Men's Health Series: Which is the Better Way to treat Chronic Prostatitis, Western Medicine or TCM?
If prostatitis has become chronic, it will be better to go for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as it is about curing the problem from the root cause rather than managing and suppressing the symptoms even for this common men’s health problem.
How Western Medicine treats Chronic Prostatitis
In Western Medicine, the treatment for prostatitis depends on the specific type diagnosed and the symptoms that are experienced.
If the prostatitis is because of bacterial infection, one will be put on a course of antibiotics to eliminate the infection.
If there are painful or difficult urination, alpha blocker medications will help to relax the bladder neck muscles.
If there are pain symptoms experienced, painkillers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen will be prescribed.
As it is a chronic pain condition, psychotherapy may be recommended to help manage stress, depression and anxiety from the long-term discomfort experienced.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine treats Chronic Prostatitis
For Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a different set of theory and philosophy is used to treat chronic prostatitis.
Differential syndrome diagnosis has to be made thorough assessment with pulse taking, tongue reading and detailed questionings to find out which organ and what exogenous or endogenous factors are causing the chronic prostatitis.
For prostatitis the organ that is highly affected is Liver and Excessive Heat accumulation in that organ in TCM. As the condition becomes chronic, the long term inflammation can weaken the Kidneys and Heart as a result of the stress and depression endured by the patient over a long period of time.
With the differential diagnosis obtained, TCM physicians will then plan out treatment such as acupuncture and herbs with the right choices of points and individual herbal medicine and combination formulas to treat the condition.
Which is the Better Way to treat Chronic Prostatitis?
I will definitely say Western medicine will be the quick fix with short term benefits and Traditional Chinese Medicine will take time and patience but is treating through the root of the issue.
Self Care tips for Chronic Prostatitis
The following remedies might ease some symptoms of prostatitis:
· Soak in a warm bath (sitz bath) or use a heating pad.
· Limit or avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy or acidic foods, which can irritate the bladder.
· Drink plenty of water as this will increase urination and help flush bacteria from the bladder.