Vulvar Soresaccording to TCM

What are Vulvar Sores?

Vulvar sores are painful, open lesions or ulcers that appear on the vulva, the external part of the female genitalia. These sores can result from various causes, including infections, skin disorders, and certain diseases. They often cause discomfort, itching, and pain, significantly impacting a woman's quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause of these sores is crucial for effective treatment and relief.

How does TCM view Vulvar Sores?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets vulvar sores as a sign of internal disharmony, primarily involving patterns of Dampness and Heat. TCM emphasizes that the body's energetic balance, involving Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, must be maintained for optimal health. Identifying the patterns of disharmony allows TCM practitioners to tailor treatments that address the root causes, aiming to restore balance and heal the sores.

Root Causes of Vulvar Sores in TCM

In TCM, vulvar sores are commonly attributed to Damp-Heat in the Liver, a condition that arises when excess Heat and Dampness accumulate in the body, leading to symptoms such as vulvar sores, hypochondrial fullness, and a feeling of heaviness.

This pattern can also be accompanied by digestive symptoms like lack of appetite and nausea, reflecting the systemic impact of Damp-Heat. Tackling these underlying issues is crucial in TCM practice to alleviate vulvar sores and prevent their recurrence.

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

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 Vulvar Sores

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Liver	Vulvar sores, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Lack of appetite, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine... see more	Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Yin Chen Hao Tang

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 Vulvar Sores

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Liver	Vulvar sores, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Lack of appetite, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine... see more	Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Yin Chen Hao Tang

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 Vulvar Sores

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Liver	Vulvar sores, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Lack of appetite, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine... see more	Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Yin Chen Hao Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Vulvar Sores

To address vulvar sores, TCM relies on formulas that clear Heat and dry Dampness, aiming to eliminate the root causes of the condition. Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, which includes Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao) as a key ingredient, is a commonly prescribed formula for this purpose. This formula is specifically designed to target Damp-Heat in the Liver, effectively reducing symptoms like vulvar sores and restoring the body's natural balance. The use of such targeted treatments exemplifies TCM's holistic approach to healing, focusing on the individual's specific pattern of disharmony.

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

Top Formula for Dampness:
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang

Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause vulvar sores, such as Damp-Heat in the Liver

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Vulvar Sores Caused by Dampness

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang	Damp-Heat in the Liver
Yin Chen Hao Tang	Damp-Heat in the Liver

Top Formula for Heat:
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause vulvar sores, such as Damp-Heat in the Liver

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Vulvar Sores Caused by Heat

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang	Damp-Heat in the Liver
Yin Chen Hao Tang	Damp-Heat in the Liver

Acupoints for Vulvar Sores

In addition to herbal treatments, acupuncture is an integral part of TCM's approach to treating vulvar sores. Specific acupoints, such as Ligou LIV-5, are selected for their ability to invigorate Liver Qi and clear Damp-Heat from the genitourinary system.

By stimulating this point, practitioners aim to enhance the body's healing process, addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes of vulvar sores. This combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine showcases TCM's comprehensive strategy for restoring health and balance.

See more details below about Ligou LIV-5, an acupoint used to address vulvar sores.

Ligou LIV-5

5 cun above the tip of the medial malleolus, on the medial aspect and posterior to the medial crest of the tibia.