Amanda Roe: Acupuncture and Clinical Hypnotherapist.
Call 087 6331898
Email: amanda@marketstclinic.com
An overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Studies indicate that it impacts between 17-19 per cent of women, with factors such as childbirth, menopause, and hormonal changes contributing to its higher prevalence in women.
Symptoms of OAB include a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate (urge incontinence), leading to multiple visits to the bathroom during the day and night. As most people urinate seven to eight times a day, doing so more frequently may indicate OAB.
OAB can significantly affect daily activities, the ability to get a restorative night’s sleep and impact overall health. Therefore seek help if you urinate more than 10 times in 24 hours or if the urgency or frequency disrupts your sleep or daily activities, work, and social interactions.
Conventional interventions for OAB include bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, reducing fluid intake, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and losing weight. Advanced interventions may involve medication or surgery.
Identifying the causes of OAB is crucial. It could stem from structural issues, infections, medication side effects (such as diuretics), or health conditions like MS, stroke, or diabetes. Equally, it might be a physiological response to stress, anxiety, or trauma.
The connection between mental health and OAB symptoms are well-documented. Emotional stress or trauma triggers the body’s sympathetic fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which increase bladder activity. Stress can cause tension in the pelvic floor muscles, preventing the bladder from emptying completely and increasing frequency and urgency. Chronic stress also heightens bladder nerve sensitivity, making them more reactive and leading to a more frequent and urgent need to urinate.
If bladder training and so on does not resolve the symptoms of OAB then acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and hypnotherapy should be considered before surgery, as these are safe, natural and effective treatments for OAB.
Acupuncture stimulates nerves and muscles that control the bladder. It improves muscle function reducing involuntary contractions and inflammation and improves blood circulation to the pelvic area. Chinese herbal medicine will tonify and strengthen kidney and bladder function, clear heat and dampness alleviating irritation, inflammation and infection in the bladder.
Studies show that individuals with higher stress and anxiety levels report more severe OAB symptoms. Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression can worsen OAB symptoms, while positive mental health practices and psychological interventions can help alleviate them. Hypnotherapy can aid in the recovery of OAB as it is an effective treatment for trauma, stress, anxiety and depression.
Managing an overactive bladder requires a comprehensive approach that is tailored to the individual and addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition.
Combining conventional treatments like pelvic floor exercises with acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and hypnotherapy can bring relief and improve overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Amanda Roe is a clinical hypnotherapist and acupuncturist who uses a range of holistic therapies, including dietary guidance, to improve fertility, mental, emotional, and physical health. She supports natural recovery from trauma, eating disorders, and other mind/body concerns. For more information or to book a consultation, visit www.roehealth.ie or call/ text Amanda at 087 633 1898.
