Difficult Urination

The external pathogens of wind-heat and damp-heat are often the culprits of acute urinary issues. These pathogens enter the body through the tai yang channel and Lungs, disrupting the flow of qi and fluids. This can lead to difficulty urinating and swelling in the upper body. In individuals with preexisting Kidney deficiency, the likelihood of external pathogen invasion increases, especially through sexual intercourse or bowel movements. When damp-heat is the cause, symptoms are typically focused in the Bladder with minimal systemic effects.

The emotions of frustration, anger, resentment, sexual tension, repressed emotion and stress can interfere with the smooth flow of energy in the Liver channel, hindering the movement of qi in the lower burner. If this obstruction persists, it can lead to the build-up of heat or fire, which can affect the Bladder and urethra. This blockage of energy can also prevent blood from flowing properly, leading to stagnation of both qi and blood. This can cause the Spleen to become weakened, leading to a deficiency of qi and potential leakage of blood from blood vessels. In some cases, this can result in the development of dampness, which can sink into the lower burner and create a cycle of damp-heat.

The overindulgence of high-fat, sugary, spicy, or alcoholic foods creates an excess of dampness and heat in the digestive system, which eventually settles in the lower abdominal region. This prolonged buildup of dampness and heat can eventually harden into masses that obstruct the urinary tracts and cause blood stagnation. Consuming too many cold or raw foods can weaken the digestive system, leading to a build-up of dampness. This chronic deficiency in the digestive system can eventually drain the kidneys, resulting in weak urine flow and difficulty starting and maintaining a steady stream.

The imbalances of overwork, worry, and excessive mental activity, combined with poor diet and sedentary habits, can lead to a weakening of the qi in the Spleen. This can prevent the natural ascent of the Spleen qi, disrupting the balance required for the proper disposal of waste materials. When the Spleen fails to properly regulate the "clear and turbid," it can cause them to mix, preventing their proper descent into the Bladder and potentially leading to cloudy urine. Spleen yang deficiency, whether from a cold diet or a decline in overall qi, can affect the body's ability to metabolize fluids. Instead of being processed and eliminated through the Bladder, these fluids may congeal into dampness or accumulate in the limbs and tissues as edema. Weak yang can also cause a general weakness in qi movement and a lack of force in urine expulsion. Kidney yang qi can be inherited or develop over time, through chronic illness, exposure to cold environments, or excessive physical labor. It can also be damaged by excessive sexual activity. In some cases, especially among younger individuals, the Kidney qi may be weakened while the Kidney yang remains intact, resulting in a lack of cold symptoms. Kidney yin can be damaged by febrile diseases, overwork, insufficient sleep, and recreational drug use. It may also be weakened by aging and excessive sexual activity.

As time goes on, various issues can arise within the urinary tract due to a range of factors. In some cases, chronic conditions may lead to the formation of urinary calculi, which can be caused by a combination of damp-heat or Kidney yin deficiency. These types of stones often stem from dietary issues and the accumulation of damp-heat in the lower body. In other cases, Kidney yin deficiency can cause fluids to thicken and solidify, leading to the development of stones.