Bladder Deficient and Cold
Bladder Deficient and Cold
Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment
Diagnostic Signs
Pale, wet.
Deep (Chen), Weak (Ruo)
Key Characteristic Symptoms
Diagnostic Considerations
Frequent pale and abundant urination and a Deep-Weak pulse are enough in and of themselves to diagnose Bladder Deficient and Cold.
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
In men excessive sexual activity (mainly masturbation) can weaken Kidney Yang and trigger this pattern.
In both men and women, it can also be caused by starting sexual activity too early (i.e. before puberty is complete).
Excessive exposure to cold and/or damp environments can cause this pattern. This particularly applies to women who are especially sensitive to Cold and Dampness during menstruation.
Excessive physical activity, especially lifting things (like weighs in the gym) can cause the Bladder to become Deficient and Cold.
Pathological Mechanism
This pattern is similar to Kidney Yang Deficiency or Kidney Qi not Firm, except with more Bladder related symptoms. It can derive from Kidney Yang Deficiency like it can be a precursor for it, both patterns are intrinsically linked.
This is because the Bladder derives its Qi from Kidney Yang to transform Fluids. If Kidney Yang is deficient, it cannot perform this function properly and many Fluids Bladder symptoms follow. The Fluids tend to leak out, leading to frequent urination, incontinence, enuresis or nocturia.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Tonify and warm the Bladder as well as Kidney Yang.
Recommended Herbal Formulas
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations
Avoid prolonged exposure to cold or damp environments. Restrain from excessive sexual activity. Favor light physical exercise such as walking or swimming (especially avoid doing any lifting).
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