Women, men & hormones
Acupuncture for Bladder Complaints
Always knowing where the toilet is first. Getting out of bed several times a night. Or yet another bladder infection, just when you thought it was over. Bladder complaints can have a real impact on daily life and sleep. Acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be used to support the body, alongside care from your GP.
Which bladder complaints are common?
A bladder infection (cystitis) usually arises when bacteria enter the bladder via the urethra. You then often have a burning or painful feeling when urinating, a constant urge while only a little urine comes, and sometimes pain or pressure in the lower abdomen. Women get cystitis more often than men because their urethra is shorter. After menopause the risk increases. In some women, bladder infections keep coming back.
With an overactive bladder you often have a sudden, strong urge, sometimes with leakage. With stress incontinence you lose urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising, usually due to a weakened pelvic floor. Frequent urination at night can be linked to an overactive bladder, drinking a lot in the evening, poor sleep, menopause, heart problems or, in men, an enlarged prostate.
Sometimes bladder complaints persist while no infection is found. This is called a sensitive or painful bladder. Tension, an overactive pelvic floor and a sensitive nervous system can play a role.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bladder complaints from a TCM perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Bladder and Kidneys work closely together in holding and discharging fluids. The Spleen keeps organs in place, and the defensive energy, Wei Qi, protects against external influences. We look at whether the symptoms are acute and hot, as with an infection, or rather arise from a deficiency, as with recurrent infections and a weak bladder.
Damp-Heat in the Bladder
Pang Guang Shi ReA burning feeling when urinating, a constant urge, dark or cloudy urine and a pressing feeling in the lower abdomen are associated in TCM with Damp and Heat in the Bladder. This pattern fits an acute bladder infection.
Kidney-Yin deficiency with Empty Heat
Shen Yin XuBladder infections that keep returning with a mild burning feeling, fatigue, restlessness and night sweats are associated in TCM with a deficiency of cooling Yin. This is seen more often after busy periods or during menopause.
Kidney-Qi not firm
Shen Qi Bu GuFrequent and copious urination, getting out of bed several times a night, dribbling or leakage and a weak lower back are associated in TCM with Kidney-Qi lacking the strength to hold fluids.
Spleen-Qi deficiency
Pi Qi XuA heavy or dragging feeling in the lower abdomen, leakage on exertion and symptoms that worsen with fatigue are associated in TCM with a weakened Spleen that insufficiently supports the organs.
How can acupuncture and laser acupuncture help with bladder complaints?
In the first consultation we look at the type of symptoms, how often they return, what triggers them and which tests or treatments have already been done. Sleep, tension, energy and, for women, the cycle or menopause are also taken into account.
- 01Acupuncture: very fine, sterile needles are used on points on the lower abdomen, lower back, legs and feet, among others. In TCM these are used to support the Bladder and Kidneys and to strengthen resistance.
- 02Between infections: with recurrent bladder infections, treatment mainly takes place in the periods without infection, to support resistance. An acute bladder infection belongs with the GP.
- 03Ear acupuncture with the laser: points on the ear can be used as support for urgency, tension and sleep. At Bai Kang this is always done with the laser, never with needles.
- 04Needle-free alternative: all points can also be treated with therapeutic laser light. With leakage, acupuncture combines well with pelvic floor therapy.
Prefer no needles?
Every treatment can also be carried out completely needle-free with laser acupuncture, in which the same points are treated with therapeutic laser light. Ear acupuncture is always carried out with the laser. Acupressure, which also uses no needles, can be used as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture help with recurrent bladder infections?
Acupuncture can be used as support for recurrent bladder infections, with the aim of strengthening resistance. Some research has been done, and some of the smaller studies describe fewer recurrent infections. The number of studies is limited, and the degree of change women experience differs per person.
Can I come with an acute bladder infection?
With an acute bladder infection, see your GP first. An untreated infection can spread to the kidneys. Acupuncture is mainly intended for the periods in between, and possibly as a complement to treatment by your GP.
Does acupuncture help with an overactive bladder?
Some research has been done into acupuncture for an overactive bladder, and some studies describe less urgency and less frequent urination. The results are mixed. Acupuncture can be combined with bladder training and pelvic floor therapy.
Can men come with bladder complaints too?
Yes. In men, urinary symptoms are often linked to the prostate. Read more on the page about men’s health. Always have urinary symptoms assessed by your GP first.
I have more bladder complaints since menopause. Is that taken into account?
Yes. After menopause, the lining of the bladder and vagina becomes thinner, making bladder infections and urgency more common. This is viewed together with other menopause symptoms. See also the page about menopause symptoms.
How many treatments are needed?
That depends on the type of complaint. Usually we start with a number of weekly treatments, after which we review together how you respond and what a suitable follow-up would be.
Personal Treatment Plan
Constantly troubled by your bladder?
During a first appointment, we look at your bladder complaints and what plays a role in your body, and which form of acupuncture suits you.