Nocturnal Emission in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different nocturnal emission patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Nocturnal emission, commonly known as a wet dream, refers to involuntary ejaculation during sleep, often accompanied by erotic dreams but not exclusively so. This phenomenon is predominantly observed in adolescent males but can occur at any age beyond puberty. While usually considered a normal part of sexual development, frequent nocturnal emissions can sometimes signify underlying health concerns or imbalances, particularly when they cause distress or impact daily life.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets nocturnal emissions as a manifestation of underlying disharmonies within the body's vital energies. TCM emphasizes the balance and flow of Qi (energy), Blood, Yin, Yang, and Essence. According to TCM, nocturnal emissions may indicate imbalances in these areas, particularly relating to Kidney, Liver and Spleen. The approach to treatment involves not just addressing the symptom but restoring overall harmony and balance within the body.
TCM Patterns for Nocturnal Emission
Yin Deficiency
Causes: Nocturnal emissions, Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Nocturnal emissions, Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility, Melasma
Kidney Yin Deficiency
Nocturnal emissions
Along with: Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
Nocturnal emissions
Along with: Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools
Yin Deficiency
Nocturnal emissions
Along with: Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy, Scanty and dark urine, Dry stools, Dry mouth and throat at night, Nocturnal emission, Pain relieved by pressure and cold, Preference for sipping
Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin
Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Along with: Sore knees, Lower back pain, Knee weakness, Dry mouth, Dry tongue, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Hair graying
Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency
Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Along with: Palpitations, Insomnia, Poor memory, Night sweats, Anxiety, Tinnitus, Dizziness, Vivid dreaming, Restlessness, Nocturnal emission
Yin and Blood Deficiency
Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Along with: Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission, Poor memory, Dry stools, Mouth ulcers, Menopausal symptoms
Qi Deficiency
Causes: Spermatorrhea, Nocturnal emissions, Spermatorrhoea
Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency
Spermatorrhea
Along with: Excessive menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Thin menstrual blood, Prolonged menstrual periods, Shortness of breath, Palpitations
Qi Deficiency
Spermatorrhea
Along with: General weakness, Weak voice, Generalized fatigue, Apathy, Dislike of speaking, Spontaneous sweat, Frequent colds or flu, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Shortness of breath
Kidney Qi not Firm
Nocturnal emissions, Spermatorrhoea
Along with: 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
Kidney and Heart Qi Deficiency
Nocturnal emissions
Along with: Frequent urination, Urinary incontinence, Nocturnal emission, Absentmindness, Poor memory, Pediatric nocturnal enuresis, Diabetes, Neuroses, Uterine prolapse, Dysautonomia
Yang Deficiency
Causes: Spermatorrhea, Nocturnal emissions, Nocturnal emissions without dreams
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Spermatorrhea, Nocturnal emissions, Nocturnal emissions without dreams
Along with: 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
Blood Deficiency
Causes: Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Yin and Blood Deficiency
Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Along with: Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission, Poor memory, Dry stools, Mouth ulcers, Menopausal symptoms
Heat
Causes: Nocturnal emissions
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
Nocturnal emissions
Along with: Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools
Herbal Formulas for Nocturnal Emission
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address nocturnal emission
You Gui Wan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang
- Replenishes the Essence
- Tonifies the Blood
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Spermatorrhea, Nocturnal emissions, Nocturnal emissions without dreams
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Kidney Qi not Firm
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions, Spermatorrhoea
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission...
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the yin and nourishes the Kidneys
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions, Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms...
Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy...
Tu Si Zi Wan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Kidneys
- Prevents abnormal leakage such as urinary incontinence or seminal emissions
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Spermatorrhea, Nocturnal emissions, Nocturnal emissions without dreams
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Kidney Qi not Firm
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions, Spermatorrhoea
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission...
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Yin
- Drains Fire
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms...
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Nourishes the Blood
- Clears Heat
- Calms the Mind
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Insomnia, Poor memory, Night sweats, Anxiety, Tinnitus...
Yin and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission...
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Yang
- Warms the Kidneys and lower extremities
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Spermatorrhea, Nocturnal emissions, Nocturnal emissions without dreams
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Fu Tu Dan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Stabilizes the Kidney Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Stops leakage
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Spermatorrhea
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Thin menstrual blood, Prolonged menstrual periods, Shortness of breath, Palpitations
Kidney Qi not Firm
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions, Spermatorrhoea
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission...
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Reinforces and strengthens Heart Qi
- Calms the Mind
- Nourishes and moistens the Heart Blood
- Tonifies the Kidney Yin
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Er Xian Tang
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin and tonifies Yang of the Kidneys
- Clears Empty Heat
- Regulates the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Spermatorrhea, Nocturnal emissions, Nocturnal emissions without dreams
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Si Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Spermatorrhea
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Weak voice, Generalized fatigue, Apathy, Dislike of speaking, Spontaneous sweat...
Zuo Gui Wan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Strengthens the Kidneys
- Fills the Essence
- Augments the marrow
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions, Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy...
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and warms Kidney Yang
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Spermatorrhea, Nocturnal emissions, Nocturnal emissions without dreams
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Liu Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
- Clears Phlegm and mucus
- Promotes appetite
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Spermatorrhea
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Weak voice, Generalized fatigue, Apathy, Dislike of speaking, Spontaneous sweat...
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin
- Improves vision
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions, Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Strengthens the Essence
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Spermatorrhea, Nocturnal emissions, Nocturnal emissions without dreams
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Stabilizes the Kidneys
- Binds up the semen
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney Qi not Firm
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions, Spermatorrhoea
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission...
Qing Gu San
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat from Deficiency
- Alleviates steaming bone disorder
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions, Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Ji Chuan Jian
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Kidneys
- Nourishes the Blood
- Strengthens the Essence
- Moistens the Intestines
- Unblocks bowels
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Spermatorrhea, Nocturnal emissions, Nocturnal emissions without dreams
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Qing E Wan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and Reinforces Kidney Yang
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney Qi not Firm
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions, Spermatorrhoea
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission...
Yi Guan Jian
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Spreads the Liver Qi
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions, Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Yu Lin Zhu
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Consolidates the Penetrating and Directing Vessel (Chong Mai, Ren Mai)
- Facilitating pregnancy
- Promotes Blood circulation and regulates menstruation
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Spermatorrhea, Nocturnal emissions, Nocturnal emissions without dreams
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Sang Piao Xiao San
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates and tonifies the Heart and Kidneys
- Stabilizes the Essence
- Stops leakage
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney and Heart Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Frequent urination, Urinary incontinence, Nocturnal emission, Absentmindness, Poor memory, Pediatric nocturnal enuresis...
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Pacifies the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Nourishes the Yin
- Anchors the Yang
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions, Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Kidney Yin and Essence
- Nourishes the Liver Blood
- Beautifies hair
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Mu Li San
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Inhibits sweating
- Stabilizes the exterior
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy...
Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Generates Body Fluids
- Nourishes the Yin
- Unblocks the bowels
- Drains Heat
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy...
Er Zhi Wan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Liver Yin
- Nourishes Kidney Yin
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin
How it manifests:
Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Sore knees, Lower back pain, Knee weakness, Dry mouth, Dry tongue, Dizziness...
Jiao Tai Wan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores the functional communication between the Heart and the Kidneys
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Insomnia, Poor memory, Night sweats, Anxiety, Tinnitus...
Ci Zhu Wan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Heavily sedates and calms the Mind
- Pacifies Rising Yang
- Improves the vision and hearing
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Insomnia, Poor memory, Night sweats, Anxiety, Tinnitus...
Gui Shao Di Huang Tang
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Blood
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions, Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Zuo Gui Yin
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Tonifies the Kidneys
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions, Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Ming Mu Di Huang Wan
Addresses these nocturnal emission patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Liver
- Enriches the Kidneys
- Improves the vision
Addresses These Nocturnal Emission Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nocturnal emissions, Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...