overactive bladder

 Overactive Bladder and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a condition characterized by frequent and sudden urges to urinate that can be difficult to control. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), overactive bladder is believed to be caused by weakened Qi in the kidneys and bladder, which often leads to imbalances in the body. TCM offers methods to help manage OAB symptoms, including herbal medicine, acupressure, and Qi Gong exercises.

Herbal Medicine for Overactive Bladder

TCM uses several herbs that support kidney and bladder function, helping to relieve OAB symptoms. Here are some of the most effective:

Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) : Regulates the kidneys and strengthens their fluid-holding function.

Yi Yi Ren (Garden Tears) : Helps to dry dampness and acts as a diuretic, supporting bladder function.

Fu Ling (Poria) : Strengthens the spleen and kidneys, supports healthy fluid flow in the body.

Shan Yao (Dioscorea opposita) : Strengthens Qi and improves kidney and bladder function.

Herbal Tea Recipe for Bladder Health

Ingredients :

10g Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra)

10 g Yi Yi Ren (Garden Tears)

5g Fu Ling (Poria)

5 g Shan Yao (Dioscorea opposita)

Preparation :

Pour 1 liter of hot water over the herbs.

Cook over low heat for about 20 minutes.

Strain and drink 1-2 times daily for several weeks after consultation with a TCM therapist.

Acupressure for Overactive Bladder

Acupressure is an effective method in TCM to help treat overactive bladder by stimulating the appropriate energy points. Here are some points that can help with OAB:

CV4 (Guanyuan) : This point is located three fingers below the navel. Stimulation of CV4 strengthens the qi of the kidneys and bladder.

SP6 (Sanyinjiao) : Located on the inside of the leg, 3 fingers above the ankle. SP6 supports kidney, spleen and liver function, improving fluid balance.

KD3 (Taixi) : A point on the inside of the ankle that supports the energy of the kidneys and helps maintain fluid balance.

For best results, massage each of these points for 1-2 minutes using light but firm pressure. Use acupressure daily.

Qi Gong to Support Bladder Health

Qi Gong, an ancient energy practice, helps harmonize the flow of Qi energy in the body, which can help support kidney and bladder function. Qi Gong exercises also help reduce stress, which often contributes to the severity of OAB symptoms.

Qi Gong Exercise: "Abdominal Breathing for Kidney Harmony"

Stand or sit comfortably with your back straight.

Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your lower back, around your kidneys.

Take a deep breath in through your nose, allowing your belly to rise gently.

As you exhale through your mouth, imagine that the Qi energy is flowing to the kidneys, strengthening them.

Repeat the exercise 10-15 times, focusing on your breathing and calming down.

Performing this exercise regularly can help reduce the frequency of the urge to urinate, improving control over bladder function.

Diet to Support Bladder Health

In TCM, diet plays a key role in maintaining bladder health. If you have an overactive bladder, it is worth including foods that strengthen the kidneys and help manage fluids in the body.

Low-sodium foods : Reducing salt helps maintain a healthy fluid balance.

Warm drinks and foods : Avoid cold drinks, which can put a strain on the kidneys and worsen symptoms.

Water-rich vegetables : Such as cucumbers and celery, which help hydrate the body without overloading the bladder.

Blueberries and cranberries : Rich in antioxidants, they support urinary tract health and protect against infections.

Summary

Overactive bladder can significantly impact your quality of life, but a TCM approach that combines herbal medicine, acupressure, and Qi Gong offers natural support. Regular use of these methods, along with a balanced diet, can help alleviate symptoms and restore balance to your body.

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