Understanding Enlarged Prostate (BPH): A Chinese and Western Medicine Perspective

Improving Urinary Health and Quality of Life Naturally

An enlarged prostate, medically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition affecting men, especially over the age of 50. It involves the non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland, which surrounds the urethra and plays a role in male reproductive function.As the prostate enlarges, it can press against the urethra, leading to urinary symptoms such as weak stream, urgency, and frequent night-time urination. While Western medicine may offer medications or surgery, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a gentle, holistic approach that focuses on treating both symptoms and the internal imbalance that causes them.

🔹 Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Weak or slow urine stream

Hesitation or difficulty starting urination

Dribbling after urination

Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)Incomplete bladder emptying

Urgency or difficulty holding urine

Occasional lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort

These symptoms can significantly affect sleep, comfort, and daily activities, even though the condition itself is not cancerous.

🔹 How TCM Understands Enlarged Prostate

In TCM, BPH is often categorized under “Long Bi” (urinary blockage) and “Lao Lin” (chronic urination issues). It is seen as a result of Kidney deficiency, Qi stagnation, and accumulation of Dampness or Phlegm, which obstructs the flow of urine.Common TCM patterns include:

Kidney Qi Deficiency → Weak stream, dribbling, fatigue, lower back ache, frequent urination at night

Kidney Yang Deficiency → Cold hands/feet, cold sensation in the lower abdomen, poor libido, early morning urination

Qi and Blood Stagnation → Hesitation, incomplete emptying, pelvic fullness or discomfort

Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao → Urinary urgency, burning, dark yellow urine, possible low-grade inflammation

TCM does not treat the prostate directly as an isolated organ, but focuses on rebalancing the entire urogenital system to improve both urinary and sexual health.

🌿 TCM Treatments for Enlarged Prostate

✅ Acupuncture

Acupuncture helps by:

Promoting better urinary flow

Strengthening Kidney and Bladder function

Reducing inflammation and pressure

Relieving emotional tension and improving sleep

Supporting hormonal regulation in aging men

✅ Herbal Medicine

Herbal formulas are tailored based on individual diagnosis and may include actions to:

Tonify Kidney Qi and Yang

Resolve Dampness and Phlegm

Move Qi to reduce pressure and stagnation

Clear Heat or support detoxification

✅ Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations

TCM emphasizes prevention and long-term regulation:

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy or greasy foods (can worsen urinary symptoms)Stay warm and avoid prolonged exposure to cold or damp environments

Eat kidney-supporting foods (e.g., black sesame, walnuts, cooked leafy greens)Gentle movement such as walking, tai chi, or yoga

Manage stress and ensure adequate rest

✅ ZiQia Self-Consistent Medicine System

In our clinic, we use Dr. Pan Xiaochuan’s ZiQia Medicine System, which includes pulse-based diagnosis and morning/evening herbal protocols that:

Address fluctuating symptoms across day and night

Strengthen organ systems involved in urinary control

Prevent further glandular enlargement and support longevity

💬 Natural Relief and Better Aging for Men

An enlarged prostate may be common, but it doesn’t have to diminish your quality of life. Chinese medicine offers a safe, non-invasive, and personalized path to relieve symptoms, support prostate health, and improve urinary function—without long-term dependence on medication or surgery.