Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - Damp-Heat Downpour Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for benign prostatic
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia · Damp-Heat Downpour Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Pelvis
Pattern Overview
Damp-Heat Downpour is a common pattern in benign prostatic hyperplasia
(BPH), characterized by **prostatic inflammation with urinary
obstruction, difficult urination, burning sensation, yellow urine, and
frequent urination. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of
Damp-Heat in the lower Jiao**, causing prostatic inflammation, edema,
and urethral obstruction.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
frequent urination, yellow urine |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
feverishness, irritability |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the lower Jiao |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
urinary tract infection |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zhongji (RN3) | 4 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
Bladder meridian; regulates urination |
| Pangguangshu (BL28) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to S2 |
|---|
point of Bladder meridian; regulates bladder function |
| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia |
|---|
Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |
| Qugu (RN2) | 5 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
relieves lower abdominal distension |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with moxibustion on Zhongji to promote urination.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Ba Zheng San (八正散) + Niu Xi (牛膝)
Composition:
Plantago (Che Qian Zi), Akebia (Mu Tong), Polyporus (Zhu Ling), Alisma
(Ze Xie), Rhubarb (Da Huang), Gardenia (Zhi Zi), Achyranthes (Niu Xi),
Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Clears Damp-Heat, promotes diuresis, and reduces prostatic
inflammation.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe burning sensation |
|---|
and detoxify |
| Urinary obstruction |
|---|
urination |
| Lower abdominal distension |
|---|
relieve distension |
| Feverishness | Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Prostatic inflammation with urinary obstruction, bacterial colonization,
and inflammatory edema causing urethral compression. Damp-Heat Downpour
corresponds to BPH with acute urinary retention and inflammatory
component, where prostatic inflammation and edema contribute to urethral
obstruction.
References
1. Surgery of TCM - BPH with Damp-Heat Downpour.
2. WHO. (2023). Urological health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
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Related TCM Patterns for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.