Overactive Bladder

For the past 20 years, the Raleigh Acupuncture nocturia treatment has helped men and women reduce frequent nighttime urination, a condition that disrupts sleep and diminishes quality of life. Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medical practice, offers an effective and natural solution for nocturia by targeting underlying imbalances and restoring the body’s natural rhythms. Through precise acupoint selection and comprehensive diagnoses, our clinic has helped countless individuals reduce the need for frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom, allowing them to enjoy a more restful, uninterrupted sleep.

What is Nocturia?

Nocturia is often associated with aging and affects both men and women. From a Western medical perspective, it is commonly caused by issues such as enlarged prostate in men, overactive bladder, or increased urine production due to various health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. For older adults, hormonal changes, reduced bladder capacity, and diminished kidney function may also contribute to frequent nighttime urination. Treatment often involves lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, and sometimes medications to control symptoms. However, these approaches may not resolve the condition completely, and side effects from medications can be a concern.

Nocturia from a Chinese Medicine Perspective

In Chinese medicine, nocturia is understood through a different lens. Nocturia is typically attributed to an imbalance in the Kidney and Bladder organ systems, which play a central role in water metabolism and urinary function. In particular, Kidney Yang Deficiency—a common diagnosis among older adults—implies a deficiency in the body’s warming and energizing functions. This deficiency can lead to weakened control over urinary function, causing the bladder to release urine more frequently, especially at night. Acupuncture, by addressing these root deficiencies, can enhance the body’s regulatory functions and significantly improve urinary control.

Nocturia Case Study

A recent case illustrates the effectiveness of the Raleigh Acupuncture nocturia treatment. A 73-year-old man came to the clinic with frequent nighttime urination, which was severely affecting his sleep and overall energy. His symptoms were consistent with Kidney Yang Deficiency, a diagnosis reflecting the depletion of the body’s warming and stabilizing energy. His treatment plan involved a series of acupuncture sessions targeting specific acupoints: CV3 and CV4 to strengthen the bladder and urinary pathways, KD3 and KD7 to nourish and tonify the Kidney Yang Qi, ST36 to support overall vitality, and GV20 to promote relaxation, ease mental tension that may exacerbate symptoms, and activate the the perineum. After six treatments (once a week), he experienced a notable reduction in his nighttime urination frequency, allowing him to sleep more deeply and wake feeling refreshed. Over time, his nocturia was significantly managed, demonstrating the lasting impact of acupuncture for this condition.

Raleigh Acupuncture Nocturia Treatment is Safe

One of the greatest benefits of the Raleigh Acupuncture nocturia treatment is its safety. Unlike medications that may cause side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, or constipation, acupuncture is a natural, non-invasive treatment with no adverse side effects when performed by skilled practitioners. At Raleigh Acupuncture, treatments are carefully tailored to each patient’s unique constitution and symptoms, ensuring safe and effective care. For 20 years, we have helped patients manage nocturia naturally, offering a path to better sleep and improved quality of life through the time-honored practices of Chinese medicine.

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This frequent urination case report describes the experience of Mrs. Emily Johnson (not her real name), a 65-year-old retired schoolteacher. She came to our acupuncture clinic with a chief complaint of frequent urination. Over the past several months, Emily had been experiencing an increased need to urinate, often every hour during the day and multiple times at night. This condition disrupted her sleep and affected her quality of life, causing fatigue, anxiety, and a reluctance to engage in social activities.

Frequent Urination Symptoms

During the initial consultation, Emily described her symptoms in detail. She experienced a persistent, urgent need to urinate, often accompanied by a sensation of incomplete emptying. Occasionally, she felt a burning sensation during urination. Despite drinking a normal amount of fluids, the frequency of urination remained high. Emily had consulted her primary care physician, who ruled out urinary tract infection (UTI) and other common causes through various tests. With no clear diagnosis, she turned to acupuncture as a last resort.

Chinese Medicine Diagnosis for Frequent Urination

The acupuncturist in this frequent urination case report conducted a thorough assessment based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles. This included a detailed health history, tongue examination, and pulse diagnosis. The practitioner observed that Emily’s tongue was red with a greasy yellow coating, and her pulse was rapid and slippery. These findings, combined with her symptoms, led to a diagnosis of “Frequent Urination from Damp Heat in the Bladder.”

In TCM, the bladder is the primary organ responsible for storing and excreting urine. Damp Heat in the Bladder refers to an accumulation of pathogenic dampness and heat in the bladder, disrupting its normal function. This condition can result from various factors, including diet, lifestyle, and environmental influences.

Frequent Urination Acupuncture Treatment Plan

The acupuncturist explained that the goal of TCM is to address the underlying root cause of the condition rather than just alleviating symptoms. For Emily, this meant clearing the damp heat from her bladder, strengthening her body’s Qi (vital energy), and restoring balance.

The treatment plan utilized in this frequent urination case report included a combination of acupuncture sessions and dietary recommendations. Key acupuncture points used included:

• Ren 3 (Zhongji): Located on the lower abdomen, this point helps regulate the bladder and clear heat.
• SP 9 (Yinlingquan): Located on the inner leg, this point is effective for resolving dampness and promoting urination.
• BL 28 (Pangguangshu): Located on the lower back, this point is the back-Shu point of the bladder, crucial for urinary disorders.
• ST 28 (Shuidao): Located on the lower abdomen, this point helps regulate the water passages and clear dampness.

Emily received acupuncture treatments once a week for the first month. Each session lasted about an hour. In addition, the practitioner advised Emily to avoid greasy, spicy foods and to incorporate more cooling and hydrating foods, such as cucumber, watermelon, and barley tea, into her diet.

Frequent Urination Case Report Progress and Outcomes

After the first few sessions, Emily began to notice a gradual improvement. The urgency and frequency of urination decreased, allowing her to sleep through the night without interruption. By the end of the first month, Emily was urinating at more regular intervals, approximately every 3-4 hours during the day, and no longer experienced the burning sensation.

Continuing with weekly sessions for the next two months, Emily’s symptoms improved further. Her energy levels increased, and she felt less anxious and more willing to participate in social activities. By the end of the three-month treatment period, Emily reported a significant reduction in her symptoms and a return to a normal urination pattern.

Frequent Urination Discussion

This frequent urination case report illustrates the effectiveness of acupuncture and TCM in treating frequent urination by addressing the underlying root cause. Unlike conventional treatments that often focus on symptom management, TCM aims to restore balance within the body, providing long-lasting relief without adverse effects.

The diagnosis of Damp Heat in the Bladder was pivotal in guiding the treatment strategy. By clearing the damp heat and strengthening Emily’s Qi, the acupuncture treatments not only alleviated her symptoms but also improved her overall well-being. This case highlights the holistic approach of TCM, emphasizing the interconnectedness of bodily systems and the importance of addressing the root cause of ailments for sustainable health.

Frequent Urination Conclusion

Emily’s successful outcome demonstrates the potential of acupuncture as a viable alternative for individuals suffering from similar conditions, offering hope and healing through ancient wisdom and practices tailored to modern health challenges.

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This 2013 overactive bladder acupuncture research study was published in the Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Researchers concluded that acupuncture was just as effective as pharmaceutical medication for the treatment of overactive bladder.

What Is Overactive Bladder?

Overactive bladder involves dysfunction of urination bladder storage that causes sudden urges to urinate. In many cases, this leads to incontinence. Symptoms include sudden urges to urinate, frequent urination, nocturia (frequent nighttime urination), and urge incontinence (loss of urine caused by an urge to urinate).

Overactive Bladder Acupuncture Research

Researchers confirmed that acupuncture was 90% effective in treating overactive bladder. In comparison, the drug solifenacin, also known as Vesicare®, is 86.9% effective. However, solifenacin has adverse side effects, including dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, stomach pain, burning urination, extreme thirst, nausea, vomiting, painful urination, difficulty breathing, blurry vision, and exhaustion.

Acupuncture has no adverse side effects, making it a preferable option for many patients. Solifenacin, on the other hand, is contraindicated for patients with glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, liver disease, and those undergoing kidney dialysis. For these patients, as well as those who want to avoid side effects, acupuncture provides a viable treatment option.

The Investigation

Researchers conducted this overactive bladder acupuncture research study at the Department of Urology in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guiyang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. They randomly divided 60 patients with overactive bladder into two groups. Group 1 took the medication solifenacin. Group #2 received acupuncture treatments. After four weeks of treatment, both groups showed significant progress with much less urgency and frequency of urination.

The medication group documented many cases of adverse side effects, including burning and painful urination, thirst, nausea, and extreme fatigue. The acupuncture group, on the other hand, had no side effects and was found both safe and effective.

Drug Dosing

Patients in Group #1 took 4 mg of solifenacin once a day after breakfast. One course of treatment consisted of 4 weeks. Patients were not allowed to receive any other medications during this time.

Acupuncture Treatment

Group #2 received acupuncture with sterile, single-use, filiform needles. During the session, patients rested in the prone or supine position. Needle retention was 30 minutes long. Patients received acupuncture once a day, five days a week, for four weeks. Acupuncture points included:

Guanyuan (CV 4)
Shenshu (BL 23)
Zuwuli (LV 10)
Yinlingquan (SP 9)
Shuidao (ST 28)
Zhongji (CV 3)
Zhonglushu (BL 29)
Pangguangshu (BL 28)
Ciliao (BL 32)

Assessment

Investigators in the overactive bladder acupuncture research study compared the following variables between the two groups:
(1) average frequency of urinary urgency
(2) average frequency of urination
(3) nocturnal enuresis
(4) average urine volume
(5) frequency of urinary incontinence

Results

Group 1 (solifenacin group) had four patients fully cured, 23 patients significantly improved, and four patients with no improvement. Group 2 (acupuncture group) produced five patients fully cured, 22 patients significantly improved, and three patients with no improvement.

The overall effective rate for the acupuncture group was 90% compared with 86.9% for the solifenacin group. This outcome, coupled with the fact that the acupuncture group had no adverse side effects, clearly demonstrated that acupuncture was a superior treatment for overactive bladder.

Next Steps

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Frequent Urination

Overactive bladder and frequent urination are common conditions. Medications are available to help control the symptoms, but they often have adverse side effects. Acupuncture is a safe, natural solution to resolve this condition, with no side effects. This overactive bladder acupuncture research study confirms our own experience at Raleigh Acupuncture. Acupuncture works.

References

Wang, Bo, Youping Xiao, Kai Fan, Congjun Huang. “Treatment of female overactive bladder with acupuncture.” Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 36.10 (2013): 713-716.

A 35 year old man came to our clinic complaining of severe frequent urination for the past 2 years. It was worse at night, keeping him from sleeping. He had urgency, pain and was unable to fully empty his bladder. This frequent urination case study describes how acupuncture was able to cure his condition.

The Problem

Frequent urination is also described as OVERACTIVE BLADDER, URINARY TRACT INFECTION and sometimes INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS.

Acupuncture successfully treats all of these conditions. Their root is similar from a Chinese medicine perspective. There is too much “damp heat” in the Lower Jiao (area where your bladder is located). Think of it as inflammation of the bladder or even a low-grade infection. Acupuncture drains this inflammation, restoring normal bladder function.

Frequent Urination Case Study

In this case, our patient had been struggling with frequency, urgency and pain for years. He had tried multiple Western medicine treatments without success. He was exhausted, overwhelmed and frustrated.

Within the first two treatments he started feeling better. At Raleigh Acupuncture we have developed a protocol for resolving urinary bladder disorders. The acupuncture is safe, with no side effects. We use sterile, single-use, hair thin needles at specific locations to clear inflammation from the bladder.

At the same time we strengthen your bladder, using your body’s healing energy. It’s like diverting healing power from one place in your body to another. We have tremendous ability to heal, but often our bodies don’t know how to get the job done. Acupuncture directs and focuses this process in a completely natural way.

The results for our patient were tremendous. After six treatments his frequent urination was 90% resolved. The key to treating this condition was multi-fold. First we had to clear damp heat from the bladder. His body had developed an imbalance generating too much heat in this area.

This increased heat in the bladder was causing all of his symptoms. But clearing the heat was just the first step. Next, we had to address the root issue, his kidneys. In Chinese medicine bladder function is controlled by the kidneys. They are paired organs, with the kidneys being the yin organ and the bladder the yang organ.

The kidneys play an important role in our health. One of their responsibilities is to help govern water in the body. The kidneys remove impurities in the body, which are excreted through the urine by the bladder. Strong kidney function would not have allowed damp heat to accumulate in the bladder. So acupuncture was used to boost kidney function.

Treating the symptoms without addressing the root will only provide short-term relief. That’s why we always strive to identify and treat root causes of disease.

After another six treatments, both his bladder and kidney function were stronger. His symptoms were resolved and his health restored. He continued coming in for acupuncture once a month over the next half year, to make sure his body did not revert to it’s old imbalance.

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If you have questions about this frequent urination case study give us a call. We’ll be happy to discuss your condition to see if acupuncture can help.

New bladder control acupuncture research demonstrated an 86% effectiveness rate. The study, conducted at Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, proved the success of acupuncture in the treatment of urinary incontinence.

The Problem

Urinary incontinence (enuresis) is the involuntary leakage of urine. Triggers include coughing, sneezing, laughing, heavy lifting, and other activities. It often includes urgency and frequency. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), “incontinence presents a significant financial burden to the individual and to society. In the United States, the cost of bladder incontinence among adults in 2000 was estimated at $19.5 billion.”

The Study

This bladder control acupuncture research study examined the effects of manual and electroacupuncture on women with urinary incontinence. One hundred patients were included in the clinical trial. The acupuncture points were identical for groups A and B. The only difference was that group B received electroacupuncture. The acupuncture points used for both groups included:

Guanyuan (CV4)
Qihai (CV6)
Zhongji (CV3)
Zusanli (ST36)
Sanyinjiao (SP6)
Qugu (CV2)

The Treatments

Treatment began with patients in a supine position. Upon disinfection, a 2 inch sterile, single-use, hair thin acupuncture needle was inserted into each acupuncture point. For Guanyuan, Qihai, Zhongji, and Qugu, needles were slanted downwards and inserted transverse-obliquely until a deqi sensation was elicited. Rotating and reinforcing needle techniques were applied. For Zusanli and Sanyinjiao, needle were inserted vertically to a 0.5 – 1-inch depth. Needles were retained for 40 minutes and treatments were conduced daily for 30 consecutive days.

For Group B, the electroacupuncture group, intermediate frequency electrical acupuncture point stimulation was used. The amplitude for each patient was set to individual tolerance levels for comfort. This electrical stimulation was applied for 20 minutes during each session. The researchers found that the addition of electroacupuncture increased the effectiveness of treatment by 32%. Manual acupuncture had a 54% total effective rate and electroacupuncture increased the rate to 86%.

Second Study

A second study, conducted at University College of London Hospital confirmed these results in independent research. 79% of patients participating in their clinical trial showed clinically significant outcomes. The researchers stated, “Acupuncture should be considered as a potential alternative to our current therapeutic regimes” for patients with urinary incontinence. The study utilized 3 acupuncture points, combined with electroacupuncture, for all patients:

SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
CV4 (Guanyuan)
KD3 (Taixi)

Third Study

Jin et al. confirmed the benefits of electroacupuncture in the treatment of urinary incontinence for women in a third independent study. Here, electroacupuncture produced a 78.6% total effectiveness rate. The protocol reduced leakage and urgency. The mean occurrence of urinary incontinence over 24 hours was reduced by 66.67%.

The primary acupuncture points used in this study included:

Ciliao (BL32)
Huiyang (BL35)
Shenshu (BL23)
Zusanli (ST36)
Sanyinjiao (SP6)

Electroacupuncture was attached to BL32 and BL35. A disperse-dense wave was used for 30 minutes. The intensity was set to patient tolerance levels. One 30 minute acupuncture treatment was conducted 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The protocol achieved a 78.6% total effective rate.

Fourth Study

Liu et al. achieved a 93.3% total effectiveness rate for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women. The protocol had two components: acupuncture and pelvic floor muscle exercises. Acupuncture with moxibustion was applied to the following acupuncture points:

Shangliao (BL31)
Ciliao (BL32)
Zhongliao (BL33)
Xialiao (BL34)

Needling was applied obliquely with a needle retention time of 20 minutes per acupuncture treatment. Moxibustion was applied to all needles. Acupuncture was administered 5 times a week for 6 weeks. This bladder control acupuncture research study resulted in a 93.3% total effective rate.

Fifth Bladder Control Acupuncture Research Study

Wang et al. documented a 90% effective for the treatment of urinary incontinence. In the clinical trial, acupuncture was compared with drug therapy. Guiyang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers from the university hospital’s urology department conducted a clinical trial lasting four weeks. Patients taking drug therapy received 4 mg of solifenacin via oral administration, once daily after breakfast. For patients in the acupuncture therapy group, they received the following acupuncture points:

Guanyuan (CV4)
Shenshu (BL23)
Zuwuli (LV10)
Yinlingquan (SP9)
Shuidao (ST28)
Zhongji (CV3)
Zhongshu (BL29)
Pangguangshu (BL28)
Ciliao (BL 32)

In this trial, manual acupuncture, not electroacupuncture, was used. Each acupuncture session lasted 30 minutes. Treatments were given once a day for four weeks.

Solifenacin had an outcome of 4 patients cured, 23 patients with significant progress, and 4 patients with no progress. Acupuncture had an outcome of 5 patients cured, 22 with significant progress, and 3 patients with no progress. The total effective rate for the acupuncture group was 90% compared to 86.9% for the solifenacin group.

Conclusion

The results of all five bladder control acupuncture research studies confirms acupuncture is effective resolving urinary incontinence.

Next Steps

At Raleigh Acupuncture we have been successfully treating urinary incontinence for years. Treatments are safe and deliver long lasting results.

BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online. Or call us at 919-819-8113 and we will schedule an appointment for you.

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References

Gao X, Xing YL, Dong SQ, Ding Y, Xia M. (2013). Effect of Acupuncture with Intermediate Frequency Electrical Stimulation by Acupoint on Female Stress Urinary Incontinence. Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion. 29(8).

Hu TW, Wagner TH, Bentkover JD, Leblanc K, Zhou SZ, Hunt T. Costs of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder in the United States: A comparative study. Urology 63(3):461– 5. 2004.

Post-treatment, Pre-treatment, and ICIQ-UI Short Form. Acupuncture in the Management of Overactive Bladder Syndrome. 2014.

Philp T, Shah PJR, Worth PHL. Acupuncture in the treatment of bladder instability. British Journal of Urology 1988 Jun: 61(6); 490-493.

Jin CL, Zhou XY & Pang R. (2013). Effect of electro-acupuncture on mixed urinary incontinence in women. Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion. 29(6).
Jain P, Jirschele K, Bostros SM, et al. (2011). Effectiveness of midurethral slings in mixed urinary incontinence: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Urogynecol J. 22(8): 923-932.

Liu Jie, Yang Shaoqin, Shi Ying, Curative effect observation of needle warming moxibustion Ba Liao point combined with pelvic floor muscle exercise in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence, Chinese Community Doctors, 2015 (8).

Wang, Bo, Youping Xiao, Kai Fan, Congjun Huang. “Treatment of female overactive bladder with acupuncture.” Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 36.10 (2013): 713-716.

This bladder control acupuncture research provides overwhelming proof of the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of urinary incontinence.

The Raleigh Acupuncture overactive bladder treatment works best to calm bladder function. Treatments are safe, and results are long-lasting.

Raleigh Acupuncture Overactive Bladder Treatment

Watch this video to learn more about our treatment.

How Acupuncture Works

“Damp Heat in the Lower Jiao” is the most common diagnosis of overactive bladder. This Chinese medicine diagnosis indicates that moisture and heat have collected in and around the bladder, causing inflammation, dysfunction, and pain. When healthy, our bodies manage water metabolism and temperature correctly, with no excess buildup. We use the water we need and excrete the rest. Similarly, our bodies generate enough heat to function correctly, no more, no less.

But when disharmony lodges in the body, water (dampness) accumulates. Then, adding excess internal heat to the mix, dampness transforms into phlegm (more sticky and stubborn to expel). When damp heat lodges near the bladder, you get inflammation, UTIs, and an overactive bladder.

Phlegm heat causes trouble anywhere it finds a home. For example, sinus infections are nothing more than toxic phlegm heat lodging in the head and sinus cavities. Acupuncture corrects these imbalances, relieving symptoms in the process.

Acupuncture Relieves Overactive Bladder

We conduct an intake exam on your first visit to learn everything about your condition. You’ll receive an acupuncture treatment that same day.

Acupuncture is completely safe. All needles are sterile, single-use, and hair-thin. Treatments are relaxing – many of our patients fall asleep during their sessions. Afterward, you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Acupuncture gently corrects the imbalances responsible for your condition as you rest.

If you suffer from an overactive bladder, try acupuncture.

Recent Overactive Bladder Case

A 64-year-old woman came to our clinic complaining of frequent, painful, urgent urination. Her primary physician initially diagnosed her with a UTI and prescribed a course of antibiotics. However, she was rediagnosed with an overactive bladder when her symptoms persisted.

Our intake exam diagnosed her with Damp Heat in the Lower Jiao. Her treatment plan included the acupoints CV3, ST29, ST44, LI11, and ST36. In addition, we prescribed a Chinese herbal formula to clear damp heat from the bladder. Upon returning for her second treatment, she reported feeling 30 percent better. She had less pain and burning and could empty her bladder more completely.

An additional two treatments reduced her pain by 70 percent. After the fourth treatment, she was 100 percent better, and the problem did not return.

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Video – Raleigh Acupuncture Overactive Bladder Treatment.

We treat two similar conditions, Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Interstitial Cystitis (IC).

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Acupuncture Research and Case Studies

Overactive Bladder Acupuncture Research Study

UTI Acupuncture Case Study.

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