Symptom families: Urinary Incontinence and Dysfunction, Pediatric Disorders and Symptoms
Parent symptom: Enuresis
Pediatric nocturnal enuresis, commonly known as bed-wetting in children, is a prevalent condition where a child involuntarily urinates during sleep. This issue is not just a matter of physical health but often affects the psychological well-being of the child and family.
Enuresis can be a symptom of an underlying issue, but in many cases, it occurs in children without any specific medical condition. It's important to differentiate this from occasional accidents, as true nocturnal enuresis is a recurrent issue that can continue into later childhood if not addressed.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets pediatric nocturnal enuresis through a unique lens, focusing on imbalances and deficiencies in the body's energy systems. TCM practitioners see this condition as a result of weaknesses in the Kidney system or imbalances in the Bladder's functionality.
Unlike Western medicine, which may focus on physical aspects alone, TCM looks at the harmonious balance of Qi (vital energy), Yin and Yang, and the interaction between different organ systems. Treatment aims to restore balance and strengthen the body's natural functions.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pediatric nocturnal enuresis is often attributed to specific imbalances within the body. One key pattern recognized in TCM related to this condition is Bladder Deficiency with Cold. This pattern indicates a weakness in the Bladder's Qi, or vital energy, which leads to an inability to retain urine effectively, particularly during the night.
Children exhibiting this pattern might display symptoms like frequent urination, a pale complexion, and an aversion to cold. In TCM, the focus of treatment is on strengthening the Bladder’s Qi and warming the Kidney Yang to address the underlying deficiency.
In addressing pediatric nocturnal enuresis from a TCM perspective, particularly when it stems from Bladder Deficiency with Cold, specific herbal formulas are recommended. One such formula is Sang Piao Xiao San, which includes key ingredients like Praying Mantis Egg-Cases.
This formula works by warming the Bladder and Kidney Yang, thus helping to restore the balance and strengthen the child’s ability to control urination. The utilization of such formulas in TCM is tailored to the child's individual health needs, aiming to correct the underlying disharmony causing nocturnal enuresis. The treatment approach in TCM is holistic, focusing on the whole body’s balance and wellness.
See more details below about Sang Piao Xiao San, a herbal formula used to address pediatric nocturnal enuresis.
Pediatric nocturnal enuresis can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by a deficiency in the body's essence, leading to symptoms like involuntary urination.
One such formula is Sang Piao Xiao San, with praying mantis egg-Case as a key herb.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address pediatric nocturnal enuresis, organized by herb category.
Pediatric nocturnal enuresis can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Praying Mantis Egg-Cases (Sang Piao Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pediatric nocturnal enuresis, like Sang Piao Xiao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Praying Mantis Egg-Cases (Sang Piao Shao) | Sang Piao Xiao San |
Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai) | Not applicable |