Recommendations for treating overactive bladder with acupuncture

Chinese authors have reviewed the available research on acupuncture for treating overactive bladder (OAB), analysed its mechanisms of action and provided a suggested therapeutic regimen. They reviewed five RCTs and one comparative study on acupuncture for OAB to discuss acupoint location, treatment course and retention time based on clinical evidence and treatment principles from TCM. The analysis found that acupuncture can regulate bladder function by inhibiting unmyelinated C nerve fibres, modulating the production of nerve growth factors and reducing spontaneous contractions of the bladder’s detrusor muscle. Based on the available evidence, a combination of local and distal acupoints were recommended, with Gongsun SP-4, Guanyuan REN-4 and Taixi KID-3 strongly recommended. The recommended acupuncture treatment course was at least four weeks, with a frequency of no less than once a week and a duration of no less than 20 minutes per session. 

Acupuncture for Women with Overactive Bladder: Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Related Mechanism. Int J Gen Med. 2023 Mar 28;16:1137-1148.

Let’s work together towards better health

If you’re interested in exploring how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can support your health, get in touch to book a consultation at our London or Bath clinics. I’ll take time to understand your individual needs and help you move towards lasting wellbeing.

By telephone:

07985 918237

Share this research:

Related Research

Acupuncture may compare favourably with anti-histamines for dust mite allergy

Acupuncture

Unresponsive foot pain

Acupuncture, Pain Clinic

Acupuncture as good as drugs for acute herpetic pain

Acupuncture, Pain Clinic, Skin Conditions