How can Acupressure and Qi Gong Can Help Women Over 40 Manage Incontinence?
How can Acupressure and Qi Gong Can Help Women Over 40 Manage Incontinence?
This was a question submitted in the latest Ask Me Anything Podcast.
Incontinence is a common but often frustrating challenge, particularly for women over 40. Hormonal changes, life stressors, and even past medical treatments like those for breast cancer can impact bladder health and kidney energy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers an empowering solution through the practices of acupressure and Qi Gong, which address not only physical symptoms but also emotional well-being.
Below, we explore how these techniques can strengthen kidney energy and improve incontinence while incorporating specific tips, exercises, and foods for holistic healing.
Understanding Kidney Energy and Incontinence
In TCM, the kidneys are considered the source of our vitality. Weak kidney energy, or kidney chi, can lead to poor bladder control, causing the urgency and frequency characteristic of incontinence. This weakening often results from ageing, stress, hormonal shifts, and even dehydration. Strengthening kidney energy helps regulate urinary flow, manage stress, and support hormonal balance.
Common Symptoms of Weak Kidney Energy
– Urgency or frequent urination
– Hormonal imbalances
– Weak bones or sore teeth
– Tinnitus or loss of balance
– Forgetfulness or mental fatigue
– Night sweats
The key to managing incontinence is not simply tightening the pelvic muscles but nourishing the kidneys and promoting a natural flow of energy.
Foods to Strengthen Kidney Energy
Incorporating kidney-nourishing foods into your diet can have a profound effect on your overall energy and bladder health. Here are some powerful options:
Barley Water
Make barley water and drink it each morning for two weeks to strengthen the kidneys. Over time, this will help regulate urination and support your nervous system.
Find the recipe in Good Food cookbook and Shiatsu & Conscious cooking or in the Fatigue blog.
Nettle Tea
Nettle tea is highly beneficial for urinary health. You can pick fresh nettles in spring or purchase pre-made tea. This remedy works well for both men and women with urinary issues.
Kidney-Strengthening Teas
Incorporate Kukicha tea or nettle tea, both rich in minerals like calcium, to support bone health and kidney vitality.
Alkalizing Foods
Focus on foods that reduce acidity and strengthen the kidneys, such as leafy greens, seaweed, barley and pulses.
Acupressure Points for Incontinence
Acupressure is a gentle, effective way to stimulate energy flow and support kidney health. Below are key points to practice. Combining them with the Qi Gong exercise will supercharge and invigorate the Kidney energy system.
1. CV6 (Conception Vessel 6)
- Location: Two fingers below the belly button.
- Technique: Massage this point to activate kidney yin energy. This helps regulate urinary flow and strengthen the core.
2. Ming Men (Gate of Life)
- Location: On the spine, at waist level where your middle fingers meet.
- Technique: Warm this point by rubbing very gently. Place one hand on your CV6 point and the other on your back over the Ming Men point. Visualize an energy connection between the two points to balance kidney yin and yang.
3. Bladder 31, 32, and 33
- Location: A V shape following the line of the sacrum, near the crease of the buttocks.
- Technique: Rub or tap these points to stimulate energy flow and improve bladder control.
4. Bladder 23 and 52
- Location: On either side of the spine, level with the kidneys.
- Technique: Massage and warm these points to energize and protect the kidneys.
Qi Gong Exercises for Incontinence
Qi Gong integrates breath, movement, and focus to enhance chi flow. The following exercise targets bladder health:
Contraction and Expansion Exercise:
- Posture: Sit or stand comfortably.
- Exhale: Draw your belly button toward your spine, pull up the perineum (pelvic floor muscles), and imagine closing a gate.
- Inhale: Relax your belly, allowing it to expand naturally.
- Repeat: Perform this sequence 5-10 times, focusing on contraction and release. This mimics the natural rhythm of the body, promoting balance.
Protecting the Kidneys
Kidneys thrive in warmth, so it’s essential to protect them from cold, especially during winter. Use these tips:
* Wear a scarf around your waist to keep the kidney area warm.
*Avoid drinking excessively cold beverages.
* Practice contracting and relaxing the pelvic flow and the Kua to allow energy to flow freely.
Emotional Healing and Trauma Release
For women recovering from past health challenges like breast cancer, emotional trauma may linger, affecting kidney energy, holding tension and fear in the Psoas muscle and the Kua (hips, soft tissues, sacrum and the perineum) Practice Qi Gong movements that encourage letting go and use acupressure to remind your body it is safe and well.
Shake out residual fear or tension and focus on cultivating joy and connection.
Final Thoughts
Acupressure and Qi Gong offer gentle, yet profound methods to manage incontinence by addressing its root causes. By nourishing the kidneys, stimulating chi flow, and balancing contraction with relaxation, you’ll find greater control and well-being.
Explore these practices further and incorporate the recommended foods into your daily routine. Remember, contraction and expansion, flow and stillness—this is the way of the body and life. Let Qi Gong guide you to health and joy.
For more tips, classes, and support, join Chi flow with Jo or contact Jo for individual support
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Self-administered acupressure or Chinese Medicine is not a substitute for visits to qualified healthcare practitioners.
Knowing how to treat yourself and your loved ones with complimentary therapies like acupressure can be greatly beneficial and convenient. However, for serious and chronic conditions, you’ll want to visit an Shiatsu therapist / Acupuncturist or other qualified healthcare practitioner who can develop a treatment plan based on your unique medical history and combination of symptoms.
The information provided should not be considered medical advice.