Urinary Incontinenceaccording to TCM

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.

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

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

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Urinary Incontinence

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency	Incontinence of urine, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more	You Gui Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Er Xian Tang | Shen Qi Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Ji Chuan Jian

Qi Sinking

Qi Sinking is a pattern of disharmony in TCM where the body's energy, or Qi, is thought to "sink" or drop down. Imagine a balloon slowly deflating and falling; that's similar to what happens with Qi Sinking. This can lead to feelings of heaviness, fatigue, and even physical symptoms like prolapse of organs or frequent urination. It's as if the body's energy, which usually supports and holds things in place, isn't able to do its job properly. TCM views this as an imbalance where the uplifting and supporting qualities of Qi are weakened.... see more

Qi Sinking Patterns That Can Lead to Urinary Incontinence

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking	Incontinence of urine, Uterine prolapse, Prolapsed bladder, Stomach prolapse, Nephroptosis, Anus prolapse, Bearing down sensation in abdomen, Hemorrhoids, Chronic diarrhea, Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary incontinence, Generalized fatigue, Low energy, Intestines prolapse, Vaginal prolapse... see more	Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Du Shen Tang

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Urinary Incontinence

Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Nocturnal Emission Generalized Fatigue Chills Cold Extremities Back Pain Urine Dribbling Frequent Urination

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 Yang Deficiency	Incontinence of urine, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more	You Gui Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Er Xian Tang | Shen Qi Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Ji Chuan Jian

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.

Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
You Gui Wan

Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause urinary incontinence, such as Kidney Qi not Firm

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All 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

Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
You Gui Wan

Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause urinary incontinence, such as Kidney Yang Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Urinary Incontinence Caused by Yang Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
You Gui Wan	Kidney Yang Deficiency
Tu Si Zi Wan	Kidney Yang Deficiency
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan	Kidney Yang Deficiency
Er Xian Tang	Kidney Yang Deficiency
Shen Qi Wan	Kidney Yang Deficiency
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan	Kidney Yang Deficiency
Ji Chuan Jian	Kidney Yang Deficiency

Top Formula for Qi Sinking:
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang

Suitable for Qi Sinking patterns that may cause urinary incontinence, such as Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Urinary Incontinence Caused by Qi Sinking

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang	Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
Du Shen Tang	Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking

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.

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.

Qihai REN-6

On the midline of the abdomen, 1.5 cun below the umbilicus.