Benign Prostatic Hypertrophyaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Prostate issues
What is Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy?
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a common condition affecting older men, characterized by the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. This growth can compress the urethra, leading to symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, a weak urine stream, and frequent urination, particularly at night. Despite its prevalence, BPH remains a condition manageable through various treatment options, ensuring those affected maintain a good quality of life.
How does TCM view Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets benign prostatic hypertrophy as a manifestation of imbalance within the body’s vital energies. The enlargement of the prostate is seen not merely as a localized issue but as a reflection of broader systemic disharmony, often involving the Kidneys, Liver, or the presence of Damp-Heat.
TCM practitioners prioritize identifying the underlying pattern — be it Kidney Yang Deficiency or Qi Stagnation — to realign the body’s harmony and alleviate the symptoms of BPH.
Causes of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy According to TCM
In TCM, benign prostatic hypertrophy is often attributed to the gradual decline of Kidney Yang and the stasis of Qi and Blood as men age. This decline can lead to a Stagnation that hampers the proper flow of fluids and Qi, creating a Damp-Heat environment conducive to prostate enlargement.
Another contributing factor, according to TCM, can be the invasion of external pathogenic factors such as Cold or Heat, which further complicates the normal functioning of the Kidneys and Bladder. Understanding these patterns is crucial for a TCM practitioner to effectively address BPH and its symptoms.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
To treat BPH, TCM may recommend formulas like Di Dang Tang, which, with key herbs like Leeches, aims to invigorate Blood and dispel Stagnation, targeting the static elements that contribute to prostate enlargement.
Another approach involves warming the Kidney Yang with formulas such as Shen Qi Wan, containing Prepared aconite, to counteract the underlying deficiency leading to the condition. These treatments are tailored to the individual after careful diagnosis, often in conjunction with lifestyle and dietary adjustments to ensure the best outcomes.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address benign prostatic hypertrophy, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Benign prostatic hypertrophy can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Di Dang Tang, with leech as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for benign prostatic hypertrophy
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Di Dang Tang | Leeches (Shui Zhi), Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) |
| Wen Jing Tang | Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) |
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
Benign prostatic hypertrophy can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a depletion of Yang energy, requiring actions that warm and strengthen Yang.
One such formula is Shen Qi Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address benign prostatic hypertrophy, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Benign prostatic hypertrophy can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Leeches (Shui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for benign prostatic hypertrophy, like Di Dang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for benign prostatic hypertrophy
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Leeches (Shui Zhi) | Di Dang Tang |
| Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) | Di Dang Tang |
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Benign prostatic hypertrophy can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for benign prostatic hypertrophy, like Shen Qi Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for benign prostatic hypertrophy
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | Shen Qi Wan |
| Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) | Wen Jing Tang |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Benign prostatic hypertrophy can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for benign prostatic hypertrophy, like Shen Qi Wan.