Urinary tract infections, also known as urinary system infections, are caused by the direct invasion of the urinary tract by bacteria (rarely by fungi, protozoa, or viruses). Urinary tract infections are divided into upper and lower urinary tract infections. Upper urinary tract infections refer to pyelonephritis, while lower urinary tract infections include urethritis and cystitis. Common symptoms of urinary tract infections include frequent urination, urgency, and dysuria, and there may also be urinary incontinence and retention. In the early stages of chronic renal failure caused by chronic pyelonephritis, there may be polyuria, and in the later stages, oliguria or anuria may occur. Severe infection symptoms can also include fever, general weakness, sweating, and chills. This condition is more common in women. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, urinary tract infections fall under the category of "Lin Syndrome." The location of Lin Syndrome is in the kidneys and bladder, and it is also
Damp-Heat Lin Syndrome Type: Frequent and urgent urination with short and astringent urine, burning pain in the urethra, yellowish-red urine color, lower abdominal tension and pain, or fever and chills, bitter taste in the mouth, nausea and vomiting, or back pain that worsens with pressure, or constipation; the tongue coating is yellow and greasy, and the pulse is rapid and slippery.
Damp-Heat Turbid Lin Syndrome Type: The urine is turbid like rice washings, with sedimentation resembling floc, a layer of oily substance resembling fat on top, or containing clumps, or mixed with blood, with a sensation of heat and astringency in the urethra; the tongue is red, the coating is yellow and greasy, and the pulse is moist and rapid.
Stone Lin Syndrome Type: The urine sometimes contains sand or stones, with difficult and astringent urination, or sudden interruption during urination, with distressing pain in the urethra, lower abdominal tension, or severe colicky pain in the waist and abdomen, pain radiating to the lower abdomen, extending to the external genitalia, and blood in the urine; the tongue is red, with a thin yellow coating.
Hematuria Lin Syndrome Type: The urine is hot, astringent, and stinging with pain, the color of the urine is dark red, or it may contain blood clots, with increased pain and urgency, or accompanied by restlessness; the tongue coating is yellow, and the pulse is rapid and smooth.
Lin Syndrome Due to Overexertion Type: The urine is not very red or astringent, but the dribbling is incessant, intermittent, triggered by physical exertion, with sore and weak waist and knees, and fatigue and lack of strength; the tongue is pale, and the pulse is thin and weak.
It is recommended to perform moxibustion once a day, targeting 2 to 3 acupoints each time, with each acupoint being treated for 30 to 40 minutes. Rotate the points treated, with a 10-day period constituting one course of treatment, and then rest for 2 to 3 days before continuing with the next course. (If time permits and there is a need, more acupoints can be treated with moxibustion. The specific duration should be adjusted according to one's own physical needs.)
1. With urinary tract infections, it is important to pay attention to the cleanliness and hygiene of the external genitalia. At the same time, a careful examination should be conducted to check for any urinary tract stones and to determine if there are any abnormalities in the kidneys or ureters. 2. During the illness, sexual life should be reasonably arranged, and moderation in sexual activities should be observed. 3. Dietary therapy recipe: Winter Melon and Red Bean Porridge. 500 grams of winter melon, 15 grams of red beans, and 15 grams of Job's tears, cooked into porridge with an appropriate amount of water, without adding salt or with low salt, consuming both the melon and the soup.