What are the traditional Chinese medicine treatments for urinary incontinence?

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments for urinary incontinence include oral herbal medicine, acupuncture therapy, moxibustion regulation, massage (tuina), and acupoint application. Treatment should be individualized based on the patient's constitution and underlying causes through pattern differentiation. If urinary incontinence significantly affects daily life or is accompanied by other complications, prompt medical evaluation is necessary to establish a clear diagnosis.

1. Oral Herbal Medicine: Formulas such as Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Spleen-Qi-Tonifying Decoction) or Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan (Jin Kui Kidney Qi Pills) are selected according to specific TCM patterns—such as spleen qi sinking or kidney deficiency—and work by replenishing qi and blood, warming the kidneys, and enhancing bladder transformation and containment functions to reduce incontinence.

2. Acupuncture Therapy: Key acupoints such as Zhongji (CV3), Guanyuan (CV4), and Zusanli (ST36) are stimulated using needle insertion or electroacupuncture to regulate organ function and blood flow, strengthen the contraction of the bladder sphincter muscle, and alleviate incontinence symptoms.

3. Moxibustion Regulation: Applying moxa heat to acupoints such as Guanyuan (CV4), Qihai (CV6), and Shenshu (BL23) helps warm and unblock the meridians, tonify the spleen and kidneys, improve weakened organ function, and enhance the bladder’s ability to retain urine.

4. Massage and Tuina: Massaging the lower abdomen and lumbosacral region, combined with spinal捏脊 manipulation techniques, promotes local blood circulation, regulates spleen and kidney qi dynamics, strengthens bladder transformation and containment functions, and assists in improving urinary leakage.

5. Acupoint Application: Herbal medicines are prepared into patches and applied to acupoints such as Shenque (CV8) and Guanyuan (CV4). The medication is absorbed through the skin, providing continuous stimulation to the points, thereby reinforcing qi, tonifying the kidneys, and promoting astringent and consolidating effects.

In daily life, it is important to avoid excessive fatigue, practice moderation in sexual activity, consume warm, easily digestible foods, and avoid raw, cold, or cooling foods. Additionally, performing anal lift exercises (Kegels) can strengthen pelvic floor muscles and reduce factors that trigger incontinence.