The Treatment of Urinary Incontinence and Frequent Urination: How Modern Scientific Research Can Inform Traditional Acupuncture Practice

Urinary Incontinence (UI) is a common and costly condition, which many people - especially women - suffer to varying degrees. Those most affected often seek medical treatment, whilst those with milder symptoms may simply choose to live with their condition. This latter group may present to practitioners of Oriental medicine with other concerns, and during treatment may report symptoms of UI. This paper outlines the prevalence of UI, its associated OM patterns of disharmony and the treatment strategies recommended in conventional medicine, as well as exploring modern medical research that can inform acupuncture treatment. Based on this research the author proposes acupuncture techniques that might be adapted and used by practitioners of OM.