Urinary Incontinence in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different urinary incontinence patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
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.
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.
TCM Patterns for Urinary Incontinence
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause urinary incontinence
Kidney Qi not Firm
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Weak (Ruo)
Slightly Pale tongue
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Kidney and Heart Qi Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Fine (Xi), Weak (Ruo)
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Slow (Chi)
Pale tongue
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
Diagnostic signs
Empty (Xu), Weak (Ruo)
Pale tongue with white coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Urinary Incontinence
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address urinary incontinence