Acupuncture for Bladder & Urinary Tract Conditions

2026

Xia Li Qi Capsules Improve Symptoms and Urodynamic Parameters in Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Randomised Controlled Trial With Evidence of p38–JAK/STAT Axis Inhibition

Archivos Españoles de Urología

Xia Li Qi capsules improve urinary function in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, potentially by inhibiting inflammation and androgen receptor signalling through the p38-Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription axis.

Full Article

2026, May 07

Association between the subsequent benign prostate hyperplasia-related surgery risk and patients treated with Chinese herbal medicine: a population-based Taiwanese cohort study

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

Our study demonstrated that Chinese herbal medicine co-treatment may reduce the long-term risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia-related surgery, particularly among patients using Chinese herbal medicine for more than a year.

Tsai MY, Liu CT, Shen YS, Luo HL, Chen TL, Shih YH, Hung YT, Hsu TJ, Tsai FJ, Chen YH Full Article

2026, Aug

Effects of Preemptive Analgesia Using Wrist-Ankle Acupuncture on Postoperative Pain and Urinary Retention After Haemorrhoidectomy: A Randomised, Three-Arm, Clinical Trial

Journal of Pain Research American Society of Pain & Neuroscience

He P, Kong J, Peng L, Li Y, Wu D, Ze L Full Article

2025

SHPro ® (mixture of Angelica gigas and Astragalus membranaceus ) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Investigative and Clinical Urology

The trial product SHPro® improved total and incomplete emptying International Prostate Symptom Score results, International Index of Erectile Function results, and subjective symptoms after 12 weeks, and its safety was confirmed.

Lee JH, Yoon D, Park GD, Kim KS, Kim SR, Shin WC, Lee SH, Lee DY Full Article

2025, Dec

Efficacy and Safety of Xialiqi for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in a Randomized Trial

European Urology Open Science

Xialiqi capsules improved lower urinary tract symptoms, quality of life, and related outcomes compared with placebo and were well tolerated in men with moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms over 8 weeks.

Yang F, Yang C, Wang X, Chen D, Wang Z, Wang J, Liang C, Hua L, Ping H, Lu J, Wang Z, Li W, Xing N Full Article

2025, Aug 08

Acupuncture for benign prostatic hyperplasia in the elderly: A systematic review of acupoints

Medicine

Acupuncture for benign prostatic hyperplasia primarily targets specific acupoints and meridians, particularly the Conception Vessel, Bladder, and Spleen meridians, providing a foundation for evidence-based acupuncture interventions for symptom management.

Guo C, An L, Lu G, Huang J Full Article

2025, Oct 13

Effectiveness and Safety of Guizhi Fuling Wan (Keishibukuryogan) on Prostate Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine

Guizhi Fuling Wan is effective and safe for benign prostatic hyperplasia and chronic prostatitis, alleviating symptoms and improving clinical scale scores.

Wang Y, Li H, Jiang Y, Kitano H, Hinata N, Ogawa-Ochiai K Full Article

2024, Feb 23

Efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for benign prostatic hyperplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Medicine

Electroacupuncture is effective in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia with acceptable overall safety.

Chen R, Huang H, Zhan S, Yi L, Huang L, Yue Z Full Article

2023, May

Electroacupuncture treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A case report

Explore: The Journal of Science & Healing

This case suggests that electroacupuncture may improve urinary status and serve as an effective complementary alternative therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Dai L, Wang J, Zhan M, Wang Z, Chen L Full Article

2023, Dec 28

Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen formula alleviates renal fibrosis by restoring NAD+ biosynthesis in vivo and in vitro

Aging

The study concluded that JPYSF alleviated renal fibrosis in CKD mice and reversed fibrotic responses in TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells, likely through the restoration of NAD+ biosynthesis.

Gao L, Huang X, Deng R, Wu S, Peng Y, Xiong G, Lu J, Liu X Full Article

2022, Sept

Safety and efficacy of wrist-ankle acupuncture in treating catheter-related bladder discomfort after transurethral resection of the prostate: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

Gland Surgery

Wrist-ankle acupuncture can effectively relieve catheter-related bladder discomfort symptoms after transurethral resection of the prostate.

Hou J, Li Y, Wu Y, Liu Y, Chen Q, Li Y, Hao W Full Article

2022, May

Efficacy evaluation of Chinese herbal medicine, VGH-BPH1, for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and crossover study

Journal of the Chinese Medical Association Chinese Medical Association, Taipei

VGH-BPH1 treatment did not outperform placebo in improving benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms but improved several quality-of-life indicators, including joint pain and muscular ache.

Tran DNH, Yeh HF, Huang WJ, Wu PW, Liao YJ, Hwang SJ, Kung YY, Yang JL, Wu TP, Hsu CH, Chen FP Full Article

2022, Sept 09

Effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture and its cotreatment with electronic moxibustion in the treatment of patients with moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia using alpha blocker: An assessor-blinded, randomized, controlled pilot study

Medicine

Electroacupuncture and its cotreatment with electronic moxibustion might beneficially improve lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia receiving alpha blockers, although no significant improvements were observed in life satisfaction, health-related quality of life, urinary flow rates, or prostate volume.

Kim HB, Han CH, Jeon JH, Kim E, Kwon O, Choi YE, Yang C, Park YC, Kim YI Full Article

2022, Mar 16

Combination therapy with tamsulosin and traditional herbal medicine for lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: A double‐blinded, randomized, pilot clinical trial

International Journal of Urology

Ryutanshakanto provided pain relief in patients with chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome, while Hachimijiogan and Ryutanshakanto did not significantly improve most outcomes compared with control treatment.

Lee CL, Shin HK, Lee JY, Kwon O, Seo CS, Kim AR, Seo BN, Yang SW, Song KH, Lim JS, Park JM, Na YG, Shin JH Full Article

2022, Jul 05

Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen Formula Improves Adenine-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease via Regulating Tryptophan Metabolism and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling

Frontiers in Pharmacology

The results found that JPYSF treatment significantly lowered Scr and BUN levels, improved renal pathological injury, and down-regulated fibrotic markers expression in CKD rats. Furthermore, JPYSF significantly reduced the levels of 10 tryptophan metabolites in the serum of CKD rats and restored the level of tryptophan. Additionally, the kidney expression of AHR signaling was enhanced in CKD rats and was further suppressed in JPYSF treated rats. These results suggested that JPYSF protected against adenine-induced CKD via modulating tryptophan metabolism and AHR activation.

Liu X, Deng R, Chen Y, Huang S, Lu J, Zheng L, Xiong G, Li S Full Article

2022, Jul 18

Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Diseases: Theories, Applications, and Mechanisms

Frontiers in Pharmacology

In summary, TCM has made major progress in the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has shown a beneficial role in delaying CKD in clinical, animal, and in vitro studies.

Yunlai Wang, Ye Feng, Manman Li, Mo Yang, Gaoxiang Shi, Zihua Xuan, Dengke Yin, Fan Xu Full Article

2022, Mar 14

Effects of Chinese herbal medicine in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A nationwide cohort study in Taiwan

International Journal of Urology

Our study demonstrated that Chinese herbal medicine might have effects in the benign prostatic hyperplasia-related complications and surgeries in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Ou SC, Huang ST, Lin MC, Chen WC, Huang CP, Lin HJ Full Article

2021, Mar 25

Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen Formula Ameliorates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis by Activating the Nrf2 Signaling in 5/6 Nephrectomized Rats

Frontiers in Pharmacology

The study found that the JPYS formula significantly prevented renal dysfunction and fibrosis, alleviated apoptosis and inflammation, and improved oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway in CKD rats.

Zhou F, Zou X, Zhang J, Wang Z, Yang Y, Wang D Full Article

2021, Jul 08

Relationship between serum total testosterone and prostate volume in aging men

Scientific Reports

Men with low testosterone had larger prostate volume than those with normal testosterone levels, and testosterone level was negatively correlated with prostate volume.

Xia BW, Zhao SC, Chen ZP, Chen C, Liu TS, Yang F, Yan Y Full Article

2021, Mar 29

Mechanisms and Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Medicines in Chronic Kidney Disease

Frontiers in Pharmacology

Based on recent studies regarding the mechanisms of kidney disease in vivo and in vitro, CHMs have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, autophagy-mediated, and antifibrotic effects. Several well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses demonstrated that the use of CHMs as an adjuvant to conventional medicines may benefit patients with CKD.

Zhao M, Yu Y, Wang R, Chang M, Ma S, Qu H, Zhang Y Full Article

2021, Nov 04

New Insights Into the Effects of Individual Chinese Herbal Medicines on Chronic Kidney Disease

Frontiers in Pharmacology

The study concludes that five Chinese herbal medicines, including Danshen, Huangkui, Lei Gong Teng, Gegen, and Kudzu root, have demonstrated clinical efficacy, anti-fibrotic effects, and pharmaceutical effects against fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, promoting renal repair and regeneration in chronic kidney disease.

Shao M, Ye C, Bayliss G, Zhuang S Full Article

2021, Jan

Effects of acupuncture in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review

The Brazilian Journal of Nursing Brazilian Nursing Association

This study highlighted the efficacy of acupuncture for patients with chronic kidney disease. Not only does in alleviate symptoms related to kidney disease but also improve quality of life, fatigue and sleep patterns.

Melo GAA, Aguiar LL, Silva RA, Pereira FGF, Silva FLBD, Caetano JÁ. Full Article

2021, Jun 04

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for urinary retention after hysterectomy

Medicine

There is insufficient evidence that acupuncture can increase the patient's maximal flow rate (MFR), bladder function recovery rate (BR), and urinary tract infection rate (UIR). However, acupuncture can effectively improve the post voided residual urine (PVR), maximal cystometric capacity, and bladder capacity for first voiding desire values of patients with urinary retention after hysterectomy. Although limited due to the quality and methodological limitations of the included studies, acupuncture can still be used as an effective and safe treatment for women with urinary retention after hysterectomy.

Zhao Q, Yan C, Dan M, Jia H Full Article

2021, Feb

Efficacy of acupuncture for urinary incontinence in middle-aged and elderly women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Based on this study, acupuncture intervention of stress urinary incontinence in middle-aged and elderly women can improve the clinical effectiveness, reduce the urine leakage in pad test and ICIQ-SF score. More high-quality studies with large sample size are required for further verification.

Yang N, Ge X, Ye J, Liu Q, Wu Y, Yan H, Han X. Full Article

2020, Oct 21

Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Herbal Formula Granules in Treating Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3: A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The study concludes that the treatment with Chinese herbal formula granules for 24 weeks improved kidney function in patients with CKD stage 3.

Zhao J, Sun W, Chen J, Sun Z, Chen D, Cao C, Yang M, Ma J, Wang L, Xing C, Chen Y, Sheng M, Zhou E, Xu L, Gao K, Liu L, Liu Q, Yi L, He W, Zhu Y Full Article

2020, Jul 02

The effects of a Chinese herbal medicine (VGHBPH0) on patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A pilot study

Journal of the Chinese Medical Association Chinese Medical Association, Taipei

With improvements to urinary function, this trial indicated that the add-on CHM treatment (VGHBPH0) might be a potential treatment for improving the lower urinary tract symptoms of BPH patients.

Yeh HF, Li TF, Tsai CH, Wu PW, Huang YH, Huang WJ, Chen FJ, Hwang SJ, Chen FP, Wu TP Full Article

2020, Jun 03

Acupuncture for recurrent urinary tract infection in women: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists

Given the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance, the chance of achieving a composite cure with acupuncture therapies was greater than that with antibiotics. Acupuncture appeared to be beneficial for treatment and prophylaxis of rUTIs.

Qin X, Coyle ME, Yang L, Liang J, Wang K, Guo X, Zhang AL, Mao W, Lu C, Xue CC, Liu X Full Article

2019, Apr

Chinese herbal medicine for diabetic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials

BMJ Open

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) may have beneficial effects on renal function and albuminuria beyond that afforded by conventional treatment in adults with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

Zhang L, Yang L, Shergis J, Zhang L, Zhang AL, Guo X, Qin X, Johnson D, Liu X, Lu C, Xue CC, Mao W Full Article

2019, Dec

Acupuncture for overactive bladder in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Acupuncture in Medicine British Medical Acupuncture Society

No significant differences in effectiveness or efficacy were found between acupuncture and drug or between verum and sham acupuncture, respectively. Further high-quality studies are required.

Mak TC, Chen HY, Cho WC Full Article

2018, Dec

Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen Formula ameliorates chronic kidney disease: involvement of mitochondrial quality control network

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

The study demonstrated that JPYSF significantly improved renal function and structure in 5/6 Nx rats, likely through modulation of the mitochondrial quality control network.

Liu X, Chen J, Liu X, Wang D, Zheng P, Qi A, Yi T, Li S Full Article

2018, Jan

Jian‐Pi‐Yi‐Shen Formula Regulates Inflammatory Cytokines Production in 5/6 Nephrectomized Rats via Suppression of NF‐κB Activation

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The study demonstrated that JPYSF significantly retarded CKD progression in the 5/6 nephrectomy rat model, likely through the inhibition of inflammation via the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Lu J, Liu X, Liao Y, Wang D, Chen J, Li S Full Article

2018, Jun 30

Moxibustion for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine The Society of Internal Korean Medicine

This meta-analysis of clinical trials suggests that moxibustion is effective intreating BPH patients. The results of this study could be applied to clinical treatment of BPH. However, additional large-scale clinical researches should be conducted.

Bae G, Lee S, Hong J, Lee I, Kim S, Choi J, Han C, Yun Y, Park S, Kwon J Full Article

2018, May

Acupuncture Compared with Intramuscular Injection of Neostigmine for Postpartum Urinary Retention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

This study showcased that acupuncture alone is more effective in treating postpartum urinary retention than intramuscular injection of neostigmine.

Xiao-Mei Wang, Jing Gong, Si-Cong Li, and Mei Han Full Article

2018, Feb 23

Acupuncture for adults with overactive bladder

Medicine

Acupuncture might have effect in decreasing the number of micturition episodes, incontinence episodes, and nocturia episodes. However, the evidence is insufficient to show the effect using acupuncture alone or the additional effect to drugs in treating OAB.

Zhao Y, Zhou J, Mo Q, Wang Y, Yu J, Liu Z Full Article

2018, Feb 23

Acupuncture for adults with overactive bladder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Medicine

The combined results showed that electroacupuncture (EA) may be more effective than sham electroacupuncture (sham EA) in improving the 24-hour nocturia episodes and EA may enhance tolterodine for relieving voiding symptoms and enhancing patients’ quality of life. Acupuncture might have effect in decreasing the number of micturition episodes, incontinence episodes, and nocturia episodes.

Zhao Y, Zhou J, Mo Q, Wang Y, Yu J, Liu Z. Full Article

2017, Apr 04

Acupuncture for benign prostatic hyperplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLOS One Public Library of Science

Statistically significant changes were observed in favor of acupuncture in moderate to severe BPH with respect to short-term follow-up endpoints. The clinical significance of these changes needs to be tested by further studies with rigorous designs and longer follow-up times.

Zhang W, Ma L, Bauer BA, Liu Z, Lu Y Full Article

2016, Jan 6

The role of acupuncture in managing overactive bladder; a review of the literature

International Urogynecology Journal International Urogynecological Association

Overactive bladder (OAB) affects a considerable proportion of men and women. Thus there is increasing interest in the use of alternative medicine in the form of acupuncture. This literature review indicated the benefit of acupuncture to be comparable with antimuscarinic treatment.

Forde JC, Jaffe E, Stone BV, Te AE, Espinosa G, Chughtai B. Full Article

2016, Apr 13

Acupuncture for Chronic Urinary Retention due to Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Acupuncture as a complementary therapy may have a potential effect in CUR due to SCI in decreasing PVR and improving bladder voiding. Additionally, acupuncture may be safe in treating CUR caused by SCI. However, due to the lack of high quality RCTs, we could not draw any definitive conclusions. More well-designed RCTs are needed to provide strong evidence.

Jia Wang, Yanbing Zhai, Jiani Wu, Shitong Zhao, Jing Zhou, Zhishun Liu Full Article

2016, Oct 19

Network Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Acupuncture, Alpha-blockers and Antibiotics on Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Scientific Reports

Overall, rank tests and safety analyses indicate that electro-acupuncture/acupuncture may be recommended for the treatment of CP/CPPS.

Qin, Z., Wu, J., Tian, J. et al. Full Article

2016, Jan 06

The efficacy of acupuncture in managing patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: A systemic review and meta-analysis

Neurourology and Urodynamics

Acupuncture has promising efficacy for patients with CP/CPPS. Compared to standard medical treatment, it has better efficacy. Thus, it may also serve as a standard treatment option when available.

Chang SC, Hsu CH, Hsu CK, Yang SSD, Chang SJ Full Article

2016, Mar

Systematic Review of Acupuncture for Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Medicine

Overall, current evidence supports acupuncture as an effective treatment for CP/CPPS-induced symptoms, particularly in relieving pain. Based on the meta-analysis, acupuncture is superior to sham acupuncture in improving symptoms and Qof. Acupuncture might be similar to medicine (Levofloxacinand, Ibuprofen, and Tamsulosin) in its long-term effects, but evidence was limited due to high ROB among included trials as well as potential heterogeneity. Acupuncture is associated with rare and slightly adverse events.

Qin Z, Wu J, Zhou J, Liu Z. Full Article

2015, Jun 4

Chinese herbal medicine for treating recurrent urinary tract infections in women

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Cochrane

Evidence from seven small studies suggested that CHM as an independent intervention or in conjunction with antibiotics may be beneficial for treating recurrent UTIs during the acute phase of infection and may reduce the recurrent UTI incidence for at least six months post‐treatment. CHM treatments specifically formulated for recurrent UTI may be more effective than herbal treatments designed to treat acute UTI. However, the small number and poor quality of the included studies meant that it was not possible to formulate robust conclusions on the use of CHM for recurrent UTI in women either alone or as an adjunct to antibiotics.

Flower A, Wang LQ, Lewith G, Liu JP, Li Q. Full Article

2015, Jun 16

Efficacy of Acupuncture in Children with Nocturnal Enuresis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Based on the findings of this study, we cautiously suggest that acupuncture therapy could improve the clinical efficacy. However, the beneficial effect of acupuncture might be overstated due to low methodological qualities. Rigorous high quality RCTs are urgently needed.

Lv ZT, Song W, Wu J, et al. Full Article

2013, Jun 03

Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for benign prostatic hyperplasia: systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Asian Journal of Andrology Asian Society of Andrology

Chinese herbal medicine was superior to Western medication in improving quality of life and reducing prostate volume. The frequency of adverse events in Chinese herbal medicine was similar to that of placebo and less than that of Western medication.

Ma CH, Lin WL, Lui SL, Cai XY, Wong VT, Ziea E, Zhang ZJ Full Article