Urinary incontinence can be a distressing and uncomfortable condition for those who experience it. Urinary incontinence is a common problem characterized by the loss of bladder control, which can often be embarrassing. It could range from occasionally leaking urine when coughing or sneezing to having a sudden and strong urge to urinate that makes it difficult to reach the toilet on time. Although it is more prevalent among older people, urinary incontinence is not an inevitable consequence of aging. If it affects your lifestyle, see a doctor as soon as possible. For most people, simple lifestyle and dietary changes or medical care can help treat the symptoms of urinary incontinence long term.

How acupuncture helps urinary incontinence

Acupuncture can alleviate urinary incontinence symptoms, such as bladder control issues, frequent urination and urgency, and discomfort. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into the body, which can relax the nervous system and boost circulation. As a result, the body’s natural healing capacity is stimulated. Additionally, during a treatment, several therapies are used, including medical massage (tuina), scraping (guasha), external and internal herbal formulas, and heat therapies, in addition to needles.

Recently, one study of incontinent women tested the results of acupuncture as a natural treatment option. After a 4-week urinary incontinence, bladder-focused acupuncture protocol, nearly 90% of patients had “significant improvements in bladder capacity, urgency, frequency, and quality-of-life scores.” (Source: Acupuncture for Overactive Bladder). In a word, the acupuncture helped. In fact, acupuncture works with your body to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation, pain, and muscle spasms, which are all essential aspects of overcoming urinary incontinence.

What Causes Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is a sudden urge to urinate due to weak pelvic muscles or bladder spasms. Women are more likely to experience incontinence than men. As a result, the female causes of incontinence are typically pregnancy, childbirth, or pressure on the bladder. Both men and women can develop incontinence due to surgery, medication, disease, or being overweight. For instance, an overactive bladder and stress incontinence are some of the most common causes of incontinence. In effect, weak pelvic floor muscles result in bladder leaks and cause stress incontinence.

Why choose acupuncture for your urinary incontinence?

I understand that urinary incontinence can be a challenging, embarrassing, and painful condition to deal with. However, acupuncture is a natural and safe treatment option that has been proven to be effective in managing its symptoms.

Three simple steps you can take to relieve your urinary incontinence today

About the Author

Dr. Mark VanOtterloo is a licensed acupuncturist and Doctor of Oriental Medicine in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. He is an integrative acupuncturist with an additional interest in functional medicine specializing in chronic disease and women’s health. He uses acupuncture, tuina (medical massage), moxibustion, and herbal liniments to help patients with severe urinary incontinence. To learn more about how acupuncture helps with urinary incontinence, contact Dr. Mark VanOtterloo for an appointment or schedule a free discovery call.

​Acupuncture research articles for urinary incontinence

• Chung I-M, Kim Y-S, Sung Y-H, et al. Effects of acupuncture on abdominal leak point pressure and c-Fos expression in the brain of rats with stress urinary incontinence. Neuroscience Letters. 2008;439(1):18-23.doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2008.04.100. 
• Emmons SL, Otto L. Acupuncture for Overactive Bladder. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2005;106(1):138-143. doi:10.1097/01.aog.0000163258.57895.ec. 

Check out our blog articles for more helpful information