Chronic UTIs and Late Summer in Chinese Medicine
By Dr. Renae Haldeman · New to some of these words? See the glossary.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), late summer is called the “fifth season.” It is a time of change, with hot weather and heavy dampness (moisture in the air). A key idea in East Asian medicine is that the world around us affects what happens inside our bodies. When damp heat from outside gets into the body, or matches an imbalance already inside, it often settles in the lower jiao (the lower part of the body), especially the bladder.
From a TCM point of view, damp heat in the lower jiao is a main cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Late summer weather can make this worse. But many patients ask, “Why do I get UTIs all year long?”
The answer is often that the body has become “stuck” in a long-term damp-heat pattern. Stress and “stuck” liver qi (qi, say “chee,” is the body’s vital energy) can create inner heat. Food choices can add fuel. A diet high in spicy foods, greasy or fried foods, dairy, and refined sugar makes the body damper. Alcohol is probably the worst. It quickly sends toxic damp heat straight to the bladder.
A Case Study: Ending Chronic UTIs
A new patient showed this pattern clearly. She recently came to my clinic looking for a lasting path to better balance. Along with many other health problems, she had painful UTIs that came back every month.
We started an acupuncture plan in June. We chose points to clear heat, remove dampness, and support the bladder’s qi. We treated the deeper imbalance, not just the symptoms. We were able to break the monthly cycle of infection and ease her long-term pain.
As clinicians, our goal is to give care that works well and treats the root cause. Acupuncture offers a fast, drug-free way to ease the pain of a sudden UTI and keep it from coming back, by bringing the body back into balance.
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This article is educational and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. Please talk with a licensed healthcare provider about your own health.