The bladder is a hollow muscular organ located in the pelvis. The bladder is just above and behind the pubic bone. Urine storage and elimination are the bladder's two primary jobs. The bladder is roughly the size and shape of a pear when it is empty.
The bladder’s main functions are storing urine, allowing urination to be controlled, and in conjunction with the urinary system, filtering extra fluid and waste from the bloodstream. Urine is made in the kidneys, and travels to the bladder via two tubes called ureters. The bladder muscles contract and two sphincters (valves) open to let urine flow out during urination. Normal bladder capacity is 400-600 mL.
Bladder Conditions
Cystitis: Bladder inflammation or infection that results in short-term or long-term pain, discomfort, or frequent or hesitant urination.
Urinary stones: Stones (calculi) that move from the kidney to the bladder are known as urinary stones. Kidney stones can be extremely painful if they obstruct the flow of urine to or from the bladder.
Bladder cancer: When blood is seen in the urine, a bladder tumor is typically identified. The majority of bladder cancer cases are brought on by cigarette smoking or chemical exposure at work.
Urinary incontinence: Uncontrolled, potentially chronic urinating is known as urinary incontinence. Numerous factors can contribute to urinary incontinence.
Overactive bladder: When the detrusor muscle in the bladder contracts uncontrollably, some pee leaks out. Urinary incontinence is frequently caused by detrusor overactivity.
Hematuria: Blood in the urine is known as hematuria. Hematuria might be caused by an infection, a dangerous illness like bladder cancer, or it can be completely harmless.
Urinary retention: When the bladder is blocked or the bladder muscle action is reduced, urine does not ordinarily pass out of the bladder. More than a quart of pee may fit in the bladder due to swelling.
Cystocele: Weakened pelvic muscles (typically from childbirth) can result in the bladder pressing on the vagina. Urination issues may develop as a result.
Bed-wetting (nocturnal enuresis) is the term used to describe a child (aged 5 or older) who wets the bed at least once or twice per week for at least three months.
Dysuria (painful urination): When the bladder, urethra, or external genitalia are infected, irritated, or inflamed, it causes pain or discomfort when it is time to urinate.
Acupuncture for Bladder Health
According to clinical studies, acupuncture is a quick and efficient way to treat female patients who have frequency, urgency, and dysuria.
It has also been demonstrated that acupuncture is a highly effective treatment for interstitial cystitis-related bladder pain. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that TCM therapy helps reduce the obstruction of urine brought on by an enlarged prostate (BPH). Jun 4, 2021
Acupuncture is an excellent therapy for treating kidney stones, according to studies. Due to ureteral stones, acupuncture can ease lower back or abdominal pain. It can also accelerate kidney stone evacuation and decrease the time it takes for discomfort to go away.
Additionally, acupuncture has been found to have a suppressive action on patients who have overactive bladders that lead to urge incontinence, and improved symptoms of nocturnal enuresis and both urge and stress incontinence.
If you’re struggling with bladder issues, acupuncture may be the answer you’ve been looking for! Contact us to learn more or to schedule a San Tan Valley, AZ acupuncture appointment!
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