How can TCM Help Relief Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men
Signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections
· A strong, persistent urge to urinate
· A burning sensation when urinating
· Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
· Urine that appears cloudy
· Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine
· Strong-smelling urine
· Pelvic pain, in women — especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone
Two main type of UTI:
Infection of the bladder (cystitis). This type of UTI is usually caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, sometimes other bacteria are responsible.
Infection of the urethra (urethritis). This type of UTI can occur when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra.
TCM View UTI
Damp Heat Pattern: can be caused by the habitual consumption of hot, spicy or greasy foods, sexual intercourse during menstruation, or direct attack from bacteria or virus. Damp Heat-type infections can also be triggered by certain types of drugs and by a history of irregular menstrual cycles. Symptoms include: a frequent and urgent desire to urinate; a burning or painful sensation during urination; cloudy or yellow-milky colored urine; aversion to pressure on the lower abdomen; alternating spells of fever and chills; a bitter taste in the mouth; nausea; vomiting; constipation; a yellow-sticky tongue coating; and a rapid, "soggy" pulse.
Spleen Kidney Deficiency Pattern:The most common causes of any type of chronic deficiency pattern are: long-standing illness; the long-term use of immunity-suppressing drugs; slow recovery from surgery or childbirth; a health problem that is left untreated, or inadequately treated. Deficiency symptoms that apply specifically to urinary tract infections include: dribbling urination; frequent urination during the night; dull pain during urination; sporadic urination, with the urine coming in spurts; recurrence of infection with fatigue; fever that comes and goes; pain or soreness in the lower back; fatigue; dizziness; pale tongue body; and a weak pulse.
How TCM help with the issue?
Acupuncture and herbal formulation will help remove damp heat and rebalance the body yin and yang to resolve the UTI.
