Chinese Medicine Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

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Article originally published November 15, 2016

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (qián liè xiàn zēng shēng zhèng 前列腺增生症 ) is non-malignant proliferation of the stromal and epithelial cells of the prostate gland, a common problem in men over 50 leading to problems with voiding and storage of urine. The mechanism of symptom production is associated with the mechanical constriction of the urethra as it exits the bladder.

There are two main groups of symptoms, those associated with the obstructive effects of an enlarged prostate on the urinary tract, and those associated with problems of storage from reduced bladder capacity (See box below). Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is thought to be largely associated with androgens, in particular testosterone, as men age. However, the actual role of testosterone in BPH and prostate cancer is still unclear.

Whilst not explicitly discussed in the classical Chinese medical literature, the prostate is considered part of the Kidney organ system in contemporary texts. Although the influence of the Kidneys is paramount, the prostate is also directly influenced by the Liver organ system, and indirectly by the Spleen and Lungs. While different organ systems may be implicated, the basic mechanism common to all pathology is impediment to qi and blood movement in the lower burner. Contributing factors include weak Kidney yang (most common), chronic Liver qi constraint, weak Spleen qi that collapses into the lower burner, failure of the Lungs to govern the water passages, or the inhibiting effect of a pathogen such as damp heat or Blood stasis.

ETIOLOGY

External pathogens

Direct invasion by external pathogens occurs more easily in someone who has pre–existing Kidney deficiency. Damp heat gains access to the lower burner through the tài yáng (Bladder) channel, the leg yin channels or the local collaterals. In particular, the local collaterals, being small branches of the major channels that spread through the genitourinary system, may act as conduits for transmission during sexual intercourse. A damp heat invasion of the Liver Gallbladder systems may occasionally influence the lower burner and prostate, as damp heat sinks down through the Liver channel to accumulate at the lowest point of the lower burner.

Emotional factors

The Liver channel passes through the lower burner. Frustration, anger, resentment, sexual tension, repressed emotion and stress all disrupt the circulation of Liver qi, thereby obstructing the movement of lower burner qi and fluids which in turn accumulate in the prostate gland, causing swelling. Congested qi fails to lead the Blood, resulting in Blood stasis, while constrained qi can invade and weaken the Spleen, causing qi deficiency and collapse of qi into the lower burner.

Diet

This is considered quite influential in development of prostate swelling. Over consumption of rich, greasy, sweet or spicy foods and alcohol introduces damp heat into the Spleen and Liver, which then sinks and settles in the lower burner. Prolonged damp heat in the lower burner gradually accumulates in the prostate or congeals into phlegm or stones which block the urinary passages and contribute to blood stasis. Overeating or an excess of dairy and carbohydrates all generate phlegm. Too much cold natured or raw food weakens Spleen qi and yang, and leads to damp that can accumulate in the prostate. Prolonged Spleen deficiency drains the Kidneys, depleting yang and opening up a vulnerability to direct invasion. Alcohol and caffeine introduce heat into the system and contribute to damp heat or Liver heat.

Exhaustion, overwork

Overwork, excessive worry or mental activity or prolonged illness weakens the Spleen and Kidneys. The ascent of Spleen qi creates the appropriate equilibrium for the descent of turbid waste materials, as the Spleen governs ‘the raising of the clear and descent of the turbid’. When this fails, the ‘clear and turbid’ intermingle and can sink to accumulate in the prostate. If Spleen qi deficiency persists, or there is overconsumption of cold raw foods, Spleen (and Kidney) yang deficiency may develop, further aggravating weakness of fluid metabolism and movement. Instead of fluids being processed and distributed appropriately, again they can accumulate in the prostate, causing a greater degree of swelling. Weak yang is also responsible for general weakness of qi movement and forceless expulsion of urine.

Weak Kidney yang or qi can be congenital or develop with age, chronic illness, undue exposure to cold conditions or excessive lifting or standing. Kidney yang or qi may also be damaged by excessive reproductive activity. In some cases, particularly in younger people, Kidney qi may be weakened while Kidney yang remains intact, in which case the cold symptoms are not seen.

Kidney yin is damaged by chronic damp heat in the lower burner and prostate, febrile diseases, overwork and long hours of activity, insufficient sleep, and the use of recreational drugs. It too may also be weakened by ageing and excessive reproductive activity.

Prostatic and urinary calculi

Calculi in the urinary tract or prostate can obstruct the outflow of the prostate causing accretion of prostatic fluid. The most common pathology underlying formation of these calculi in Chinese medical terms are chronic damp heat and Kidney yin deficiency. Usually related to diet, the damp heat type results in damp heat sinking into the lower burner, the heat gradually congealing the damp into a hard lump – the calculus. In Kidney yin deficiency, fluids are thickened by the dual action of heat from deficiency, and the depletion of their yin portion, gradually congealing into stones.

TREATMENT

Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia is often successful, with the deficiency patterns, in particular Kidney yang deficiency, quite responsive. Regardless of the pattern or patterns involved a minimum of several months’ treatment and often more, is usually necessary for a sustained result. In some patients, treatment needs to be ongoing to maintain effective urinary function. At least one or two months of treatment should be given before even deciding whether the treatment is working or not, however many patients get some degree of symptomatic relief within a few weeks. Acupuncture and herbs, while definitely effective, are enhanced by massage of the prostate, or if massage is impractical, reasonably frequent ejaculation.

Prostatic massage

Prostatic massage is a helpful adjunct to treatment, providing some immediate relief by squeezing out the contents of the prostate and reducing its size, while herbs and acupuncture gradually resolve the underlying cause and improve overall lower burner qi movement, Kidney and prostate function. A general practitioner who specializes in this area usually provides prostate massage.

Ejaculatory frequency

Regular ejaculation can help move qi and blood in the prostate by mechanically emptying prostatic contents. The frequency suitable for any individual varies with age, health and constitution. In general the aim is to encourage at least one ejaculation every week in younger patients, or every second week in those over 60. In some patterns, particularly the Kidney deficiency types, this can be difficult initially, however as yang and yin are restored, both the ability and inclination often return.

Please see the rest of the chapter on Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy in William Maclean’s upcoming new and expanded edition of the Clinical Handbook of Internal Medicine. The treatment section of each chapter includes the clinical features, treatment principles, herbal and acupuncture prescriptions, and diet & lifestyle recommendations for each pattern.