Leukorrheaaccording to TCM

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What is Leukorrhea?

Leukorrhea refers to a common condition characterized by a whitish or yellowish vaginal discharge. This discharge can vary in consistency and amount, often influenced by the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes, or underlying health conditions. While it's typically normal and serves to keep the vagina clean, an increase in the amount or changes in the color and smell can indicate potential health issues that might require medical attention.

How does TCM view Leukorrhea?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique lens through which leukorrhea is viewed not merely as a symptom but as a sign of imbalance within the body's energy system. According to TCM, the body is governed by a network of energies, and symptoms like leukorrhea arise when there's disharmony among these energies.

Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony—such as Kidney Yang Deficiency or Spleen Qi Deficiency—is crucial for treatment because it allows practitioners to address the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Root Causes of Leukorrhea in TCM

In TCM, leukorrhea is often seen as a manifestation of underlying imbalances. Two common patterns associated with this condition are Kidney Yang Deficiency, where the body's "Fire" or warmth is insufficient, leading to a cold-damp environment that encourages leukorrhea, and

Spleen Qi Deficiency, which implies a weakened digestive system that fails to manage bodily fluids correctly. These patterns underscore the importance of diagnosing the specific cause behind leukorrhea to effectively restore balance and health.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Heat
  • Dampness
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 Leukorrhea

Common Symptoms: Chills Generalized Fatigue General Weakness Diarrhea Cold Extremities Hypertension Hyperaldosteronism Hypothyroidism

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency leucorrhoea, leukorrhea, 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 | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | You Gui Wan | Er Xian Tang | Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ji Chuan Jian | Yu Lin Zhu
Spleen Yang Deficiency Vagina discharge, Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale face, Cold extremities, Chills, Undigested food in stools, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth, Dull shallow face... see more Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Yi Huang Tang | Zhen Wu Tang | Huang Tu Tang | Wen Pi Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Leukorrhea

To counteract leukorrhea, TCM relies on herbal formulas and treatments tailored to the individual's pattern of disharmony. For Kidney Yang Deficiency, a formula like Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan may be prescribed to warm the Kidney Yang and eliminate Cold-Damp.

For Spleen Qi Deficiency, treatments often include Qi-tonifying herbs like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, which strengthens the Spleen, enhances Qi, and helps manage the production and flow of bodily fluids. These treatments reflect TCM's holistic approach, targeting the specific imbalances that contribute to leukorrhea.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Heat
  • Dampness

All Formulas Recommended for Leukorrhea Caused by Yang Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Spleen Yang Deficiency
Yi Huang Tang Spleen Yang Deficiency
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
You Gui Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Er Xian Tang Kidney Yang Deficiency
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Tu Si Zi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency
Ji Chuan Jian Kidney Yang Deficiency
Yu Lin Zhu Kidney Yang Deficiency
Zhen Wu Tang Spleen Yang Deficiency
Huang Tu Tang Spleen Yang Deficiency
Wen Pi Tang Spleen Yang Deficiency

Acupoints for Leukorrhea

Acupuncture, another pillar of TCM, employs specific points to address leukorrhea. Points such as Qihai (REN-6) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6) are often targeted for their effectiveness in tonifying Qi and Yang, supporting the Spleen, and regulating the Kidney. This treatment strategy exemplifies TCM's integrated approach to health, aiming to harmonize the body's energies, improve fluid metabolism, and alleviate symptoms of leukorrhea through natural, non-invasive means.

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

  • By Meridian
  • Directing Vessel
  • Liver Channel
  • Gall Bladder Channel
Huiyin REN-1

Huiyin REN-1

In the center of the perineum.

Qugu REN-2

Qugu REN-2

On the midline of abdomen, just on the upper border of the symphysis pubis.

Qihai REN-6

Qihai REN-6

On the midline of the abdomen, 1.5 cun below the umbilicus.

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