What are the symptoms and causes of UTI?
Urinary tract infection is more common in women and includes symptoms of burning urination and painful urination. A common cause is when bacteria that normally live in the bowel come into contact with the urethra. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed but over prescribing antibiotics in chronic reoccurring cases can cause other problems. Many cases of UTI are becoming resistant to antibiotic treatment.
How does Chinese medicine look at UTI?
The traditional Chinese medicine view is that a condition known as damp and heat is the most common cause of urinary tract infections. Damp and heat can include bacteria, viruses and fungus affecting the lower part of the body including the kidneys, bladder, urinary tract and genitals. This damp and heat becomes sticky and thick and hinders normal circulation of energy and blood causing pain and discomfort.
Are the acupuncture points near the genitals?
Acupuncture points are all over the body, spread from the toes to the head and in most cases points are selected away from the problem site. The genital area is traversed by a number of channels including the liver and kidneys which start at the feet and hence points on the feet, legs and thigh are likely to be selected. There are also acupuncture points on the face that treat urinary problems including UTI.
Do the Chinese herbs have analgesic properties?
The aim of using Chinese medicine is to address the underlying root cause of the problem and hence many of the herbs have more of a diuretic effect as opposed to analgesic effect. The concept is to urinate out the damp and heat, restore normal energy and blood circulation. Be it, some modern research has demonstrated that certain herbs do have an anti bacterial/fungal and viral effect, they work on a more general level to stimulate health the whole body as opposed to just destroying bacteria.
What are some examples of Chinese herbs used in the treatment of UTI?
A simple home remedy Chinese herb to use pearl barley. Get a small handful and bring to boil with 3 cups of water and then simmer for 20 minutes and drink the warm liquid on an empty stomach. A common formula is known as Ba Zheng San which translates as Eight Rectification Formula which promotes urination and clears heat while reducing pain.
The Acupuncture Clinic and Connect Therapies
Heiko Lade working from The Acupuncture Clinic in Hastings and Kane Monrad working from Connect Therapies in Hamilton are members of Acupuncture New Zealand who are both using Master Tung Style Acupuncture in their treatments including that in the treatment of UTI.
