Bed-wetting

Bed-wetting refers to the involuntary discharge of urine during sleep at night in children over three years of age. This is usually due to the inherent immaturity of the Kidneys in children. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the Kidneys control growth and development and are responsible for urination. The Urinary Bladder and Kidneys are responsible for the opening and closing of the urethra. Bed-wetting is often caused by Kidney energy being deficient. In TCM, evening is the time of the Kidneys and this is why the problem is worse in the evening. It can also be due to Spleen/Lung Qi deficiency and Damp-Heat in the Liver.

If the bed-wetting is due to a Kidney disorder, then some of the following symptoms may be present: Frequent clear urination, pale face, sore lower back or knees, fear of cold.

If the bed-wetting is due to a Spleen/Lung disorder the following symptoms may be present: Shortness of breath, lack of strength, pale face, small appetite, loose stools.

If the bed-wetting is due to a Liver disorder the following symptoms may be present: Small amounts of foul smelling, yellowish urine, agitation, talking during sleep.

It is recommended that the child should not be allowed to drink too much in the evening and try to empty their bladder before going to bed. If bed-wetting is due to Kidney, Lung or Spleen deficiency try not to let the child become too fatigued before going to bed.