu Lin San.