Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the spontaneous drop of urine. Urinary incontinence means that an individual peeing either without urge or as a result to control the urination. In cases of Urinary incontinence, a control over the bladder-urethra sphincter vanished or debilitated. Urinary incontinence is a considerably more common syndrome than a majority of patients recognize.

Bladder control problem is a urinary problem common among older people, especially women. Urinary incontinence is a medical condition where the bladder cannot hold urine but uncontrollably releases it when coughing, laughing, sneezing and other body movements or reactions.

The bladder stores urine by the contraction of the muscles of the Urethra (the passage tube that takes out urine from the bladder). At the need of urination, the bladder contracts its wall and relaxes the muscles of the urethra for the free flow of urine. In the case of incontinence, the muscles of the bladder contracts or urethra relax uncontrollably.

The symptoms can vary from mild leakages to massive, uncontrolled leakages. Though prominent more among women, men are also affected by incontinence, and it is not necessarily caused by aging. Urinary incontinence can be caused by some factors that range from vaginal infections, constipation, urinary tract infection and in some instance, it could be the side effect of certain drugs, which is temporary. When incontinence is experienced in the long term, it might be as a result of conditions such as overactive or weak bladder muscles, a complication from multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease that affects the nerves that control the bladder, arthritis, and blockage as a result of enlarged prostrate.

Urinary incontinence is a condition that can be controlled and treated if medical help is sought. Many people hide this condition from people, but if the right professional is consulted, it can be well managed.

Different Forms of Urinary incontinence

• Functional urinary incontinence is common with old people making it difficult to control their bladder due to inability to move on time to ease themselves. It could be as a result of arthritis or any movement related disorder.
• Urge urinary incontinence is the inability to hold urine long enough before reaching the toilet. It is common for people with stroke, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer’s disease.
• Overflow urinary incontinence happens when the bladder is full, and a small amount of urine leaks out as a result. It could also be as a result of a blockage in the urethra as common in enlarged prostrate or spinal injury.
• Stress urinary incontinence is the most common form of incontinence which is experienced by the leakage of urine while sneezing, coughing, laughing, lifting heavy objects and any other activity that exerts some pressure on the bladder. It is experienced in younger or middle-aged women while some cases are related to childbirth while others associated while approaching menopause.

Acupuncture for the treatment of Urinary incontinence.

Acupuncture has been an effective form of treatment for urinary incontinence. Research through neurologic investigations shows the efficacy of electroacupuncture. Electroacupuncture is a procedure that involves the use of specialized electro-simulators on acupuncture needles and applied to acupuncture points of treatments.

Through the help of neurological studies, acupuncture points for specific actions were discovered on the body and through these points, acupuncture treatments are administered.

The following acupuncture points were found to be pivotal to the treatment of urinary incontinence.

The Ciliao (BL32) acupoint regulates the P substance in the spinal dorsal horn, activity of sacral micturition center, capsaicin receptor VR1, and the activity of afferent C fibers.

The Huiyang (BL35) regulate the functions of both the urethral sphincter and detrusor muscle.

The Sanyinjiao acupoint regulates abdominal leak-point pressure.

The Zusanli (ST36) acupoint is responsible for the regulation of the binding force of the muscarinic receptors of the cerebral cortex and spinal cord.

Acupuncture is applied on these acupuncture points depending on the cause of the incontinence which is done by proper diagnosis.

Healthy Tips

–    Avoid alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and artificial sweeteners as they irritate the bladder

–    Acidic foods such tomatoes and orange irritate the bladder in patients affected by urge bladder. Pay attention to what you eat that triggers you.

–    Avoid carbonated water. Instead, take 6-8 glasses of water every day as dehydration irritates the bladder contrary to the believe that taking less amount of water will reduce incontinence. No, it does not.

–    By taking blueberries and cranberries, your body is supplied with substances that prevent urinary tract infection with an exception to an overactive bladder that can be irritated by cranberries which are acidic.

–    Engage in exercises that strength the pelvic floor. You can consult a physical therapist for more help.

Treatment for urinary incontinence in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic led by the Medical Doctor Victor Tsan is the most advanced place for acupuncture treatment of urinary incontinence. Over 40 years of Doctor Tsan’s experience in acupuncture, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, and traditional medicine gives him extra weapons to fight this complicated condition. Depending on the nature of the problem, Victor Tsan, MD can use customized combination of the treatment techniques available in his arsenal.

For your convenience, we created the on-line secure scheduling system, which you may use to schedule an appointment for consultation and treatment.