Urinary Dysfunctionaccording to TCM

What is Urinary Dysfunction?

Urinary dysfunction encompasses a range of difficulties related to urination, including but not limited to, the inability to urinate smoothly, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, or the presence of pain during urination. These symptoms not only cause physical discomfort but also affect the psychological well-being and quality of life of those afflicted.

How Does TCM View Urinary Dysfunction?

Traditional Chinese Medicine interprets urinary dysfunction as a manifestation of deeper imbalances within the body's systems. According to TCM, the Kidneys play a crucial role in the filtration and excretion processes, and any dysfunction is often related to disharmonies in Didney energy, as well as imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Yin and Yang, dampness, and heat. Identifying the specific TCM pattern behind the symptoms is key to tailoring treatment strategies.

Root Causes of Urinary Dysfunction in TCM

TCM recognizes various patterns that can lead to urinary dysfunction, with Dampness and Heat being central to many of these. For instance, Damp-Heat in the Liver can lead to symptoms such as urinary difficulty and abdominal fullness.

Similarly, Oedema, marked by swelling and fluid retention, often involves urinary challenges. Phlegm accumulation, another pattern, can obstruct urinary functions, leading to dysfunction. Additionally, Yang Deficiency, particularly of the kidney, can impair the warming and functional activities necessary for proper urination.

Explore below more details about what might cause Urinary dysfunction according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Dampness
  • Phlegm
  • Yang Deficiency
Detailed description of the cause

Dampness

"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

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Urinary Dysfunction

Common Symptoms: Feeling Of Heaviness Dark Urine Lack Of Appetite Vaginal Itching Fever Edema Ascites Diarrhea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Liver Urinary difficulty, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Lack of appetite, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Vulvar sores, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Yin Chen Hao Tang
Oedema Urinary difficulty, Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema, Ocular swelling, Abdominal distention... see more Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang | Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan | Wu Ling San | Ping Wei San | Wu Pi Yin | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Zhen Wu Tang | Yu Gong San | Zhou Che Wan
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold Rough urination, Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Thirst, Flushed face, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Body pain, Dark urine, Urinary dysfunction... see more Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin
Wind-Damp Urinary difficulty, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heaviness, Edema, Urinary dysfunction, Ascites, Rheumatic heart disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, Acute glomerulonephritis, Lumbar disc disease... see more Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Urinary difficulty, Edema, Feeling of heaviness, Diarrhea, Urinary dysfunction, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection, Nephrotic syndrome, Cystitis, Hydrocele, Migraine... see more Wu Ling San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Urinary Dysfunction

To address Damp-Heat in the Liver, TCM practitioners might prescribe Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, a formula designed to clear Heat and dry Dampness.

For conditions involving Oedema and associated urinary difficulty, Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang might be utilized to promote urination and leach out dampness, thereby alleviating swelling and improving urine flow. These examples illustrate the precision with which TCM targets the underlying patterns of disharmony.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Dampness
  • Phlegm
  • Yang Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Urinary Dysfunction Caused by Dampness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang Wind-Damp, Oedema
Wu Ling San Oedema, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan Oedema
Zhen Wu Tang Oedema
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Damp-Heat in the Liver
Yin Chen Hao Tang Damp-Heat in the Liver
Ping Wei San Oedema
Wu Pi Yin Oedema
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang Oedema
Yu Gong San Oedema
Zhou Che Wan Oedema
Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold

Acupoints for Urinary Dysfunction

Acupuncture, another pillar of TCM, involves stimulating specific points on the body to restore balance. Points such as Ciliao BL-32 and Pangguangshu BL-28 are often selected for their regulatory effects on the Lower Burner and their capacity to enhance urinary function. Such targeted treatments exemplify the nuanced approach of TCM, which seeks not only to alleviate symptoms but to restore overall harmony and health.

This TCM perspective on urinary dysfunction offers a glimpse into a medical tradition that values balance and harmony. By addressing the root causes of symptoms through a combination of herbal medicine and acupuncture, TCM provides a holistic path towards healing, emphasizing the body's inherent capacity to return to a state of equilibrium.

Explore below some acupoints used to address urinary dysfunction, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Kidney Channel
  • Liver Channel
Sanjiaoshu BL-22

Sanjiaoshu BL-22

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra.

Shenshu BL-23

Shenshu BL-23

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

Xiaochangshu BL-27

Xiaochangshu BL-27

At the level of the 1st posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

Pangguangshu BL-28

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.

Shangliao BL-31

Shangliao BL-31

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

Ciliao BL-32

Ciliao BL-32

In the 2nd posterior sacral foramen, about midway between the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the midline.

Zhongliao BL-33

Zhongliao BL-33

In the 3rd posterior sacral foramen, between the posterior superior iliac spine and the midline.

Xialiao BL-34

Xialiao BL-34

In the 4th posterior sacral foramen, between the posterior superior iliac spine and the midline.

Weiyang BL-39

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.

Zhishi BL-52

Zhishi BL-52

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

Zhibian BL-54

Zhibian BL-54

At the level of the 4th posterior sacral foramen, 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

Zutonggu BL-66

Zutonggu BL-66

In the depression distal and inferior to the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint, at the lateral border of the foot.

Zhiyin BL-67

Zhiyin BL-67

On the lateral side of the little toe, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.

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