About a quarter of woman struggle with recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) — subjecting them to repeated rounds of antibiotics which then alter their gut microbiome and put many at risk for vaginal yeast infections.
Researchers have noted that having a single UTI can make women more likely to have subsequent UTIs. After one UTI, researchers have noticed that the cells lining the urinary tract showed notable differences in size and changes to the DNA, resulting in modifications to how the DNA is read.
Western medicine does not currently have tools aside from antibiotics to address UTIs. But did you know that acupuncture and herbal medicine can be used to support healthy immune system response, decrease inflammation both systemically and in the pelvic region, and reduce the likelihood of UTI recurrence?
Acupuncture for Urinary Tract Infections
Acupuncture has a long history of use for reducing susceptibility to urinary tract infections and to reduce severity during acute UTIs. There are specific acupuncture points that are used to reduce inflammation in the urinary tract (bladder, ureter, and up towards the kidney). Acupuncture is also shown to support a healthy immune response. Women who are struggling with repeated infections need enhanced immune support to enable their immune system to successfully respond to microbial infections before they become a full-blown UTI.
Acupuncture is supportive during an acute UTI by decreasing both inflammation and pain. During a UTI, Chinese medicine practitioners will also use antimicrobial herbal medicine to support the body’s healthy immune response to rid the body of the infection.
Herbal Medicine for Urinary Tract Infections
Chinese herbal medicine has a handful of wonderful formulations that help with UTIs.
One of our favorite products for UTIs is called FemCare, which is similar to an ancient Chinese herbal formulation. This product has herbs that are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-yeast, all based in a pH-balanced saline solution that is safe for both internal and external use. This herbal wash can be used any time that UTI symptoms such as urgency, burning, and pelvic pain, are present to ward off a full-blown infection. We recommend that women who have previously had UTIs or have recurrent UTIs keep this formulation on hand for use as soon as symptoms occur.
In between UTIs we often recommend additional herbal medicine formulations that help to lower inflammation in the body and enhance overall immune system response. For women who have experienced repeated antibiotic use to control UTIs we often need to provide additional herbal medicine or supplements to restore gut microbiome balance and proper digestive functioning. When properly prescribed, these products are safe to use even when pregnant or lactating.
Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Support Gynecological Health
Overall, Chinese medicine (including acupuncture and herbal medicine) is well known for supporting gynecological health — whether recurrent infections, hormonal balance, prolapse, incontinence, or pelvic pain. If you or your loved ones need support with their gynecological health, reach out to Inspire Family Acupuncture to see if we can be of service in restoring their health.
