Do you ever wonder how you can stop recurring UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections)?
Written by Dr. Shwu Tsai (Acupuncturist) and Ryan Katz (client).
Since World War II, antibiotics have been a safe and successful treatment of eliminating bacterial infections. The problem, however, is that antibiotics don’t necessarily prevent bacterial infections from returning.
If you suffer from recurrent Urinary Tract Infections commonly referred to as UTIs , you know what it’s like to have an unstable quality of life. You may even feel helpless at times.
But there’s hope!
Though this post is not about a magical cure, it is about Chinese medicine includes herbs and acupuncture – an effective combination that offers relief, reduces the frequency of recurrences, and stabilizes of the quality of life of those who suffer from recurrent UTI.
So, here’s a little background on UTIs just so we’re on the same page:
A UTI occurs when a bacteria infection is located in and affects the urinary tract. The infection can cause frequent urges to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, back pain, abdominal pain, and/or cloudy, dark urine.
Sounds familiar. Right?
According to Chinese Medicine theory, there are most likely two reasons you may frequently experience recurrences:
1) Your diet and lifestyle may promote infection.
2) The bacteria adapt and come back in a different form.
Because of these reasons, when acupuncturists diagnose patterns, such as recurrent UTI, they not only offer suggestions of dietary and other lifestyle modifications, but they also treat for an adapted strain of UTI called a Non-Infection UTI. Here is a list of diets that can help you start living a healthy life.
Here’s a little background on that:
Non-Infection UTI commonly affects the elderly and those with recurrent UTI infections. It affects more women than men, and, like any UTI, it can be a chronic condition that ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain as a result of bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes even pelvic pain (Mayo Clinic).
The trouble with a Non-Infection UTI is that it drastically varies in symptoms and severity, and because there are no signs of detectable bacteria, the Mayo clinic confirms that there is no known cure for Non-Infection UTI in Western Medicine.
I know…this doesn’t sound too pleasant. But stay with me…
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, a Non-Infection UTI is safely referred to as IC/PBS – a combination of the phrases “Interstitial Cystitis” (IC) and “Painful Bladder Syndrome” (PBS) – because it covers any and all symptoms of a Non-Infection UTI.
Chinese Medicine uses the term IC/PBS as a reference to both the inflammation of the Lower Burner System (kidneys, ureter, bladder, and urethra) and the pattern of unsuccessful and painful excretion of urine from the body.
So, here’s where the hope is:
Chinese medicine: both herbal formula and acupuncture recognizes that most symptoms of IC/PBS are a result of underlying health problems; therefore, a comprehensive diagnosis is compiled and takes into account the individual’s body, mind, and spirit with the purpose of building the body’s immune system.
And here’s the cool needle part:
By inserting thin, sterile, stainless steel needles, acupuncturists also re-organize(?) pathways of energy (called Meridians). As a result, your body’s natural immune response is mobilized and YOU will be capable of living with a much more consistent quality of life!
To secure a fruitful diagnosis and a positive experience, The Wellness Center hosts one of the most highly recommended acupuncturists: Dr. Shwu-Yar Tsai. Or, as her patients call her, Dr. Sue!
Dr. Tsai has a PH.D. in Nutritional Pathophysiology from Texas Tech, a Masters of Science of Oriental Medicine from the Southwest Acupuncture College, a National Certification in Oriental Medicine, and published works in the field of Nutrition, Cellular Biochemistry, and Behavior Genetics.
Dr. Tsai works closely with patients in order to diagnose any patterns in the Lower Burner and treat the symptoms with acupuncture, recommendations of dietary and lifestyle adjustments, various Tui Na techniques, Moxibustion, and Herbal Remedies. Click on the link above to read some of the magnificent testimonials and about her other areas of expertise. If I may say so myself, she’s as top-tier as her recommendations suggest!
There is hope! Call The Wellness Center: 303-357-9355 to set up a consultation with Dr. Shwu to see if she can help you stop recurring UTIs.