Urinary Incontinenceaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Urinary Incontinence and Dysfunction
Parent symptom: Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence
Sub-symptom(s): Postpartum Incontinence
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine, indicating a disruption in the urinary system's storage and release functions. It ranges from occasional, minor leaks when one coughs or sneezes to a strong, sudden urge to urinate that's difficult to control. This condition can affect daily activities, causing distress or embarrassment for those who experience it.
How Does TCM View Urinary Incontinence?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets urinary incontinence as a sign of underlying imbalances within the body's vital energies, particularly relating to the Kidney and Bladder.
It's often categorized as a Deficiency condition, where the body's Qi (vital energy) or Yang (active, warming energy) is insufficient to control the Bladder. TCM practitioners aim to identify the specific disharmony patterns to provide tailored treatment.
Root Causes of Urinary Incontinence in TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), urinary incontinence is often linked to imbalances in Qi, particularly within the Kidney system. Kidney Qi not Firm indicates a Qi Deficiency, leading to symptoms such as a weak urine stream, frequent urination, and general fatigue. This pattern suggests the body's inability to hold urine effectively.
A more severe Qi deficiency is seen in Qi Sinking or Collapsing, where weakened Qi fails to support the body's organs, causing symptoms like organ prolapse and a sensation of abdominal heaviness. These TCM patterns highlight the critical role of Qi in sustaining organ stability and function. Treatment focuses on strengthening Qi and correcting its sinking to alleviate incontinence.
Explore below more details about what might cause Urinary incontinence according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Qi Deficiency
- Yang Deficiency
- Qi Sinking
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 Urinary Incontinence
Common Symptoms: Enuresis Nocturnal Emission Uterine Prolapse Frequent Urination Lower Back Pain Lower Back Weakness Polyuria Weak Urine Stream
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Qi not Firm | Incontinence of urine, 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 and Heart Qi Deficiency | Urinary incontinence, Frequent urination, Nocturnal emission, Absentmindness, Poor memory, Pediatric nocturnal enuresis, Diabetes, Neuroses, Uterine prolapse, Dysautonomia, Enuresis... see more | Sang Piao Xiao San |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Urinary Incontinence
TCM treatment for urinary incontinence may include formulas such as You Gui Wan, which aims to warm Yang and strengthen Qi with herbs like Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), renowned for its warming properties. This approach is intended to bolster the body’s vital energies, thereby improving bladder control.
Another key formula might be Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, containing Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), which lifts the body's Qi, potentially alleviating conditions of Qi sinking that can lead to incontinence.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address urinary incontinence, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Qi Deficiency
- Yang Deficiency
- Qi Sinking
Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
You Gui Wan
Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause urinary incontinence, such as Kidney Qi not Firm
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Urinary Incontinence Caused by Qi Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Qing E Wan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
| Sang Piao Xiao San | Kidney and Heart Qi Deficiency |
Acupoints for Urinary Incontinence
Acupuncture may also be utilized to address urinary incontinence, with points such as Qihai REN-6 being central in tonifying the Original Qi and lifting the sinking Qi. This point is considered influential in strengthening the Kidneys and tonifying Yang, which can help in restoring Bladder control.
Another point, Weiyang BL-39, is traditionally used for its effectiveness in controlling the water passages and aiding in urinary functions. These points are selected to align with the individual's specific TCM diagnosis and overall treatment strategy.
Explore below some acupoints used to address urinary incontinence, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
- Directing Vessel
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.
Chengjin BL-56
5 cun inferior to Weizhong BL-40 which is the midpoint of the popliteal crease. In the center of the belly of gastrocnemius muscle, midway between Heyang BL-55 and Chengshan BL-57.
