Prostatitisaccording to TCM

*redirected from Acute and chronic prostatitis

What is Prostatitis?

Prostatitis is the medical term for inflammation of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized gland located directly below the bladder in men. This condition can manifest as acute prostatitis, which appears suddenly and lasts for a short duration, or chronic prostatitis, which persists for a longer period.

Symptoms can range from pain and difficulty during urination to more generalized symptoms such as pelvic pain and flu-like symptoms in acute cases. Prostatitis requires a nuanced approach to treatment, given its potential to significantly affect quality of life.

How Does TCM View Prostatitis?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) conceptualizes prostatitis not simply as an inflammation localized to the prostate but as an indication of imbalance within the broader context of the body's energetic system.

TCM posits that symptoms arise when the body's natural harmony is disrupted by patterns of disharmony such as Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner or Qi Stagnation affecting the prostate. Recognizing these patterns is fundamental in TCM, directing practitioners to treatments that address the specific energetic imbalances at play.

Causes of Prostatitis According to TCM

TCM suggests that prostatitis can be caused by various patterns, but particularly by Damp-Heat accumulating in the lower burner or by Blood Stagnation in the pelvic area. Damp-Heat can cause symptoms such as painful urination and urinary urgency, while Blood Stagnation can lead to sharp pain and contribute to chronic discomfort.

Understanding and addressing these underlying patterns are essential in TCM, allowing for treatments that not only alleviate symptoms but also restore the body’s proper energy flow and balance.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Prostatitis

To treat prostatitis, TCM practitioners may recommend formulas that clear Heat and expel Dampness or that invigorate Blood and dispel Stagnation. Ba Zheng San, known for its properties to clear Damp-Heat from the Bladder, is often prescribed for its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and urinary symptoms.

For cases with underlying Blood Stagnation, Tao He Cheng Qi Tang with Peach Kernels can be used to activate blood circulation and clear stagnation. Additionally, Zhi Zi Chi Tang is used to clear Heat in chest, addressing the Heat aspect of Damp-Heat that can exacerbate prostatitis symptoms. These formulas are chosen based on a patient’s specific TCM diagnosis to ensure a targeted and holistic approach to healing.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address prostatitis, organized by formula type.

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
  • Formulas that clear qi-level heat
  • Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
  • Formulas that secure essence and stop enuresis
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs

All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for prostatitis

Formula Key herbs
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), Rhubarb (Da Huang)
Di Dang Tang Leeches (Shui Zhi), Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong)

TCM Herbs for Prostatitis

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address prostatitis, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that drain dampness
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood
  • Purgative herbs that drain downward
  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
  • Herbs that stabilize and bind

"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for prostatitis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Chinese Pink Herbs (Qu Mai) Ba Zheng San
Knotgrass (Bian Xu) Ba Zheng San
Japanese Climbing Fern Spores (Hai Jin Sha) Not applicable

"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for prostatitis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Leeches (Shui Zhi) Di Dang Tang
Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) Di Dang Tang