Much more common in females than men, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are painful and unpleasant. Unfortunately, some women become prone to them, and patients may suffer from three or more recurring infections per year.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include pain or burning sensation when urinating, an urgent desire to urinate frequently, and pain in the lower abdomen.
Antibiotics are normally effective in combating a urinary tract infection, although they can sometimes have the side-effect of causing candidosis (thrush).
Acupuncture can provide effective relief from the symptoms of a UTI, and Mark encourages patients who come to see him to maximize the healing potential by having acupuncture treatments and antibiotics concurrently. Normally one treatment, primarily needling points on the legs, will see an improvement in the symptoms.
With regard to the long-term picture and the problem of recurring infections, a longer course of treatments are needed. In traditional Chinese pathology, Urinary Tract Infections normally result from too much dampness and heat in the body. Even after the acute stage is over, these pathological factors may still be present, and the acupuncturist will want to clear these to prevent further episodes.
As ever with Chinese medicine, alongside acupuncture, dietary factors and lifestyle can be extremely effective. It will vary from patient to patient, but a general guide for women with recurring Urinary Tract Infections would be too avoid excessive alcohol consumption, hot and spicy food, coffee, and dairy products.
There are a wide range of recommendations providing easy self-help tips for those suffering from a urinary tract infection or those prone to recurrent infections, and Mark would advise women to gather information from any credible and reliable source.
