Vaginal Prolapseaccording to TCM

What is Vaginal Prolapse?

Vaginal prolapse is a condition where the vagina stretches and, in some cases, protrudes outside the body due to the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues. This condition can result from childbirth, surgery, aging, or increased pressure within the abdomen. Symptoms vary widely but can include discomfort, urinary incontinence, and difficulties during sexual activity. Vaginal prolapse is not just a physical issue; it can significantly affect a woman's quality of life and self-esteem.

How does TCM view Vaginal Prolapse?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views vaginal prolapse as a manifestation of underlying imbalances in the body's vital energies, particularly Qi Sinking or Collapsing. TCM principles suggest that the health of internal organs and their positioning is maintained by the harmonious flow and strength of Qi. When Qi is weak or disrupted, it can lead to a loss of support for the organs, causing conditions like vaginal prolapse. Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is critical in TCM, as treatments are designed to address these root causes, aiming to restore balance and strengthen the body's support mechanisms.

Root Causes of Vaginal Prolapse in TCM

In TCM, vaginal prolapse is often attributed to Qi Sinking or Qi Collapsing, reflecting a significant depletion or weakness in the body's vital energy. This condition can lead to a variety of symptoms, including the feeling of organs bearing down, chronic diarrhea, and hemorrhoids, alongside vaginal prolapse.

Such patterns underscore the importance of tonifying and stabilizing Qi to prevent and treat prolapse. Understanding these underlying causes from a TCM perspective allows for targeted, holistic treatment approaches.

Explore below more details about what might cause Vaginal prolapse according to TCM.

Qi Sinking

Qi Sinking is a pattern of disharmony in TCM where the body's energy, or Qi, is thought to "sink" or drop down. Imagine a balloon slowly deflating and falling; that's similar to what happens with Qi Sinking. This can lead to feelings of heaviness, fatigue, and even physical symptoms like prolapse of organs or frequent urination. It's as if the body's energy, which usually supports and holds things in place, isn't able to do its job properly. TCM views this as an imbalance where the uplifting and supporting qualities of Qi are weakened.... see more

Qi Sinking Patterns That Can Lead to Vaginal Prolapse

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking	Vagina prolapse, Uterine prolapse, Prolapsed bladder, Stomach prolapse, Nephroptosis, Anus prolapse, Bearing down sensation in abdomen, Hemorrhoids, Chronic diarrhea, Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary incontinence, Generalized fatigue, Low energy, Intestines prolapse, Vaginal prolapse... see more	Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Du Shen Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Vaginal Prolapse

For addressing vaginal prolapse, TCM emphasizes formulas that strengthen Qi and lift the prolapsed organs. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, containing Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), is a classic formula used to tonify Qi and counteract Qi Sinking, offering vital support to the pelvic floor. This approach reflects TCM's focus on enhancing the body's intrinsic strength and correcting energetic imbalances to treat conditions like vaginal prolapse effectively.

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

Top Formula for Qi Sinking:
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang

Suitable for Qi Sinking patterns that may cause vaginal prolapse, such as Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking

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All Formulas Recommended for Vaginal Prolapse Caused by Qi Sinking

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang	Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
Du Shen Tang	Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking

Acupoints for Vaginal Prolapse

TCM also advocates for acupuncture as a complementary treatment for vaginal prolapse, focusing on acupoints that restore the balance of Qi. Baihui DU-20 is a crucial point for raising Yang and strengthening the body's hold on its organs, while Daimai GB-26 is employed to resolve Dampness and regulate the uterus.

These points, among others, are selected to synergize with herbal treatments, enhancing the body's ability to heal and maintain organ support, showcasing TCM's integrative approach to addressing vaginal prolapse.

Explore below some acupoints used to address vaginal prolapse, organized by meridian.

Baihui DU-20

At the vertex, at the junction of a line connecting the apex of the ears and the midline, in the depression 7 cun above the posterior hairline and 5 cun behind the anterior hairline.

Daimai GB-26

Level with the umbilicus, directly below Zhangmen LIV-13 which is on the free end of the 11th rib.