Frequent And Urgent Urinationaccording to TCM

What is Frequent and Urgent Urination?

Frequent and urgent urination is a condition characterized by the need to urinate more often than usual, accompanied by a sudden, compelling urge to urinate that is difficult to defer. This can disrupt normal activities and sleep patterns, leading to a reduced quality of life.

How does TCM View Frequent and Urgent Urination?

Traditional Chinese Medicine perceives frequent and urgent urination as a symptom of imbalance within the body's organ systems, primarily the Bladder and Kidneys. Identifying the underlying pattern of disharmony—whether it's due to Dampness, Heat, or Qi Deficiency—is essential in TCM for providing the correct treatment to restore equilibrium.

Root Causes of Frequent And Urgent Urination in TCM

In TCM, frequent and urgent urination can be symptomatic of Dampness accumulation in the Bladder, often manifesting as Damp-Cold or Damp-Heat. Damp-Cold patterns may present with symptoms such as a heavy feeling in the abdomen and cloudy urine, while Damp-Heat patterns could cause symptoms like burning urination and fever. Treatment focuses on expelling Dampness and regulating the affected organ's function to alleviate urgency and frequency.

Explore below more details about what might cause Frequent and urgent urination according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Bladder
  • Gallbladder
  • Kidney
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 Frequent And Urgent Urination

Common Symptoms: Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flow 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 Frequent and urgent urination, Urination stopping in the middle of flow, 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 Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary burning, Urination stopping in the middle of flow, 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

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Frequent And Urgent Urination

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary dysfunction, Hematuria Si Ni San | Pai Shi Tang
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 Frequent And Urgent Urination

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking Frequent and urgent urination, Uterine prolapse, Prolapsed bladder, Stomach prolapse, Nephroptosis, Anus prolapse, Bearing down sensation in abdomen, Hemorrhoids, Chronic diarrhea, 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

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 Frequent And Urgent Urination

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Cold in the Bladder Frequent and urgent urination, Urination stopping in the middle of flow, 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 Frequent And Urgent Urination

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Bladder Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary burning, Urination stopping in the middle of flow, 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 Frequent And Urgent Urination

Common Symptoms: Urination Stopping In The Middle Of Flow 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 Frequent and urgent urination, Urination stopping in the middle of flow, 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 Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary burning, Urination stopping in the middle of flow, 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

Gallbladder

In TCM the Gallbladder has a unique role in storing and excreting bile, but more importantly, it's seen as crucial for decision-making and courage. It's closely connected to the Liver, assisting in the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and supporting the Liver's role in maintaining emotional balance. When the Gallbladder malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to physical symptoms like gallstones, jaundice, or a bitter taste in the mouth. There might also be digestive disturbances, particularly related to fat metabolism. On an emotional level, a Gallbladder disorder can manifest as indecisiveness, timidity, or a tendency to easily succumb to stress. These symptoms highlight the TCM view of the Gallbladder as integral to both physical processes and emotional resilience.... see more

Gallbladder Patterns That Can Lead to Frequent And Urgent Urination

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary dysfunction, Hematuria Si Ni San | Pai Shi Tang
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 Frequent And Urgent Urination

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary dysfunction, Hematuria Si Ni San | Pai Shi Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Frequent And Urgent Urination

For Damp-Cold in the Bladder, formulas like Ba Zheng San are commonly used to dispel Dampness and promote normal urination. This formula may include herbs like Chinese Pink Herbs, known for their diuretic action. In the case of Damp-Heat, the same formula can be adapted to clear Heat and Dampness from the Bladder.

Additionally, for patterns involving Phlegm in the Kidneys or Gallbladder, harmonizing formulas such as Si Ni San might be used. Qi Sinking conditions, causing a bearing-down sensation and possibly affecting organ positions, are often treated with Qi tonifying formulas like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang. Each herbal prescription is customized after a thorough TCM diagnosis to ensure the treatment aligns with the individual's specific disharmony pattern.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address frequent and urgent urination, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that rescue devastated yang

All Formulas Recommended for Frequent And Urgent Urination 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 Frequent And Urgent Urination Caused by Phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Si Ni San Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder
Pai Shi Tang Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder

All Formulas Recommended for Frequent And Urgent Urination 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 Recommended for Frequent And Urgent Urination 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 frequent and urgent urination

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
Pai Shi Tang Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder

TCM Herbs for Frequent And Urgent Urination

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address frequent and urgent urination, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that drain dampness
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior

"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for frequent and urgent urination

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

"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for frequent and urgent urination

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Ginseng (Ren Shen) Du Shen Tang