Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flowaccording to TCM

What is Urination Stopping in the Middle of Flow?

Urination stopping in the middle of flow is a symptom that can indicate an underlying issue with the urinary system. This condition, often a sign of interrupted bladder function, may result from various causes, including obstructions or nerve-related problems that affect bladder control.

How does TCM View Urination Stopping in the Middle of Flow?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), urination stopping midstream is seen as a signal of imbalance within the body's Qi, or vital energy, particularly involving the Bladder and Kidney systems. TCM emphasizes identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptom to tailor an effective treatment plan, focusing on restoring harmony and balance to the flow of Qi.

Root Causes of Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flow in TCM

TCM interprets urination stopping in the middle of flow as often related to Dampness within the body, particularly affecting the Bladder. Damp-Cold in the Bladder may present with symptoms like interrupted urination, a sensation of heaviness, and cloudy urine, indicating a Stagnation of Cold and Dampness. Addressing this involves warming the Bladder and dispelling Dampness.

Another cause may be Damp-Heat in the Bladder, which can cause urgent, painful, and interrupted urination, along with signs of Heat like fever and dry mouth. Clearing heat and promoting diuresis are the primary TCM strategies to alleviate these symptoms.

Explore below more details about what might cause Urination stopping in the middle of flow according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Dampness
  • Cold
  • Heat
  • Bladder
Detailed description of the cause

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flow

Common Symptoms: Frequent And Urgent Urination Cloudy Urine Upper Abdominal Heaviness Urethral Heaviness Pale Urine Urinary Burning Dark Urine Hematuria

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Cold in the Bladder Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Frequent and urgent urination, Upper abdominal heaviness, Urethral heaviness, Cloudy urine, Pale urine... see more Ba Zheng San | Wu Lin San | Shi Wei San
Damp-Heat in the Bladder Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary burning, Dark urine, Cloudy urine, Hematuria, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Lower abdominal fullness and pain, Feeling hot... see more Ba Zheng San
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 Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flow

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Cold in the Bladder Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Frequent and urgent urination, Upper abdominal heaviness, Urethral heaviness, Cloudy urine, Pale urine... see more Ba Zheng San | Wu Lin San | Shi Wei San
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flow

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Bladder Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary burning, Dark urine, Cloudy urine, Hematuria, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Lower abdominal fullness and pain, Feeling hot... see more Ba Zheng San
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 Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flow

Common Symptoms: Frequent And Urgent Urination Cloudy Urine Upper Abdominal Heaviness Urethral Heaviness Pale Urine Urinary Burning Dark Urine Hematuria

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Cold in the Bladder Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Frequent and urgent urination, Upper abdominal heaviness, Urethral heaviness, Cloudy urine, Pale urine... see more Ba Zheng San | Wu Lin San | Shi Wei San
Damp-Heat in the Bladder Urination stopping in the middle of flow, Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary burning, Dark urine, Cloudy urine, Hematuria, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Lower abdominal fullness and pain, Feeling hot... see more Ba Zheng San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flow

To counteract Damp-Cold affecting the Bladder, TCM might recommend formulas like Ba Zheng San, known for its efficacy in expelling Dampness and clearing Heat, thus restoring a smooth urinary flow. It often includes herbs such as Chinese Pink Herbs (Qu Mai) that promote urination and relieve Damp-Heat.

For more severe Damp-Heat, Wu Lin San might be used, which combines the fire-purging properties of Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) with other herbs to clear the Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner. The choice of formula is made after a careful assessment of the individual's specific TCM pattern.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address urination stopping in the middle of flow, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Dampness
  • Cold
  • Heat
  • Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness

All Formulas Recommended for Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flow Caused by Dampness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ba Zheng San Damp-Cold in the Bladder, Damp-Heat in the Bladder
Wu Lin San Damp-Cold in the Bladder
Shi Wei San Damp-Cold in the Bladder

All Formulas Recommended for Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flow Caused by Cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ba Zheng San Damp-Cold in the Bladder
Wu Lin San Damp-Cold in the Bladder
Shi Wei San Damp-Cold in the Bladder

All "formulas that clear heat and expel dampness" recommended for urination stopping in the middle of flow

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ba Zheng San Damp-Cold in the Bladder, Damp-Heat in the Bladder
Wu Lin San Damp-Cold in the Bladder
Shi Wei San Damp-Cold in the Bladder

TCM Herbs for Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flow

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address urination stopping in the middle of flow, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that drain dampness
  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat

"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for urination stopping in the middle of flow

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Chinese Pink Herbs (Qu Mai) Ba Zheng San
Knotgrass (Bian Xu) Ba Zheng San