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 | Difficult urination, burning sensation, frequent urination, yellow urine |
| Associated Symptoms | Lower abdominal distension, sticky mouth, feverishness, irritability |
| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with yellow greasy coating, slippery and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the lower Jiao |
| Etiology | Poor diet, alcohol consumption, spicy food intake, urinary tract infection |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Zhongji (RN3) | 4 cun below the umbilicus | Front-Mu point of Bladder meridian; regulates urination |
| Pangguangshu (BL28) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to S2 | Back-Shu 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 | Regulates urination and 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 | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |
| Urinary obstruction | Add Wang Bu Liu Xing, Shi Wei to promote urination |
| Lower abdominal distension | Add Mu Xiang, Xiang Fu to regulate Qi and 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
- Surgery of TCM - BPH with Damp-Heat Downpour.
- WHO. (2023). Urological health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for prostate health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM urology.