Nocturia according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
In Chinese Medicine, nocturia is sometimes associated with Bladder Deficiency with Cold, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.
To understand whether someone's nocturia might be caused by the pattern Bladder Deficiency with Cold, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from nocturia alone. Indeed if nocturia is caused by Bladder Deficiency with Cold, patients also experience symptoms such as disorientation, forgetfulness, incontinence and lower back pain. Similarly, patients with Bladder Deficiency with Cold typically exhibit deep (Chen) or weak (Ruo) pulses as well as a pale tongue with thin white coating.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Bladder Deficiency with Cold so that you can have a better understanding of where nocturia might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below Sang Piao Xiao San, a formula that can help treat Bladder Deficiency with Cold.
Bladder Deficiency with Cold, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with nocturia
The Bladder is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Bladder in Chinese Medicine
Bladder Deficiency with Cold
Pulse type(s): Deep (Chen), Weak (Ruo)
Tongue coating: Thin white coating
Tongue color: Pale
Recommended herbal formula: Sang Piao Xiao San
Symptoms: Dizziness Incontinence Forgetfulness Disorientation Lower back pain Feeling of cold Frequent urination White urethral discharge Urine the color of rice water - grey and cloudy
Nocturia might be due to Bladder Deficiency with Cold if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as disorientation, forgetfulness, incontinence and lower back pain. Similarly, patients with Bladder Deficiency with Cold typically exhibit deep (Chen) or weak (Ruo) pulses as well as a pale tongue with thin white coating.
Sang Piao Xiao San, a herbal formula that might help with nocturia
Sang Piao Xiao San
Source date: 1116 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Regulates and tonifies the Heart and Kidneys. Stabilizes the Essence. Stops leakage.
Why might Sang Piao Xiao San help with nocturia?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Bladder Deficiency with Cold, a pattern sometimes associated with nocturia. If it looks like you might suffer from Bladder Deficiency with Cold, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
