Urinary Incontinence

The way this problem is viewed and treated in Western medicine is revealed by the name given to the condition: overactive bladder. The main symptom is not being able to control the flow of urine. It appears that the bladder is in a state of excess, and that's why it leaks urine. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a different understanding of this condition.

From the TCM perspective, when someone has this problem the bladder may seem to be functioning in a state of excess, but in reality it is deficient. You can think of the bladder as a "water gate." A sufficient amount of energy needs to be available to control the opening and closing of this gate. When there is too little energy available to perform this function, the flow of urine can't always be controlled and it leaks out. Usually this happens when there is an infection in the bladder or when the person gets older.

TCM views the root cause of this condition as a Kidney function disorder. The Bladder and the Kidney are partner organs and share a close energy relationship. This means that if the Kidney is strong, the Bladder is strong; if the Kidney is weak, you'll have a weak Bladder. Why does this problem tend to happen as the person ages? Kidney energy naturally declines as we age. So it's not uncommon to see this problem in menopausal women. Other symptoms frequently experienced with a Kidney function deficiency include back pain, neck pain, heel pain, loss of hair and tinnitus.

In order to treat this condition effectively you need to increase Kidney function. To treat only the Bladder is to treat the symptom of the condition; to treat the Kidney is to treat the root cause of the problem. Also, a problem with Liver function can be related to this condition. The Kidney and Liver have a "mother/child" relationship, meaning the Kidney supports and nourishes the Liver energetically. The Liver is the "child" of the Kidney, and if it is not functioning well, it can drain energy from the Kidney, it's "mother."

TCM Tips for Healing

TCM practitioners have successfully treated this problem throughout the ages using the following natural treatment protocols.

• Acupuncture frees the flow of internal energy in the body, as well as balances and harmonizes the function of the internal organ systems.
• Herbs: The classical herbal formula Jing Gui Shen Qi Pian is very beneficial. This herbal formula is particularly good for anyone over 50.
• Chinese Qigong (energy-building postures and movements) builds and balances your Qi (internal vital energy, pronounced chee). For the long-term solution, Qigong is the best approach because it makes the function of your organs more efficient and it is something you can do for yourself at any time every day. Meditation is also helpful because it creates a peaceful, centered state of being.
• Diet: Include foods in your diet that build the Kidney, such as seafood, particularly shellfish, black beans and walnuts.
• Lifestyle changes: Treating this condition can be challenging because it is caused by an energy deficiency. In order to treat an energy deficiency, you have to generate more energy! Generating energy is almost like saving money: saving money is very difficult; spending money is very easy. So in order to really treat this condition you have to generate a lot of energy from the Kidney. To save energy, lifestyle becomes very important. You have to live in a way that conserves energy. What's the best way to do this?
  
  Have sex in moderation. One thing that is an "enemy" of Kidney energy deficiency is too much sex. Kidney energy is lost during sex. Have sex in moderation, keeping in mind your age, state of health and constitution.
  
  Take time to get adequate rest and relaxation. A busy lifestyle with excessive stress uses a lot of energy. Resting can prevent this condition; however, once it's begun to manifest itself it's very difficult to help this condition just by resting. At this point you will need acupuncture, Qigong and meditation, and herbs.
  
  Go to bed before midnight. When you go to sleep after 12:00 a.m. you use nearly double the amount of energy to keep your internal organs and body systems active at a time when they should naturally rest.