Urinary Retention in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different urinary retention patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Condition Categories

Urine Volume & Frequency Abnormalities
4
TCM Patterns
7
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 4 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each urinary retention pattern
Classical remedies 7 herbal formulas documented
Related conditions

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a 'pattern' refers to a complex of symptoms and signs reflecting an imbalance or blockage in the body's natural flow of Qi and Blood. Determining the specific pattern is pivotal as it guides the personalized treatment plan.

For urinary retention, identifying whether the cause is an Excess pattern like Damp-Heat causing obstruction, or a Deficiency pattern like Yin Collapse is essential. Proper pattern differentiation ensures that the treatment will harmonize and rebalance the body's energies, addressing both the symptoms and their underlying cause.

TCM Patterns for Urinary Retention

Yin Collapse

Causes: Urinary retention

1 variation documented
Collapse of Yin
How it presents with urinary retention

Urinary retention

Along with: Low grade fever, Night sweats, Restlessness, Dry mouth with desire to sip liquids, Heat sensation in palms, Flushed cheekbones,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Dampness

Causes: Urinary retention

1 variation documented
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner
How it presents with urinary retention

Urinary retention

Along with: Scanty and yellow urine, Lower back pain, Weakness of lower extremities, Red and swollen feet, Swollen knee, Thick greasy vaginal secretions,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Heat

Causes: Urinary retention

1 variation documented
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner
How it presents with urinary retention

Urinary retention

Along with: Scanty and yellow urine, Lower back pain, Weakness of lower extremities, Red and swollen feet, Swollen knee, Thick greasy vaginal secretions,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Wind

Causes: Urinary retention

1 variation documented
Greater Yang Accumulation of Water
How it presents with urinary retention

Urinary retention

Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Slight thirst, Vomiting after eating

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Herbal Formulas for Urinary Retention

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address urinary retention

Ba Zheng San

Addresses these urinary retention patterns:

Dampness Heat

Da Bu Yin Wan

Addresses these urinary retention patterns:

Yin Collapse

Wu Ling San

Addresses these urinary retention patterns:

Wind