Can TCM Treat Postpartum Urinary Incontinence?

If you’re a new mom dealing with postpartum urinary incontinence, you’re not alone. Many women experience this after childbirth, especially following a vaginal delivery. This happens due to a mix of physical changes during pregnancy and delivery that can impact the pelvic floor.

A systematic review found that around 33% of women experience some form of urinary incontinence within the first three months postpartum. Among them, about 12% experience leakage at least weekly, while around 3% have it daily. Understandably, women who delivered vaginally are more likely to deal with this (31%) compared to those who had a cesarean section (15%).

Another study, a meta-analysis, showed that around 26% of women experience postpartum urinary incontinence (PPUI). The study also pointed out some common risk factors that make PPUI more likely, including the type of delivery, your age, and even your baby’s birth weight.

There are a few common reasons behind postpartum urinary incontinence:

Vaginal Delivery: One of the biggest causes is the vaginal delivery itself, especially if it’s your first baby. The process can weaken or damage the pelvic floor muscles, which help support the bladder and urethra.

Obstetric Factors: Certain things during childbirth can increase your chances of developing incontinence:

Large Babies: Delivering a larger baby can put extra strain on your pelvic floor.

Difficult Deliveries: A long labor or using tools like forceps or a vacuum during delivery can make pelvic floor damage worse.

Others: It’s rarely just one thing that leads to postpartum urinary incontinence. It’s often a mix of the physical stress from childbirth, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and the way each woman’s body is built.

The impact of vaginal delivery can go beyond just urinary incontinence. It might also lead to other pelvic issues like pelvic organ prolapse or even anal incontinence. These can add extra challenges to your postpartum recovery and daily life.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), certain herbs have long been used to improve bladder function, strengthen pelvic floor muscles, and address the root causes of incontinence. Here’s how these powerful herbs work:

1. Strengthening Kidney Function: In TCM, the kidneys play a big role in regulating fluid balance and supporting bladder control. Many Chinese herbs are thought to “tonify” the kidneys, meaning they boost their function. This boost in function improves overall urinary health, which means less leakage and unnecessary fluid loss!

2. Improving Bladder Muscle Strength: Some herbs work by strengthening the muscles of your bladder so that it is able to stay calm under pressure. This extra support will help you reduce those annoying leaks, especially when you need to be physically active or are feeling stressed.

3. Reducing Overactivity: If you’re dealing with an overactive bladder, certain herbs can help by calming those sudden bladder contractions. These herbs block the signals that tell your bladder to spasm – you’ll feel less urgency and won’t need to run to the bathroom as often.

4. Relaxing Smooth Muscles: Several herbs have the ability to relax the smooth muscle tissue in your bladder. This can be particularly helpful if you’re struggling with involuntary contractions that make you feel like you need to go all the time.

5. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Many Chinese herbs have anti-inflammatory properties, which is key for reducing irritation in the bladder lining. By calming down any inflammation, these herbs promote smoother bladder function and more comfort.

6. Adaptogenic Properties: Some herbs act as adaptogens, meaning they help your body manage external stressors. External stressors will cause more urinary symptoms to appear, and these herbs strengthen the body’s urinary function so it remains resilient under pressure.

7. Increasing Bladder Capacity: Certain herbs can even help increase your bladder’s capacity, so you won’t feel the need to go as frequently. This is especially helpful if childbirth has affected how your bladder functions.

1. Rehmannia Root (Di Huang)

Rehmannia is well-known for its ability to support kidney health. In TCM, boosting kidney energy is seen as crucial for bladder control, making this herb especially helpful for women dealing with postpartum incontinence.

2. Ginger

Ginger isn’t just great for digestion; it also has strong anti-inflammatory effects. This makes it useful for calming inflammation in the urinary tract, which can be a big help if bladder irritation is causing you discomfort.

3. Astragalus (Huang Qi)

Astragalus is another powerful herb that helps improve kidney function and balance fluids in the body. After childbirth, when hormones can throw off fluid regulation, this herb can help keep everything running smoothly.

4. Goji Berries

Goji berries are packed with antioxidants that nourish your body and support kidney health. Healthier kidneys mean better bladder control, so adding these to your diet can help as you recover from childbirth.

5. Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui)

Cinnamon bark is known for its muscle-relaxing properties. It can help ease tension in your pelvic floor muscles, which may have been weakened after giving birth, helping you regain control and reduce stress-related leaks.

Acupuncture doesn’t just help with relaxation—it can directly improve pelvic floor function and reduce symptoms of incontinence. Here’s how:

1. Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles: Acupuncture can target specific points that are connected to your pelvic floor muscles. By stimulating these points, acupuncture promotes better muscle coordination and function, which is essential for bladder control. When your pelvic floor muscles are stronger and more responsive, you’ll likely notice a reduction in urinary incontinence symptoms.

2. Nerve Re-innervation: Acupuncture is also believed to help re-innervate the nerves in the pelvic region, meaning it can restore and improve nerve function. This boosts communication between your brain and your pelvic muscles, leading to better control over bladder function. It’s like helping the nerves “remember” how to do their job more effectively.

3. Combining Acupuncture with Pelvic Floor Rehab: For even better results, acupuncture can be combined with pelvic floor rehabilitation training. This approach not only strengthens your muscles but also supports your overall pelvic health, improving the outcomes for women experiencing postpartum stress urinary incontinence (PSUI).

4. Reducing Urine Leakage: Some studies, particularly on electroacupuncture, have shown promising results in reducing urine leakage. For many women, acupuncture has led to a significant reduction in leakage, with some experiencing a 50% or greater improvement after treatment. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking non-surgical solutions.

Another effective approach involves using acupoint hot compresses. In a study focusing on this technique, the following acupoints were used:

• Shenque CV8: This point is located at the center of your belly button.
• Ba Liao BL31–34: These points are found along the sacrum, between the pelvis and the spine, and are key for treating pelvic and bladder issues.

The warmth from the compress, combined with the stimulation of these points, helps to relax the muscles and improve circulation, supporting better bladder control.

Another study combined warm acupuncture with Kegel exercises, specifically using the Zhi Bian BL54 acupoint. This acupuncture point is found deep beneath the gluteus medius muscle, and if located precisely, should stimulate the pelvic floor.

Needles were inserted and a heat lamp was added to enhance the effect of acupuncture. The outcome of the treatment was a strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles, which then led to reduced incontinence symptoms. When paired with Kegel exercises, this method can significantly enhance your pelvic strength.

In the past, TCM herbs that were used to treat urinary incontinence also did something for overall kidney function. For this reason, the bladder is never treated in isolation, and urinary function is almost always tied to kidney health.

Kidney health can be seen in a traditional sense i.e. anything that supports the “life force” and “essence” of the body. Herbs that support kidney health are almost always adaptogenic herbs that make the body more resilient overall.

That said, we are learning from modern research that these same herbs are also able to improve kidney function and bladder function. These herbs target inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and other factors that can damage the kidneys and bladder, ensuring they work harmoniously.

At Soma Clinic, we offer a comprehensive approach to help you regain control and confidence.

Our first line of support comes from TCM. We provide personalized herbal formulations tailored to your specific condition. Consult with us to discover which TCM herbs can best support your recovery and restore balance to your body.

In addition to TCM, we offer the Kegel Throne. As you read above, research shows that combining acupuncture with Kegel exercises can significantly improve urinary control in postpartum women. 

But, if traditional exercises feel overwhelming, then the Kegel Throne is a fantastic alternative!

Unlike conventional Kegel exercises that require physical effort, the Kegel Throne uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic fields to stimulate muscle contractions. This means you can strengthen your pelvic floor without any strain. In just 30 minutes, the Kegel Throne can produce over 20,000 contractions, far surpassing the 200 contractions you might manage manually.

Consult us today to learn more about our personalized TCM solutions and the Kegel Throne treatment package!

After childbirth, many women experience physical and emotional challenges that can benefit from natural healing methods. Herbs for postpartum recovery are an effective way to support the body’s healing process, promote overall wellness, and enhance energy levels. These herbs can help replenish nutrients, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the pelvic muscles, all of which are important for recovery. Some popular herbs for postpartum recovery include Raspberry Leaf, which tones the uterus, and Shatavari, known for its ability to balance hormones and support lactation.

In addition to supporting postpartum recovery, herbs can also play a crucial role in bladder health. Many women experience bladder issues after childbirth, including urinary incontinence or frequent urination. The best herbs for bladder health are those that help strengthen the bladder muscles, improve urinary flow, and support the kidneys. Cornsilk and Uva Ursi are two powerful herbs known for their ability to promote urinary tract health and reduce inflammation. Horsetail is also a great herb for strengthening the bladder and improving its overall function.

By incorporating herbs for postpartum recovery and the best herbs for bladder health, you can support both your recovery journey and maintain long-term bladder health. These natural remedies are gentle, safe, and effective alternatives to medications, helping women feel their best during the postpartum period and beyond.

Bladder leakage and urinary incontinence are common issues that many people experience, particularly as they age or after certain medical conditions. Thankfully, herbs for bladder leakage and herbs for bladder control offer natural, effective solutions to support bladder health and improve quality of life. By strengthening the bladder and urinary system, these herbs help reduce leakage, improve bladder function, and enhance overall control.

Some of the best herbs for bladder leakage include Uva Ursi, known for its ability to support urinary tract health and reduce inflammation, and Cornsilk, which has been traditionally used to calm the bladder and promote urination. Horsetail is another powerful herb that strengthens the bladder wall and helps control urine flow, making it an excellent option for those seeking relief from bladder leakage.

In addition, herbs for bladder control like Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) help tonify and strengthen the bladder muscles, improving overall function and preventing accidents. Saw Palmetto is also a well-known herb for supporting prostate health in men, which indirectly supports bladder control.

Incorporating herbs for bladder leakage and herbs for bladder control into your daily routine can provide a gentle, natural way to support urinary health and regain confidence. Whether used alone or in combination with other lifestyle changes, these herbs are a safe and effective option for managing bladder issues.