Traditional Chinese Medicine: Four Causes of Prostatitis You Might Not Have Heard Of
1. Damp-Heat Pouring Downward
If you prefer to eat spicy, fatty, rich, and sweet foods in daily life or frequently consume alcohol, over time, the normal function of your spleen and stomach will be damaged. When the spleen and stomach cannot function properly, damp heat will breed in the body.
Additionally, suppose you are in a humid and hot environment for a long time or accidentally exposed to damp-heat pathogens. In that case, these damp-heat pathogens may invade the prostate through the urethra, leading to prostatitis.
When prostatitis is caused by damp heat pouring downward, symptoms usually include frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, an intense burning sensation in the urethra, yellowish-red urine, perineal and lower abdominal distension and pain, a bitter taste in the mouth, and a dry throat. Upon examining the tongue, you will find a yellow greasy coating.
2. Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis
Suppose you are under long-term mental stress, such as frequent anxiety, depression, anger, or due to the nature of your job that requires prolonged sitting or cycling, causing long-term pressure on the perineum. In that case, it may lead to poor qi and blood circulation, forming qi stagnation and blood stasis.
When qi and blood stagnate in the prostate area, meridians are obstructed, and qi and blood do not flow smoothly, which can cause pain, leading to prostatitis.
Typical manifestations in such patients include a sense of heaviness and pain in the perineum, lower abdomen, testicles, and lumbosacral region. The pain is relatively fixed and sharp, like a needle. Upon examining the tongue, you will find a dark purple tongue or stasis spots.
3. Kidney Essence Deficiency
Some individuals have a naturally weak constitution with relatively insufficient kidney function; others may suffer from kidney essence deficiency due to excessive and uncontrolled sexual activity or prolonged illness that has damaged the kidneys.
TCM believes that the kidneys govern reproduction and store essence. Once kidney qi is insufficient and kidney essence is depleted, the prostate loses nourishment, making it prone to prostatitis.
These patients often exhibit symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, physical fatigue and weakness, and reduced sexual function, possibly accompanied by nocturnal emission and premature ejaculation. They also experience abnormal urination patterns, including frequent urination, urgency, and incomplete voiding.
4. Middle Qi Deficiency
If you have a poor physical constitution or have suffered from factors such as excessive fatigue, irregular diet, and prolonged illness without recovery, the spleen and stomach functions may be impaired, leading to middle qi deficiency.
The spleen and stomach are the postnatal foundation of the body and the source of qi and blood production. When the middle qi is deficient, the production of qi and blood is hindered, causing the middle qi to sink and fail to rise and hold. This may lead to prostatitis.
Patients typically show symptoms of lower abdominal heaviness and distension, a sensation of incomplete voiding after urination, and worsened symptoms after fatigue. Additionally, they may experience physical fatigue, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, poor appetite, and a pale, lusterless complexion.
Understanding the above TCM analysis of the causes of prostatitis allows for targeted treatment and adjustment:
Dietary habits should be adjusted for the damp-heat type to focus on light foods, and the living environment should be kept dry and well-ventilated. Emotional regulation is essential for the qi stagnation and blood stasis type. Keep a cheerful mood, avoid prolonged sitting, and increase physical activity appropriately.
For the kidney essence deficiency type, it is necessary to reasonably control the frequency of sexual activity, avoid excessive fatigue, and, under the guidance of a professional physician, take kidney-tonifying medications or consume foods with kidney-tonifying effects for healing. For the middle qi deficiency type, regular diet, rest, and moderate exercise are essential to strengthen the body.
Additionally, in the TCM treatment of chronic prostatitis, Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill is a symptomatic remedy. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, and diuresis.
The pill can effectively alleviate the symptoms of prostatitis, reduce inflammation, and promote recovery. According to individual conditions, specific medication plans and courses need to be formulated and implemented under the guidance of physicians at the Wuhan Dr. Lee's TCM Clinic.
In conclusion, TCM's understanding of the causes of prostatitis provides us with a new perspective. When treating prostatitis, we can fully utilize TCM's advantages and adopt comprehensive treatment measures to achieve better therapeutic effects.
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