Acupuncture’s Approach to Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis is something I often treat in my acupuncture clinic. This is the second in a series on acupuncture for interstitial cystitis.  In this post I will tell you about how acupuncture can reduce pain, inflammation, and urinary urgency for interstitial cystitis.

Acupuncture’s Approach to Interstitial Cystitis

Over two thousand years ago, acupuncture physicians described a syndrome which is characterized by painful and frequent urination.  Accompanying symptoms can be tenderness in the lower abdomen, a feeling of incomplete urination, sexual dysfunction, changes in the color of urination, urinating at night, and also mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.  Although they were not speaking specifically about interstitial cystitis, these same principles can be used to create an effective acupuncture treatment.

Urinary symptoms along with other systems are considered to paint a picture of the underlying imbalance that is causing the disease.  Common imbalances for interstitial cystitis are qi (energy) weakness, qi stagnation, and heat.  It is not uncommon for women to suffer from more than one of these imbalances.

People with Qi weakness, or lack of energy are often tired and have digestive problems.  This can cause frequent urination, urination at night, and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.  Qi stagnation is a lack of circulation of the energy and can cause pain, bloating, and muscle spasms.   Heat is also a frequent cause of interstitial cystitis symptoms.   Heat in the body can cause dryness, burning urination, abnormal sweating, stiff joints, and headaches.  Often, heat is a reflection of inflammation.

Once the proper imbalance is identified, the acupuncture point prescription is tailored to correct that imbalance.

How does acupuncture treat interstitial cystitis?

Traditional Chinese Medicine works by identifying specific imbalances in the body and using acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and acupressure to correct them. Physiologically, acupuncture  helps to reduce the symptoms of interstitial cystitis by decreasing inflammation, releasing pain relieving chemicals in the nervous system, and decreasing muscle spasm.   Correcting the imbalance does not just treat the symptoms or mask the condition, but rather corrects the root of the problem by encouraging self-healing of the body.

If qi deficiency is the main issue, then acupuncture points such as Spleen 9, Kidney 7, on the legs, Ren 3, 4, and Kidney 12 on the abdomen, and Lung 9 on the arms can be used.  If there is qi stagnation, acupuncture points such as Liver 3, Liver 5,and Liver 8, and Large intestine 4 can be used.  If there is heat, acupuncture points such as Kidney 2 and Liver 2, Large intestine 4, Large intestine 11, and San Jiao 3 are often used.

Auricular, or ear, acupuncture is very helpful for pain and spasm of the bladder.  Points such as bladder, ureter, pelvis, and the spirit gate are helpful.  Often, I will use small magnets on these points to stimulate them in between acupuncture treatments.

Massage and trigger point stimulation helps to support the acupuncture in relaxing the muscles of the hips and pelvis. Sometimes electroacupuncture on the lower abdomen, lower back, or pelvis can help relax the bladder and pelvic muscles.  This can relieve the constant feeling of fullness and urgency in the bladder.

The results of a acupuncture are cumulative over a series of treatments.  Once the imbalance is corrected, the body can work to heal itself and can result in long lasting benefit.  Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation can be a vital support for relieving stress and preventing the tension from returning.