Acupuncture and Acupressure for BPH
A Natural Path to Relief
For many men, the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—frequent urination, weak stream, and nighttime urgency—can feel like an unwelcome part of aging. While conventional medicine offers pharmaceutical options, some are turning to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture and acupressure, as a natural and holistic alternative. These methods aim not just to relieve symptoms, but to address the underlying imbalances that contribute to prostate enlargement.
In TCM, BPH is often classified under a group of conditions known as Lin Syndrome (淋证 Lín Zhèng), which includes urinary difficulties and dribbling. The root causes are typically seen as Kidney deficiency, damp-heat accumulation, and Qi or blood stagnation in the lower burner, the region encompassing the lower abdomen and pelvic area. Treatment focuses on restoring balance by regulating the bladder, resolving dampness, tonifying the kidneys, and promoting healthy Qi and blood flow.
⭐ Key Acupoints for BPH Relief
- BL28 – Regulates bladder, clears damp-heat
- BL32 – Eases pelvic stagnation, promotes urination
- CV3 – Front-mu of bladder, regulates lower burner
- SP9 – Resolves dampness, aids urination
- SP6 – Supports Kidney, Spleen, and Liver function
- BL23 – Tonifies Kidney Qi and Yang
- KI3 – Strengthens Kidney Yin and Yang
- CV4 – Nourishes Kidney energy, stabilizes lower abdomen
- CV6 – Boosts Qi and circulation in lower abdomen
- ST29 – Improves pelvic circulation
- LV5 – Regulates Liver Qi, clears heat
- HT7 – Calms the mind, aids sleep
- GV20 – Raises clear Yang, calms spirit
- LI11 – Clears heat from the body
- GB34 – Resolves damp-heat, benefits tendons
- LV3 – Moves Liver Qi, eases tension
Note: Selection depends on the individual’s TCM diagnosis.
How Acupuncture Helps
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to unblock stagnation and harmonize internal organs. For BPH, commonly used points include:
- BL28 (Pángguāngshū, 膀胱俞): Regulates bladder function and clears damp-heat.
- CV3 (Zhōngjí, 中极): Front-mu point of the bladder that helps resolve dampness and promote urination.
- SP9 (Yīnlíngquán, 阴陵泉) and SP6 (Sānyīnjiāo, 三阴交): Support the Spleen and Kidney systems to reduce fluid retention.
- BL23 (Shènshū, 肾俞) and KI3 (Tàixī, 太溪): Strengthen Kidney Qi and balance Yin and Yang.
- CV6 (Qìhǎi, 气海) and ST29 (Guīlái, 归来): Improve circulation in the lower burner.
In some cases, acupuncture is combined with moxibustion—gentle warming of the points using burning herbs—to strengthen Kidney Yang and alleviate cold patterns. This is especially useful for men experiencing fatigue, cold limbs, or sexual dysfunction in addition to BPH symptoms.
What About Acupressure?
For those not ready to start acupuncture, acupressure offers a do-it-yourself approach. Using gentle, sustained pressure with the fingertips on specific points can stimulate similar effects, particularly when practiced regularly. Acupressure on CV3, SP6, or BL23 for a few minutes each day may help relieve discomfort and promote smoother urination. Add calming points like HT7 (Shénmén, 神门) to support better sleep and reduce stress—two factors that often worsen urinary symptoms.
A Personalized Approach
Because BPH can stem from different internal patterns, TCM doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all treatment. Someone with damp-heat may benefit from additional points like LI11 (Qūchí, 曲池) or GB34 (Yánglíngquán, 阳陵泉) to clear heat, while those with Liver Qi stagnation might use LV3 (Tàichōng, 太冲) to regulate flow. A licensed practitioner can diagnose your specific pattern and design a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Beyond the Needles
Acupuncture is most effective when combined with lifestyle adjustments. TCM practitioners often recommend avoiding alcohol, greasy or spicy foods, and excess stress. Herbal formulas such as Ba Wei Di Huang Wan or Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan are frequently used alongside acupuncture for greater results. Gentle exercise, including Qigong or Taijiquan, also supports circulation and calms the nervous system, complementing the treatment strategy.
In the search for relief from BPH, acupuncture and acupressure offer a thoughtful, whole-body alternative. By working with the body’s own energy system and addressing deeper imbalances, these therapies may help men not only reduce urinary symptoms but also regain a sense of vitality and control.
Link to our Prostate Cancer article
—Qi Journal 2025
