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Acupuncture treatment for Bedwetting
Nocturnal enuresis (NE), also called bedwetting, is involuntary urination while asleep after the age at which bladder control usually occurs. Bedwetting in children and adults can result in emotional stress. Complications can include urinary tract infections.1 Most bedwetting is a developmental delay—not an emotional problem or physical illness. Bedwetting is frequently associated with a family history of the condition. The aetiology of NE is not fully understood, although there are three common causes: excessive urine volume, poor sleep arousal, and bladder contractions.2
RESEARCH
Nocturnal enuresis is caused by deficiency of Kidney Qi leading to the inability of the urination bladder to regulate urination. The kidneys form urine and the bladder stores and excretes urine. If the kidneys are deficient, they are unable to support the function of the bladder in regulating urinary output. Chronic nocturnal enuresis typically exhausts the patient and leads to the inability to properly distribute nutrients to the body. In Chinese medicine theory this is referred to as Spleen Qi deficiency. As a result, this condition often presents with a pale complexion and a low appetite. Classic acupuncture treatment points for this condition include BL-23, BL-28, CV-3, SP-6. Supplementary points include HT-7 and ST-36. Research has shown that acupuncture can influence spinal micturition centers and parasympathetic innervation to the urinary tract and is known to modulate brain function via the descending serotonergic system.3
Another treatment include stimulating GV-20, SP-6, the bedwetting hand and enuresis point; GV20 is an acupoint on the governing vessel with the six yang channels. GV-20 is good at reinforcing and lifting yang, as it is the point where the body’s Yang energy naturally converges. Using it in enuresis can help strengthen the bladder and control urination. A strong sensation is recommended. After insertion the needle, manipulate it towards four directions. Although strong sensation is desirable, you still need to take your response into consideration. You may need to keep minimal stimulation or even massage in case you can not stand the strong sensation. SP-6 is the meeting point on the Spleen Channel with the Liver and Kidney Channels. It tonifies three Foot-yin, therefore regulates water flow and strengthen the bladder. It is recommended needling with tip upwards, so the sensation goes towards the perineum. Moxa can be applied too. Ye Niao Dian (Bedwetting Hand point) is not a regular acu-point, it belongs to Hand Acupuncture, a special branch of acupuncture. It is located on the palmar surface of little finger, in the middle of the transverse crease of the distal interphalangeal joint. It is recommended to needle perpendicularly, 0.2-0.5cun. If you can not bear the stimulation, you may use quick needling without retaining or even only use moxibustion. Yi Niao Xue (Enuresis point) is an extra acupuncture point. As its name suggested, it is specific for nocturnal enuresis. It is located on the sole of the foot, in the middle of the fifth metatarso-phalangeal crease. It is recommended to needle perpendicularly, 0.3-0.5cun. If you can not stand the stimulation, you can use dermal needle instead.4
Footnotes
- Definition & Facts for Bladder Control Problems & Bedwetting in Children – niddk.nih.gov – 2017, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems-bedwetting-children/definition-facts
- Bedwetting – rch.org.au – 2011, https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Bedwetting/
- Acupuncture Effective for Bedwetting – healthcmi.com – 2010, http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/319-acupuncturebedwetting2345098
- 4 special points for nocturnal enuresis – tcmcentre.com – 2010, http://tcmcentre.com/2010/03/12/4-special-points-for-nocturnal-enuresis/