Urinary Tract Infection in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different urinary tract infection patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
A urinary tract infection, commonly referred to as a UTI, is an infection that can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.
Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men. Symptoms can range from a persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, to cloudy or strong-smelling urine. If left untreated, a UTI can have serious consequences.
In the framework of TCM, a urinary tract infection (UTI) is seen as a disruption of the body's natural harmony and balance. A 'pattern' in TCM is a diagnostic profile that encapsulates a patient's signs and symptoms, along with the state of their vital energy, or Qi.
It's a complex constellation that reflects an individual's overall health condition. Identifying this pattern is crucial in TCM, as it directs the practitioner to the underlying causes of symptoms, such as a UTI, and informs a tailored treatment plan. Understanding the pattern is fundamental—it's the key that unlocks an effective healing strategy, ensuring that treatment goes beyond symptoms to address the root of the ailment.
TCM Patterns for Urinary Tract Infection
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause urinary tract infection
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
Recommended herbal formulas
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Empty (Xu), Floating (Fu)
Normal-coloured without coating or with rootless coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Toxic-Heat
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu)
Red tongue with yellow coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Urinary Tract Infection
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address urinary tract infection