Prostate issues are an unspoken burden for many men...
Whether in adolescence, middle age, or old age, each stage brings its own troubles and worries.
According to Dr. Qiu Baorun, a TCM men's health specialist at Singapore’s Gong Fang Tang TCM, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is highly prevalent among men over 50. However, with proper treatment, it can be effectively managed and controlled.
Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate caused by pathogenic infections and/or non-infectious factors, with symptoms mainly falling into two categories:
Frequent urination
Urgency to urinate
Painful urination
Abnormal urination
White discharge from the urethra ("dripping white")
Dull pain in the perineum
Heavy, aching sensation in the testicles
Bloating pain in the lower abdomen and groin
Burning or heavy sensation near the anus
Sudden high fever and chills
Frequent urination, urgency, difficulty urinating, or even urinary retention
Pain in the perineum, lower abdomen, or lower back
Recurrent frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
Urinary hesitancy, incomplete voiding
Perineal discomfort, lower back soreness, fatigue
Sexual dysfunction
Insomnia, anxiety, depression, memory decline
Why Does Prostatitis Occur?
Prostatitis is an inflammatory condition that can affect men of any age, though it is most common in young adults aged 20 to 40. It can significantly impact both physical and mental health.
The causes are numerous and complex:
Microorganisms enter the prostate through the urethra.
Prolonged sitting
Cycling leading to poor local blood circulation
Immune system abnormalities
Neuroendocrine disorders
Irregular sexual activity (excessive or abstinence)
Urinary reflux
Excessive psychological stress
The prostate is the largest male accessory gland. Young and middle-aged men are at the highest risk for acute and chronic prostatitis.
On one hand, poor lifestyle habits play a role—this age group experiences peak sexual activity, and irregular sex (either excessive or abstinent), prolonged sitting, alcohol consumption, and smoking can cause prostate congestion, triggering inflammation.
On the other hand, this is also when prostate secretion is most active, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Combined with poor hygiene, weakened immunity, or infections in nearby areas (e.g., the urethra), pathogens can invade the prostate, leading to acute or chronic inflammation.
TCM Treatment for Prostatitis
According to Dr. Qiu Baorun, a TCM men's health specialist at Singapore’s Gong Fang Tang TCM, traditional Chinese medicine treats chronic prostatitis by addressing both symptoms and root causes through holistic regulation. The main treatment principles include:
Using heat-clearing and dampness-eliminating herbs, such as Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentian Liver-Draining Decoction), to remove internal damp-heat and reduce inflammation.
For poor blood flow and blood stasis, herbs like peach kernel (Tao Ren) and safflower (Hong Hua) are used to improve circulation and dissolve stasis.
For patients with kidney deficiency, warming and kidney-tonifying formulas like Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Golden Cabinet Kidney Qi Pill) are prescribed to enhance constitution.
Based on TCM and Western medical theories, treating chronic prostatitis requires long-term adherence to herbal medication. Considering the physiological characteristics of elderly patients, the treatment should be tonifying but not overly harsh, cooling but not excessively cold. The therapeutic principles focus on:
Activating blood circulation and clearing heat
Softening hardness and dissipating nodules
Tonifying the middle and replenishing qi
A proven prescription used for years with notable effects is as follows:
Ingredients:
Huang Qi (Astragalus root) – 30g
Zi Dan Shen (Purple Salvia root) – 12g
Yi Mu Cao (Motherwort herb) – 9g
Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis rhizome) – 9g
Han Lian Cao (Eclipta herb) – 15g
Nü Zhen Zi (Ligustrum fruit) – 15g
Shan Jia Zhu (Pangolin scales) – 9g
Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion herb) – 30g
Bai Jiang Cao (Patrinia herb) – 15g
Qian Cao (Rubia root) – 12g
Jin Ying Zi (Cherokee rose fruit) – 12g
Formula Explanation:
Huang Qi replenishes qi, generates blood, warms yang, and promotes diuresis.
Zi Dan Shen, Yi Mu Cao, Yan Hu Suo, Qian Cao, Pu Gong Ying, and Bai Jiang Cao activate blood circulation, resolve stasis, clear heat, detoxify, relieve pain, and promote urination.
Nü Zhen Zi and Han Lian Cao (Er Zhi Wan formula) nourish the liver and kidneys, cool blood, and stop bleeding.
Shan Jia Zhu (Pangolin scales) soften hardness, penetrate meridians, and target the affected area directly.
Jin Ying Zi tonifies the kidneys and stabilizes essence.
This balanced formula is neither overly stimulating nor drying, making it suitable for long-term use. It supports healthy qi while eliminating pathogens, effectively resolving chronic inflammation over time.
