In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), urinary tract infections (UTIs) are typically referred to as “Lin Syndrome” or “Lin Zheng” in Mandarin. It is characterized by symptoms such as frequent and urgent urination, painful urination, cloudy or dark urine, and lower abdominal discomfort.
TCM believes that UTIs are caused by a combination of external pathogenic factors and internal imbalances in the body’s organs and energy systems. External pathogenic factors such as dampness, heat, and cold can invade the body and lead to blockages in the urinary system, which can cause inflammation and infection. Internal imbalances such as weakened immunity, stagnant Qi, and dampness can also contribute to the development of UTIs.
According to TCM theory, the urinary system is closely connected to the Kidney and Bladder organs, which are responsible for the filtration and elimination of waste and excess fluids in the body. When these organs are weakened or imbalanced, the urinary system may not function properly, leading to UTIs and other related conditions.
TCM treatments for UTIs typically focus on clearing heat, dampness, and inflammation from the urinary system, tonifying the Kidney and Bladder organs, and improving overall Qi and blood circulation in the body. Common TCM treatments for UTIs include:
Acupuncture: By inserting fine needles into specific acupuncture points along the meridians of the body, acupuncture can help stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms and promote the flow of Qi and blood to the urinary system.
Herbal medicine: TCM herbal formulas containing herbs such as dianthus, plantain seed, and polygonum can help clear heat and dampness from the urinary system and improve kidney function.
Dietary therapy: Eating foods that are cooling and diuretic, such as watermelon, cucumber, and winter melon, can help promote urination and flush out bacteria from the urinary system.
Lifestyle changes: Practicing good hygiene habits, avoiding irritants such as alcohol and caffeine, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help prevent and treat UTIs from a TCM perspective.
It is important to note that while TCM can be a valuable complementary therapy for UTIs, it should not replace conventional medical treatment, especially in cases of severe or recurrent infections. Consultation with a licensed TCM practitioner is recommended to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for each individual case.
Acupuncture points UTI
Acupuncture is a widely used therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The following are 20 commonly used acupuncture points for UTIs and their functions:
BL23 (Shenshu): This point is located on the lower back, on either side of the spine, at the level of the second lumbar vertebrae. It tonifies the Kidney, strengthens the lower back, and promotes urination.
BL28 (Pangguangshu): This point is located on the lower back, on either side of the spine, at the level of the fourth sacral foramen. It regulates the Bladder and helps relieve urinary retention.
BL32 (Ciliao): This point is located in the buttock, about one-third of the distance from the sacrum to the greater trochanter of the femur. It helps to relieve pain and inflammation in the urinary tract.
BL52 (ZhiShi): This point is located in the lower back, midway between the sacrum and the lower border of the 12th rib. It strengthens the Kidney, promotes urination, and relieves pain in the lower back.
CV3 (Zhongji): This point is located on the lower abdomen, about 4 finger widths below the navel. It strengthens the Bladder, promotes urination, and clears dampness from the lower burner.
CV4 (Guanyuan): This point is located on the lower abdomen, about 3 finger widths below the navel. It tonifies the Kidney and strengthens the lower back.
CV6 (Qihai): This point is located on the lower abdomen, about 1.5 inches below the navel. It strengthens the Kidney and promotes urination.
GV4 (Mingmen): This point is located on the lower back, in the depression below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebrae. It strengthens the Kidney, promotes urination, and regulates the Bladder.
GV20 (Baihui): This point is located on the top of the head, in the center of the scalp, at the midpoint of the line connecting the apexes of the ears. It promotes circulation of Qi and blood and clears heat and dampness.
LI4 (Hegu): This point is located on the back of the hand, in the web between the thumb and index finger. It strengthens the immune system and relieves pain and inflammation.
LR3 (Taichong): This point is located on the top of the foot, in the depression between the first and second metatarsal bones. It clears heat and dampness from the Liver and promotes circulation of Qi and blood.
LU7 (Lieque): This point is located on the wrist, on the radial side of the styloid process of the radius, about 1.5 inches above the crease of the wrist. It regulates the Lung and promotes circulation of Qi and blood.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao): This point is located on the inside of the leg, about 3 inches above the ankle. It strengthens the Spleen, tonifies the Kidney, and regulates the Bladder.
ST28 (Shuidao): This point is located on the lower abdomen, about 2 inches lateral to the midline, at the level of the upper border of the pubic symphysis. It promotes urination and clears dampness from the lower burner.
ST36 (Zusanli): This point is located on the lower leg, about 3 inches below the knee.
UB10 (Tianzhu): This point is located on the back of the neck, at the base of the skull, between the two large muscles. It clears heat and dampness from the Bladder and strengthens the immune system.
UB22 (Sanjiaoshu): This point is located on the lower back, on either side of the spine, at the level of the lower border of the 12th rib. It strengthens the Kidney and regulates the Bladder.
UB23 (ShenShu): This point is located on the lower back, on either side of the spine, at the level of the second lumbar vertebrae. It strengthens the Kidney, promotes urination, and regulates the Bladder.
UB28 (Pangguangshu): This point is located on the lower back, on either side of the spine, at the level of the fourth sacral foramen. It regulates the Bladder and helps relieve urinary retention.
KI6 (Zhaohai): This point is located on the inside of the ankle, about 1 inch above the ankle bone. It tonifies the Kidney, strengthens the lower back, and promotes urination.
In TCM, UTIs are usually considered to be caused by a combination of external pathogens (such as dampness, heat, or cold) invading the body and internal imbalances (such as a weak immune system or a deficiency in the Kidney and Bladder organs) that make the body more susceptible to infection.
Acupuncture can help to restore balance to the body and strengthen the immune system, while also addressing the specific symptoms of UTIs such as pain, inflammation, and difficulty urinating. By stimulating the acupuncture points, the body’s own natural healing processes are activated, promoting circulation of Qi and blood and clearing away pathogens and other toxins.