Chronic Prostatitis - Damp-Heat Downpour Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic prostatitis

Chronic Prostatitis · 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 chronic prostatitis,

characterized by **prostatic inflammation with bacterial colonization,

perineal pain, burning urination, yellow or purulent urethral discharge,

and urinary frequency. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of

Damp-Heat in the lower Jiao**, causing prostatic inflammation, bacterial

colonization, and urethral irritation.


Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

discharge, urinary frequency |

Associated Symptoms

feverishness, irritability |

Tongue and Pulse

and rapid pulse |

Pathogenesis Damp-Heat accumulating in the lower Jiao
Etiology

sexual activity |


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 |

Taichong (LR3)

metatarsals | Clears Liver Heat and regulates Qi |

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
Purulent discharge

detoxify |

Perineal pain

pain |

Burning urination Add Huang Qin, Huang Lian to clear Heat
Feverishness Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids

Western Mechanism Reference

Prostatic inflammation with bacterial colonization, elevated

inflammatory cytokines, and urethral irritation. Damp-Heat Downpour

corresponds to chronic bacterial prostatitis, where bacterial

colonization and elevated inflammatory cytokines contribute to prostatic

inflammation and urethral irritation.


References

1. Surgery of TCM - Chronic Prostatitis with Damp-Heat Downpour.

2. WHO. (2023). Urological health. World Health Organization.


Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for prostate health.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM urology.


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.