In severe cases, bacteria can ascend through the urinary system to the ureters, bladder, and kidneys, potentially resulting in acute kidney infection.
Clearing heat and eliminating dampness are essential principles in traditional Chinese medicine. The former refers to removing pathogenic or excess heat from the body, while the latter involves eliminating dampness through urination.
After the acute phase, although certain symptoms like hematuria and painful urination may subside, bacteria can persist in the urine. Mild lower abdominal bloating may also occur. In these cases, continuing the use of herbs that clear heat and dampness is recommended by Ms. Yu.
In addition, medicinal herbs such as Phellodendron (huang bai), Chinese gentian root (long dan cao), dictamnus root bark (bai xian pi), or Poria (fu ling) can be beneficial when used in sitting baths due to their anti-inflammatory and dampness-clearing properties.
During the later stages of urinary tract infection, patients may experience symptoms like fatigue, lower back soreness, or back pain. To enhance immunity and prevent recurrent infections, it is recommended to use medications that soothe the liver, regulate qi, and strengthen the body’s resistance.
Soothing the liver and regulating qi involve removing liver qi stagnation in the body, which helps restore normal liver function. Strengthening the body’s resistance involves improving its ability to resist diseases, thereby expelling pathogenic factors and promoting recovery.
Furthermore, the function of the kidney and bladder meridians can be enhanced through acupressure massage of specific points:
Ms. Yu also suggests performing exercises that stimulate the bladder and kidney meridians between 3 and 5 p.m., when the bladder meridian is most active. For example, exercises like standing and bending forward to touch the ground can improve the immune function of the urinary system.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, meridians are the channels through which energy flows in the human body. They are responsible for transporting qi and blood throughout the body. The bladder and kidney meridians are two of the primary channels.
The bladder meridian is the longest meridian in the body, extending from the top of the head to the back of the neck, along both sides of the entire spine, and down the back of the thighs and calves. Along this meridian, numerous acupoints such as Ganshu, Xinshu, Pishu, Feishu, and Shenshu can be found. Stimulating the bladder meridian has a nourishing effect on all internal organs.