Urinary Or Fecal Incontinenceaccording to TCM

What is Urinary or Fecal Incontinence?

Urinary or fecal incontinence is a troubling condition characterized by the loss of control over urination or defecation. This symptom can manifest as an inability to hold urine or stools until reaching a bathroom, leading to involuntary leakage.

It's a condition that can affect people of all ages, though it's more prevalent among the elderly, women who have undergone multiple pregnancies, and individuals with certain health conditions. The impact of incontinence extends beyond physical discomfort, affecting emotional well-being and social interaction.

How does TCM view Urinary or Fecal Incontinence?

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), urinary or fecal incontinence is seen not just as a localized problem but as an indication of an underlying imbalance within the body’s vital energies.

TCM identifies several patterns of disharmony, such as Cold invading the Bladder or a Deficiency in the Kidney Yang, that can lead to incontinence. By focusing on restoring balance and strengthening the body's Qi (vital energy), TCM aims to address both the symptoms and the root cause of incontinence, offering a holistic approach to treatment.

Root Causes of Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence in TCM

In TCM, the causes of urinary or fecal incontinence are attributed to several patterns, such as Cold invading the lower body or a Deficiency in Yang energy, leading to a lack of control over the bladder or bowels. For example, Bladder Deficient and Cold can manifest as frequent, pale urination or incontinence, accompanied by symptoms like lower back pain and dizziness.

Another cause, Yang Collapse, reflects a severe Deficiency where vital functions are weakened, resulting in incontinence alongside symptoms like low energy, chills, and cold extremities. By identifying these patterns, TCM practitioners can tailor treatments to the individual, aiming to warm the body, strengthen Yang, and restore the proper function of the bladder and intestines.

Explore below more details about what might cause Urinary or fecal incontinence according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Cold
  • Yang Collapse
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Yang Excess
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Qi Sinking
  • Bladder
  • Kidney
Detailed description of the cause

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence

Common Symptoms: Frequent Urination Enuresis Lower Back Pain Dizziness Nocturia White Urethral Discharge Chills Pale And Abudant Urination

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Bladder Deficient and Cold Incontinence, Frequent urination, Pale and abudant urination, Urinary or fecal incontinence, Enuresis, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Nocturia, White urethral discharge, Chills... see more Sang Piao Xiao San | Suo Quan Wan
Bladder Deficiency with Cold Incontinence, Confusion, Poor memory, Urinary or fecal incontinence, Lower back pain, Dizziness, White urethral discharge, Chills, Frequent urination, Cloudy urine, Pediatric nocturnal enuresis... see more Sang Piao Xiao San
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Collapse

Yang Collapse in TCM represents a severe and acute condition where the body's Yang energy, the driving force behind warmth and metabolic function, is drastically depleted. This state is more critical than a simple Yang deficiency and is considered an emergency in TCM. Symptoms of Yang Collapse include extreme coldness, especially in the limbs, a feeling of cold that is unrelieved by warmth, profuse cold sweating, shallow breathing, and a very weak and slow pulse. There may also be signs of severe metabolic slowing, such as lethargy, drowsiness, or even loss of consciousness, alongside pale or bluish complexion. Yang Collapse requires urgent treatment to rescue the patient from a potentially life-threatening state. The focus is on rapidly warming and reviving the Yang energy. ... see more

Yang Collapse Patterns That Can Lead to Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Collapse of Yang Incontinence, Low energy, Chills, Cold extremities, Bright pale face, Sweating on forehead, Absence of thirst, Urinary or fecal incontinence, Frequent urination, Diarrhea... see more Shen Fu Tang | Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency Incontinence, Incontinence of urine, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan | Shen Qi Wan | You Gui Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Er Xian Tang | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Ji Chuan Jian
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Excess

Yang Excess in TCM refers to a state where there is an overabundance of Yang energy, leading to symptoms of heat and hyperactivity in the body. This pattern of disharmony often arises from factors like stress, excessive physical activity, overconsumption of spicy or heating foods, or an internal imbalance that causes Yang to flare up. Symptoms of Yang Excess include a feeling of heat, red face, irritability, restlessness, thirst, constipation, and a rapid, forceful pulse. Treatment in TCM for Yang Excess aims to cool down and subdue the excessive Yang while nurturing Yin energy to restore balance.... see more

Yang Excess Patterns That Can Lead to Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Bladder Deficiency with Cold Incontinence, Confusion, Poor memory, Urinary or fecal incontinence, Lower back pain, Dizziness, White urethral discharge, Chills, Frequent urination, Cloudy urine, Pediatric nocturnal enuresis... see more Sang Piao Xiao San
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Qi not Firm Incontinence of urine, Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Cold extremities, White vaginal discharge, Bearing down sensation in abdomen, Recurrent miscarriage... see more You Gui Wan | Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan | Fu Tu Dan | Qing E Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Sinking

Qi Sinking is a pattern of disharmony in TCM where the body's energy, or Qi, is thought to "sink" or drop down. Imagine a balloon slowly deflating and falling; that's similar to what happens with Qi Sinking. This can lead to feelings of heaviness, fatigue, and even physical symptoms like prolapse of organs or frequent urination. It's as if the body's energy, which usually supports and holds things in place, isn't able to do its job properly. TCM views this as an imbalance where the uplifting and supporting qualities of Qi are weakened.... see more

Qi Sinking Patterns That Can Lead to Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking Incontinence of urine, Uterine prolapse, Prolapsed bladder, Stomach prolapse, Nephroptosis, Anus prolapse, Bearing down sensation in abdomen, Hemorrhoids, Chronic diarrhea, Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary incontinence, Generalized fatigue, Low energy, Intestines prolapse, Vaginal prolapse... see more Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Du Shen Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Bladder

In TCM the Bladder plays a crucial role beyond its basic function of storing and excreting urine. It is intimately connected with the Kidney system, helping to regulate the body's water balance and being a key component in the processing and elimination of fluids. The Bladder also influences the lower part of the body and the back. When it malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to urinary issues like frequent urination, incontinence, or painful urination. Additionally, there may be problems related to its meridian pathway, such as lower back pain, stiffness, or weakness in the legs. The Bladder’s condition in TCM can also reflect emotional states, with imbalances potentially leading to feelings of fear or anxiety.... see more

Bladder Patterns That Can Lead to Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence

Common Symptoms: Frequent Urination Enuresis Lower Back Pain Dizziness Nocturia White Urethral Discharge Chills Pale And Abudant Urination

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Bladder Deficient and Cold Incontinence, Frequent urination, Pale and abudant urination, Urinary or fecal incontinence, Enuresis, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Nocturia, White urethral discharge, Chills... see more Sang Piao Xiao San | Suo Quan Wan
Bladder Deficiency with Cold Incontinence, Confusion, Poor memory, Urinary or fecal incontinence, Lower back pain, Dizziness, White urethral discharge, Chills, Frequent urination, Cloudy urine, Pediatric nocturnal enuresis... see more Sang Piao Xiao San
Detailed description of the cause

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence

Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Chills Generalized Fatigue Premature Ejaculation Cold Extremities Nocturnal Emission Frequent Urination Urine Dribbling

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency Incontinence, Incontinence of urine, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan | Shen Qi Wan | You Gui Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Er Xian Tang | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Ji Chuan Jian
Kidney Qi not Firm Incontinence of urine, Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Cold extremities, White vaginal discharge, Bearing down sensation in abdomen, Recurrent miscarriage... see more You Gui Wan | Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan | Fu Tu Dan | Qing E Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence

To address urinary or fecal incontinence, TCM relies on formulas that strengthen the body's Yang energy and secure the essence. For conditions stemming from Bladder Deficiency and Cold, formulas like Sang Piao Xiao San, which includes Praying Mantis Egg-Cases, and Suo Quan Wan, featuring Sharp-Leaf Galangal Fruits, are commonly prescribed to warm the Bladder and stabilize Essence.

In cases of Yang Collapse, remedies such as Shen Fu Tang and Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang, which contain potent Yang-tonifying herbs like Ginseng and Prepared aconite, are used to rescue devastated Yang and restore vitality. These treatments, by targeting the specific patterns of disharmony causing incontinence, offer a nuanced approach to improving bladder and bowel control.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address urinary or fecal incontinence, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Cold
  • Yang Collapse
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Yang Excess
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Qi Sinking
  • Formulas that warm yang and tonify
  • Formulas that secure essence and stop enuresis
  • Formulas that rescue devastated yang
  • Formulas that tonify yin and yang
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that moisten intestines and unblock bowels
  • Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen

All Formulas Recommended for Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence Caused by Cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Sang Piao Xiao San Bladder Deficient and Cold, Bladder Deficiency with Cold
Suo Quan Wan Bladder Deficient and Cold

All Formulas Recommended for Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence Caused by Yang Collapse

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Shen Fu Tang Collapse of Yang
Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang Collapse of Yang

All Formulas Recommended for Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence Caused by Yang Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
You Gui Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Tu Si Zi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Er Xian Tang Kidney Yang Deficiency
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Ji Chuan Jian Kidney Yang Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
You Gui Wan Kidney Qi not Firm
Tu Si Zi Wan Kidney Qi not Firm
Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan Kidney Qi not Firm
Fu Tu Dan Kidney Qi not Firm
Qing E Wan Kidney Qi not Firm

All Formulas Recommended for Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence Caused by Qi Sinking

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
Du Shen Tang Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking

All "formulas that secure essence and stop enuresis" recommended for urinary or fecal incontinence

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Sang Piao Xiao San Bladder Deficient and Cold, Bladder Deficiency with Cold
Suo Quan Wan Bladder Deficient and Cold
Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan Kidney Qi not Firm
Fu Tu Dan Kidney Qi not Firm

All "formulas that warm yang and tonify" recommended for urinary or fecal incontinence

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
You Gui Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency, Kidney Qi not Firm
Tu Si Zi Wan Kidney Qi not Firm, Kidney Yang Deficiency
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Qing E Wan Kidney Qi not Firm
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency

All "formulas that rescue devastated yang" recommended for urinary or fecal incontinence

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Shen Fu Tang Collapse of Yang
Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang Collapse of Yang
Du Shen Tang Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking

All "formulas that tonify yin and yang" recommended for urinary or fecal incontinence

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Er Xian Tang Kidney Yang Deficiency
Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang Not applicable

All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for urinary or fecal incontinence

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
Bu Fei Tang Not applicable

Acupoints for Urinary Or Fecal Incontinence

Explore below some acupoints used to address urinary or fecal incontinence, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Directing Vessel
Baihuanshu BL-30

Baihuanshu BL-30

At the level of the 4th posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

Weiyang BL-39

Weiyang BL-39

At the lateral end of the popliteal crease, on the medial border of the tendon of biceps femoris muscle, 1 cun lateral to Weizhong BL-40 which is the midpoint of the popliteal crease. It is also 1 cun below Fuxi BL-38.

Chengjin BL-56

Chengjin BL-56

5 cun inferior to Weizhong BL-40 which is the midpoint of the popliteal crease. In the center of the belly of gastrocnemius muscle, midway between Heyang BL-55 and Chengshan BL-57.

Guanyuan REN-4

Guanyuan REN-4

On the midline of the abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus.

Qihai REN-6

Qihai REN-6

On the midline of the abdomen, 1.5 cun below the umbilicus.