What does traditional Chinese medicine believe to be the causes of reduced urine output?
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
TCM believes that the causes of reduced urine output include deficiency of body fluids, accumulation of damp-heat, stagnation of qi, deficiency of spleen and kidney, and urinary tract obstruction. If reduced urine output persists or is accompanied by symptoms such as edema or vomiting, prompt medical attention is necessary. Insufficient yin fluids in the body lead to inadequate production of urine, which is often caused by insufficient fluid intake, depletion of body fluids due to prolonged high fever, or chronic illness leading to yin deficiency.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), causes of decreased urine output include deficiency of body fluids, accumulation of damp-heat, stagnation of qi, spleen and kidney deficiency, and urinary tract obstruction. If reduced urination persists or is accompanied by symptoms such as edema or vomiting, prompt medical attention is necessary.
1. Deficiency of Body Fluids: Insufficient yin fluids in the body impair the production of urine. This is commonly caused by inadequate fluid intake, excessive fluid loss due to high fever, or chronic illness leading to yin deficiency. Symptoms often include dry mouth, sore throat, and dry skin.
2. Damp-Heat Accumulation: Pathogenic damp-heat obstructs the lower jiao, disrupting bladder transformation and excretion functions, resulting in impaired urine flow. It is often triggered by external exposure to damp-heat or consuming spicy, greasy foods. Common symptoms include frequent urination, urgency, and dark yellow or reddish urine.
3. Qi Stagnation: Poor emotional state or dysregulation of qi circulation affects the bladder’s transformation function, leading to poor urine excretion. It is often associated with depression, anxiety, or prolonged sitting. Symptoms frequently include abdominal distension, belching, and discomfort in the lower abdomen.
4. Spleen and Kidney Deficiency: Impaired spleen function in transporting water-dampness and diminished kidney function in qi transformation and vaporization disrupt normal water metabolism, causing reduced urine output. This usually results from chronic illness, physical debility, or overexertion. Common accompanying symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and soreness in the lower back and knees.
5. Urinary Tract Obstruction: Blockage of the urinary tract by blood stasis, stones, or masses impedes urine excretion, leading to decreased urine volume. Causes may include trauma, stone formation, or internal organ masses. Typical symptoms include pain in the waist or abdomen and interrupted urination.
Treatment focuses on syndrome differentiation and individualized therapy: nourishing yin and promoting body fluids for fluid deficiency; clearing heat and resolving dampness for damp-heat accumulation; regulating qi and relieving stagnation for qi stagnation; strengthening the spleen and benefiting the kidneys for spleen-kidney deficiency; and promoting blood circulation, removing stasis, and expelling stones for urinary obstruction. Nursing care includes maintaining adequate hydration, avoiding holding urine, eating a light diet free of spicy and greasy foods, managing emotional well-being, and engaging in moderate exercise to support recovery of normal fluid metabolism.
