Excessive Vaginal Dischargeaccording to TCM

What is Excessive Vaginal Discharge?

Excessive vaginal discharge is characterized by an increase in the volume of secretions produced by the vagina, surpassing normal levels and often accompanied by changes in color, consistency, or odor. This condition can signal various underlying health issues, from hormonal imbalances and infections to more serious gynecological conditions. It's essential for women experiencing such symptoms to seek medical evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

How Does TCM View Excessive Vaginal Discharge?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches excessive vaginal discharge as an indication of imbalance within the body's internal systems. According to TCM, such symptoms arise from disharmonies related to Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, Yang, and Dampness or Heat accumulation.

Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial for effective treatment in TCM, emphasizing the importance of restoring balance and harmony to alleviate the symptom and improve overall health.

Root Causes of Excessive Vaginal Discharge in TCM

TCM attributes excessive vaginal discharge to several key patterns, such as Damp-Heat and Qi Deficiency. Damp-Heat can lead to profuse, possibly colored and odorous discharge, reflecting an imbalance where excessive Heat and Dampness accumulate in the body, particularly in the lower burner.

Qi Deficiency, particularly of the Spleen, might manifest as excessive, often sticky discharge, signaling a weakened ability to transform and transport bodily fluids. These patterns highlight the complexity of diagnosing and treating excessive vaginal discharge in TCM, focusing on the underlying causes rather than just the symptoms.

Explore below more details about what might cause Excessive vaginal discharge according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Heat
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Yin Excess
  • Dampness
  • Kidney
  • Spleen
  • Liver
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Vaginal Discharge

Common Symptoms: Fever Feeling Of Heat Foul-Smelling Vaginal Discharge Thirst Lower Back Pain Yellow Vaginal Discharge Sticky Vaginal Discharge Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat excessive vaginal discharge, profuse vaginal discharge, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne... see more Yi Huang Tang | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Toxic-Heat excessive vaginal discharge, profuse vaginal discharge, Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Mouth ulcers, Tonsil swelling... see more Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Vaginal Discharge

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Spleen Deficiency excessive vaginal discharge, profuse vaginal discharge, Sticky vaginal discharge, Generalized fatigue, Depression, Cold extremities, Diarrhea, White vaginal discharge, Lack of appetite, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Weak limbs... see more Wan Dai Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Yi Huang Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Vaginal Discharge

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency excessive vaginal discharge, profuse vaginal discharge, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Vaginal Discharge

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency excessive vaginal discharge, profuse vaginal discharge, Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more Zuo Gui Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Vaginal Discharge

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation excessive vaginal discharge, profuse vaginal discharge, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Xiao Yao San
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Excess

Yin Excess in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by an overabundance of Yin energy, leading to symptoms of dampness and coldness in the body. This condition often results from an imbalance where the cooling, moistening aspects of Yin overshadow the warm, active qualities of Yang energy. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, lethargy, cold sensations, pale complexion, and possibly edema or fluid retention. Digestive issues such as poor appetite, bloating, and loose stools may also be present, reflecting the impact of excess Yin on the body's metabolic processes. Treatment in TCM for Yin Excess focuses on reducing the excess Yin and stimulating Yang energy to restore balance. ... see more

Yin Excess Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Vaginal Discharge

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Yin Excess Heavy vaginal discharge, Absence of thirst, Slow and forceful movement, Epigastric pain worsen by pressure, Polyuria, Feeling of chest oppression, Nausea, Excessive vaginal discharge, Lack of appetite, Pain relieved by heat, Chills, Cold extremities, Pale urine... see more Wu Ling San | Wu Pi Yin
Detailed description of the cause

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Vaginal Discharge

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat excessive vaginal discharge, profuse vaginal discharge, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne... see more Yi Huang Tang | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Vaginal Discharge

Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Dizziness Tinnitus Generalized Fatigue General Weakness Depression Premature Ejaculation Oligospermia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency excessive vaginal discharge, profuse vaginal discharge, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan
Kidney Yin Deficiency excessive vaginal discharge, profuse vaginal discharge, Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more Zuo Gui Wan | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Vaginal Discharge

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Spleen Deficiency excessive vaginal discharge, profuse vaginal discharge, Sticky vaginal discharge, Generalized fatigue, Depression, Cold extremities, Diarrhea, White vaginal discharge, Lack of appetite, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Weak limbs... see more Wan Dai Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Yi Huang Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Vaginal Discharge

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation excessive vaginal discharge, profuse vaginal discharge, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Xiao Yao San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Excessive Vaginal Discharge

To address excessive vaginal discharge, TCM recommends specific formulas and herbs tailored to the underlying disharmony. For Damp-Heat, formulas like Yi Huang Tang, utilizing Yam (Shan Yao) for its Qi-tonifying properties, and Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao) to clear Heat and dry Dampness, are effective.

In cases of Qi Deficiency, Wan Dai Tang and Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang are recommended to strengthen the Spleen and augment Qi, thereby reducing discharge and restoring balance. These formulas exemplify the TCM approach of targeting the root causes to provide relief and promote overall well-being.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address excessive vaginal discharge, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Heat
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Yin Excess
  • Dampness
  • Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that warm yang and tonify
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen

All Formulas Recommended for Excessive Vaginal Discharge Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Yi Huang Tang Damp-Heat
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Damp-Heat
Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin Toxic-Heat

All Formulas Recommended for Excessive Vaginal Discharge Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Yi Huang Tang Spleen Deficiency
Wan Dai Tang Spleen Deficiency
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Spleen Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Excessive Vaginal Discharge Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Zuo Gui Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Excessive Vaginal Discharge Caused by Yin Excess

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wu Ling San Yin Excess
Wu Pi Yin Yin Excess

All Formulas Recommended for Excessive Vaginal Discharge Caused by Dampness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Yi Huang Tang Damp-Heat
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Damp-Heat

All "formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge" recommended for excessive vaginal discharge

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Yi Huang Tang Spleen Deficiency, Damp-Heat
Wan Dai Tang Spleen Deficiency

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for excessive vaginal discharge

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Zuo Gui Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness" recommended for excessive vaginal discharge

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Wu Ling San Yin Excess
Wu Pi Yin Yin Excess

TCM Herbs for Excessive Vaginal Discharge

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address excessive vaginal discharge, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Herbs that drain dampness
  • Herbs that stabilize and bind
  • Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
  • Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that cool the blood

"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for excessive vaginal discharge

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Yam (Shan Yao) Wan Dai Tang | Yi Huang Tang
Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) Wan Dai Tang
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang

"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for excessive vaginal discharge

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Water Plantain (Ze Xie) Wu Ling San
Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) Wu Pi Yin
Ginger Peel (Sheng Jiang Pi) Wu Pi Yin