Incontinence of Urination
Incontinence of urination, or the involuntary leakage of urine, can be an embarrassing and frustrating issue for those affected. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique approach to addressing this issue by targeting the root cause of the problem – imbalances in the body's energy systems. In this article, we will explore how TCM practitioners diagnose and treat incontinence of urination by focusing on three primary energy deficiencies: spleen-lungs, kidneys, and looseness of kidneys energy.
- Spleen-Lungs Energy Deficiency
A spleen-lungs energy deficiency is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal swelling, fatigue, coughing and spitting sputum, decreased appetite, diarrhea, and frequent urination. The goal of treatment in this case is to strengthen energy and elevate the yang.
A popular TCM remedy for spleen-lungs energy deficiency is Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang, a herbal formula designed to boost energy levels and improve digestion. In addition to this remedy, incorporating specific foods into the diet can help restore balance to the body. These include grapes, longan nuts, fish, Irish potatoes, sweet rice, apples, cucumbers, carrots, chestnuts, ham, beans, royal jelly, whitefish, yams, red and black dates, mutton, squash, rock sugar, chicken egg yolks, and cheese.
- Kidneys Energy Deficiency
A kidneys energy deficiency can manifest as symptoms like deafness, dizziness, fatigue, frequent urination with scant streams, headaches, impotence, lumbago, and seminal emissions. To address this deficiency, TCM practitioners aim to warm and strengthen the kidneys and control urination.
Suo-Niao-Wan or Shen-Qi-Wan are two herbal formulas commonly prescribed for kidneys energy deficiency. Along with these herbal remedies, incorporating certain foods into the diet can help restore balance. These foods include milk, millet, stamens, sword beans, wheat, black sesame seeds, beef kidneys, chestnuts, chicken livers, lobster, perch, pork kidneys, raspberries, sea cucumbers, string beans, and walnuts.
- Looseness of Kidneys Energy
Looseness of kidneys energy is characterized by symptoms such as bed-wetting, clear and long streams of urine, dizziness, fatigue, frequent urination at night, incontinence of urination, pain and softness in the loins and knees, premature ejaculation, and vaginal discharge or bleeding. The goal of treatment in this case is to strengthen energy and reinforce the kidneys.
To address looseness of kidneys energy, TCM practitioners often prescribe a combination of herbal remedies and dietary changes. Incorporating kidney-supportive foods such as fish, seafood, black beans, and dark leafy greens can help strengthen the kidneys, while avoiding excessive consumption of salty, spicy, and greasy foods can prevent further weakening of kidney energy.
Conclusion
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic approach to managing incontinence of urination by targeting the root causes of energy imbalances in the body. By combining herbal remedies and dietary changes, TCM practitioners can help individuals address their symptoms and regain control over their bladder function. If you are struggling with incontinence of urination, consider consulting with a TCM practitioner to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific energy deficiency.