On a quiet evening, Uncle Zhang sat peacefully at the table at a friend's house. Just after enjoying a hearty dinner, everyone is discussing their retirement plans. However, Zhang Bo's face did not have the expected ease and pleasure, and his eyes flashed with anxiety and uneasiness from time to time. The reason is simple, even though he feels so warm at a friend's house, he is stressed by the problem of frequent urination and urgency. This awkward physiological condition made him constantly worry about when the next urge to urinate would come, so much so that he could barely concentrate on enjoying any social activities.
"I originally loved to travel and enjoy nature. During a queue for the toilet, Uncle Zhang told me, "But now, I always have to think about the location of the toilet first when I go out." Frequent urination and urgency caused me to lose my freedom and even start avoiding social events and family gatherings. Not only was the quality of life drastically reduced, but this state also seriously affected his mental health, often feeling embarrassed and inferior.
Zhang's case is not unique, many middle-aged and elderly people suffer from frequent urination and urgency, especially in social situations, which not only brings inconvenience to their daily life, but also affects their mental health and social life. Addressing this problem clearly requires more attention and appropriate treatment.
Traditional Chinese medicine interpretation of frequent urination and urgency: regulate qi and dampness, and reconcile the bladder
Frequent urination and urgency are often classified as "bladder breaks" in traditional Chinese medicine, and are mainly thought to be caused by kidney dysfunction. The kidney is regarded as the "source of life" in TCM theory and is closely related to water metabolism. When the kidney qi is insufficient, or the bladder is invaded by damp heat, symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination may occur.
Weak kidney qi is a key factor in causing frequent urination. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the kidney is the "innate foundation", and if the kidney qi is sufficient, it can normally control the bladder's urinary storage and urination functions. When kidney qi is weak, the bladder loses the control it should have, resulting in frequent urination and urgency. On the other hand, Chinese medicine also emphasises that external factors, such as a hot and humid environment, can also affect bladder function, especially in summer, when the heat and humidity are more severe, which can easily cause bladder discomfort.
In addition to kidney qi weakness and damp heat intrusion, mood swings should not be ignored. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that internal emotional injuries can affect the function of the kidneys, especially fear and worry, and these emotions can directly damage the kidney qi, which in turn affects the normal function of the bladder.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Dietary Therapy: Nature's Way to Harmonize the Bladder
Frequent urination and urgency are not only a physiological problem, but also have a profound impact on the psychological and social life of patients. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treats frequent urination and urgency by harmonizing the inside and outside, yin and yang balance, of which medication and diet are the core parts.
Selection and application of traditional Chinese medicine formulas
Bazheng San: This is an ancient medicine used to treat frequent urination caused by dampness and heat. Its main ingredients include Poria cocos, Ze Yuan, etc., which have good dampness and heat clearing effects. Patients can use it under the guidance of a physician, usually one dose per day, decoction.
Wuling San: It is suitable for frequent urination caused by spleen and kidney yang deficiency. The main ingredients are Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephalus, etc., which can strengthen the spleen and water, warm the kidneys and stop the legacy. It is especially suitable for frequent urination at night caused by insufficient kidney yang.
Diet Therapy – Natural Conditioning
Winter melon soup: Winter melon has excellent diuretic effect and is suitable for patients with frequent urination and urgency. It's easy to make, slice the winter melon and make a soup with a moderate amount of lean meat, which can be drunk daily as an after-dinner soup.
Watermelon Peel Tea: Watermelon peel is a good product for clearing heat and removing fire in summer, and its diuretic effect is also very significant. Shred and dry the clean watermelon skin, soak it in water and drink, which can be used as a substitute for tea every day.
Through the rational application of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions and daily dietary therapy, it can not only alleviate the symptoms of frequent urination and urgency, but also fundamentally regulate the internal environment of the body.
Practical TCM Massage and Exercise Guide: Enhance Bladder Control
TCM massage (Tuina) and specific exercises can significantly improve the symptoms of frequent and urgent urination, by stimulating the relevant acupuncture points and strengthening the bladder muscles.
TCM Tuina Techniques
Zhongji acupoint massage: The Zhongji acupoint is located in the abdomen, two inches below the umbilicus. This acupressure helps to regulate the qi of the bladder and reduce the frequency of urination. Massage for 3-5 minutes in the morning and evening every day, gently pressing with your thumb or forefinger and making small circular motions.
Guan Yuan acupoint: Guan Yuan acupoint is located in the lower abdomen, on the midline, three inches below the umbilicus. Massaging the Guan Yuan acupoint can enhance the circulation of qi and blood in the lower focus, which helps to treat frequent urination caused by qi deficiency. The method is the same as that of the middle pole acupoint.
Exercise regimen
Levator ani exercise: This is a simple and effective exercise that strengthens the pelvic floor muscles by consciously tightening the anus. Perform three sets per day, each lasting about 10 seconds, and repeat after a few seconds of rest. This helps to improve bladder control and reduce frequent urination.
Abdominal breathing: Lie or sit and breathe deeply in a quiet environment to focus your breath on your abdomen. This can help adjust the pressure in the abdomen and indirectly improve bladder function.
These massage methods and exercise programs not only help directly regulate the bladder, but also indirectly help control frequent and urgent urination by improving overall health. It is recommended to proceed under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Through the systematic application of these TCM prescriptions, dietary therapy, massage techniques and exercise programs, middle-aged and elderly people can significantly improve the problem of urinary frequency and urgency and improve their quality of life. This comprehensive treatment method reflects the holistic and individualized characteristics of TCM treatment, making the treatment more suitable for the actual situation of the individual.