Enlarged Prostate... A Concerning Health Issue

1. What Are the Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate?
The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system, situated between the bladder and the urethra. It not only plays a crucial role in urination but also contributes to reproduction by producing lubricating fluid for semen.

As men age, the prostate often gradually enlarges—a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). When enlargement occurs, it can obstruct the bladder outlet, leading to urinary difficulties such as:
Slow urinary stream
Weak or intermittent flow
Dribbling post-urination
Abdominal straining to fully void the bladder
If left untreated, chronic urinary retention can cause bladder inflammation, frequent urination (particularly at night), and acute or chronic urinary retention. These issues can stress the bladder, negatively impact kidney function, elevate renal pressure, lead to hydronephrosis, and potentially result in kidney failure and uremia.


2. Why Does Prostate Enlargement Increase with Age?
Prostate enlargement is common with advancing age:
Approximately 50–60% of men by age 60
80–90% by age 70 and older
The condition stems from glandular and stromal hyperplasia, driven by androgens such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Other contributing factors include:
Metabolic syndrome and obesity, which are associated with larger prostate volumes
Diabetes, posing higher risk due to microvascular damage and endocrine dysfunction
Certain medications—anticholinergics, antidepressants, sedatives
Unhealthy behaviors: delayed voiding, alcohol use, smoking, high-fat diet, physical inactivity, insufficient rest, and chronic stress
Such factors can promote prostate enlargement and lead to urinary retention, frequent urination, nocturia, and incontinence.

3. How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Treat Enlarged Prostate?
In TCM, BPH is associated with “Jinglong” (精癃)—frequent urination, especially at night—or “Longpi” (癃闭)—difficulty urinating, including dribbling or interrupted flow.

Primary Organ Affected: The bladder
Root Cause: Kidney deficiency. The kidneys are seen as the foundation of congenital vitality ("Xiantian zhiben")—storing Jing (essence) and regulating urinary and bowel functions, as well as reproductive health.
With aging, kidney Jing and Qi decline, impairing Qi transformation and movement, weakening bladder contraction, and reducing voiding force. Prolonged retention increases bladder congestion, blood stasis, and, combined with factors like alcohol consumption, leads to dampness and phlegm accumulation.

TCM Treatment Strategy:
Nourish the kidneys, dispel heat and toxins, promote blood circulation, and remove stasis. Additional approaches address cold sensitivity, lower back and knee pain, and sexual dysfunction if Qi and Jing are insufficient.

Herbal formulas commonly used include those that support kidney function and the bladder, preserve Jing, tonify Yang, improve sexual function, and enhance bladder strength—contributing to prostate reduction and improved urination. Examples:
Shen Qi Wan (肾气丸)
Herbs such as:
Yin Yang Huo (淫羊藿)
Tu Si Zi (菟丝子)
Lu Rong (鹿茸)
Ba Ji Tian (巴戟天)
Fu Ling (茯苓)
Ze Xie (泽泻)
Che Qian Zi (车前子)
TCM also incorporates acupuncture to restore organ balance, alleviate BPH symptoms, aid urination, and support male sexual health.

4. How Can You Support Prostate Health Daily?
Here are three actionable lifestyle habits to help prevent or manage prostate enlargement:
A. Balanced Diet
Avoid foods that may contribute to prostate stress; prioritize vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and low-fat options.
Reduce consumption of grilled, fried, spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea), and especially cold/raw foods such as radish, gourd, or cabbage—unless prepared with a touch of warming ginger, according to TCM principles.
B. Regular Physical Activity
Avoid long periods of sitting.
Exercise supports not only general health but also relieves prostate pressure.
Be sure to change posture frequently to reduce compression on the prostate.
C. Healthy Urination Habits
Avoid urine holding.
Pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises: Contract the muscles around the anus and urethra for 10 seconds, then relax for 10 seconds. Repeat 15 times per set, performing two sets before bedtime.
D. Kidney-Nourishing Acupressure Before Bed
KI‑3 (Taixi): Inside ankle between medial malleolus and Achilles tendon.
SP‑6 (Sanyinjiao): Four finger-widths above the medial malleolus along the inside of the lower leg.
Massage both points at ~30 presses per minute, for 1–2 minutes.

Article by:
TCM. Dr. Lin Yu‑Sheng (Peter Lin)