Acupuncture and herbal medicine are alternative therapies that may offer relief for bladder pain syndrome (BPS), also known as interstitial cystitis (IC), by addressing inflammation, pain, and underlying imbalances.

How acupuncture can be used to support patients recovery from BPS.
Reduce pain: Stimulating points like SP6 (Sanyinjiao) or BL28 (Bladder Shu) may calm overactive nerves and ease pelvic discomfort, possibly via endorphin release or modulation of the nervous system.
Decreasing inflammation: It may lower pro-inflammatory markers, as suggested by small studies on chronic pain conditions.
Improving bladder function: By targeting stress and autonomic nervous system regulation, it might reduce urgency and frequency.

A 2018 pilot study in Medical Acupuncture found that BPS patients receiving acupuncture reported reduced pain and improved quality of life, though larger, controlled trials are lacking. The American Urological Association mentions acupuncture as a potential complementary option, but not a primary treatment.
Another notable study published on March 11, 2025, in eNeuro by Su et al. explored electro acupuncture (EA) in a rat model of BPS. They found that electro acupuncture significantly reduced pain and improved bladder function, suggesting a potential mechanism involving nerve modulation and inflammation reduction.

Herbal Medicine: Herbal remedies aim to soothe the bladder, reduce irritation, and support overall urinary health.
Common herbs for BPS include:

Corn silk: A diuretic with anti-inflammatory properties, traditionally used to calm bladder irritation.
Marshmallow root: Contains mucilage that may coat and protect the bladder lining, reducing irritation.
Gosha-jinki-gan: A Japanese herbal blend shown in small studies (e.g., Urology, 2010) to improve urinary frequency and bladder capacity in overactive bladder conditions, potentially applicable to BPS.
Poria mushroom used in herbal formulas to drain dampness and relieve urinary discomfort.
Herbal formulas like "Eight-Herb Powder for Rectification" are sometimes prescribed to clear heat and promote urination. A 2021 review in Complementary Therapies in Medicine noted that some herbal treatments show promise for urinary symptoms, more studies must be done before mainstream medicine adopts their use, but practitioners of acupuncture and herbalism are well acquainted with these methods.

Combined Approach: Practitioners might use acupuncture to manage pain and stress alongside herbs to target inflammation and bladder lining health. For example, a protocol might pair weekly acupuncture with a custom herbal tea.