Symptom family: Gynecological Conditions

Did you mean? Vaginitis

What is Vulvitis?

Vulvitis is the medical term for inflammation of the vulva, the external part of the female genitalia. This condition can cause discomfort, itching, redness, and sometimes pain in the vulvar region. Vulvitis can be triggered by a variety of factors, including infections, allergies, skin conditions, or hormonal changes. The symptoms can significantly affect a woman's quality of life, making diagnosis and treatment essential for relief and prevention of further irritation.

How does TCM view Vulvitis?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches vulvitis from a holistic perspective, seeing it as a symptom of underlying imbalances within the body's energetic systems.

TCM emphasizes that symptoms like vulvitis result from disharmonies in the flow of Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang. Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is essential in TCM, as treatments are tailored to correct these imbalances, aiming to heal the body from within and alleviate the external symptoms.

Root Causes of Vulvitis in TCM

In TCM, vulvitis is often associated with patterns of Dampness and Heat, particularly when they affect the Liver Channel or arise from Spleen Deficiency. Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel can manifest as vulvitis with symptoms such as vulvar itching, yellow vaginal discharge, and discomfort during intercourse, indicating an imbalance that needs to be cleared and cooled.

On the other hand, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness reflects an inability to manage fluids properly, leading to symptoms like edema, a feeling of heaviness, and vulvitis, requiring treatments that strengthen the Spleen and resolve Dampness.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Liver
  • Spleen
  • Kidney
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 Vulvitis

Common Symptoms: Vulvar Itching Insomnia Dark Urine Excessive Vaginal Discharge Foul-Smelling Vaginal Discharge Sticky Vaginal Discharge Vaginal Itching Yellow Vaginal Discharge

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel vulvitis, Vulvar itching, Yellow vaginal discharge, Painful intercourse, Restlessness, Irritability, Insomnia, Dark urine, Excessive vaginal discharge, Foul-Smelling vaginal discharge, Sticky vaginal discharge... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness vulvitis, Edema, Feeling of heaviness, Diarrhea, Urinary dysfunction, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection, Nephrotic syndrome, Cystitis, Hydrocele, Migraine... see more Liu Jun Zi Tang | Bi Xie Fen Qing 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 Vulvitis

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness vulvitis, Edema, Feeling of heaviness, Diarrhea, Urinary dysfunction, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection, Nephrotic syndrome, Cystitis, Hydrocele, Migraine... see more Liu Jun Zi Tang | Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin
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 Vulvitis

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency vulvitis, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan
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 Vulvitis

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel vulvitis, Vulvar itching, Yellow vaginal discharge, Painful intercourse, Restlessness, Irritability, Insomnia, Dark urine, Excessive vaginal discharge, Foul-Smelling vaginal discharge, Sticky vaginal discharge... see more Long Dan Xie Gan 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 Vulvitis

Common Symptoms: Insomnia Vaginal Itching Vulvar Itching Yellow Vaginal Discharge Painful Intercourse Restlessness Irritability Dark Urine

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency vulvitis, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan
Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel vulvitis, Vulvar itching, Yellow vaginal discharge, Painful intercourse, Restlessness, Irritability, Insomnia, Dark urine, Excessive vaginal discharge, Foul-Smelling vaginal discharge, Sticky vaginal discharge... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
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 Vulvitis

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness vulvitis, Edema, Feeling of heaviness, Diarrhea, Urinary dysfunction, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection, Nephrotic syndrome, Cystitis, Hydrocele, Migraine... see more Liu Jun Zi Tang | Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin
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 Vulvitis

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency vulvitis, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Vulvitis

To address vulvitis, TCM employs formulas that target the underlying patterns of imbalance. For Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, featuring Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao), is commonly used to clear Heat and dry Dampness, effectively treating the symptoms associated with this pattern.

For issues arising from Spleen Deficiency and Dampness, formulas like Liu Jun Zi Tang and Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin are recommended to tonify Qi and transform Dampness, with key ingredients like Ginseng (Ren Shen) and Fish-poison yam (Bi Xie). These treatments exemplify the TCM approach to healing vulvitis by addressing both the symptoms and their root causes.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify

All Formulas Recommended for Vulvitis Caused by Dampness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel
Liu Jun Zi Tang Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin Spleen Deficiency with Dampness

All Formulas Recommended for Vulvitis Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Liu Jun Zi Tang Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin Spleen Deficiency with Dampness

TCM Herbs for Vulvitis

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address vulvitis, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Herbs that drain dampness
  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency

"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for vulvitis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao) Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo) Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan