Abnormal vaginal discharge according to Chinese Medicine

When the vaginal discharge occurs because of Damp Heat, the condition is much serious than other patterns. The color of the discharge is gray-yellow or even brownish and the consistency is thick and sticky like yogurt. It may also have a foul fishy smell if it is severe. There may be vaginal itching which can be caused by trichomonas or haemophilus infection. Urination can be short, frequent or red. Affected women may also experience late menstruation or irregular menstruation.

Vaginal discharge due to Damp-Heat is often related to unhealthy sex activities (such as unprotected sex with multiple partners) or bad hygiene, especially for younger women. Women are more vulnerable to Dampness invading the Uterus after giving birth or after periods. Therefore, the first step of curing this disease is to pay more attention in practicing good hygiene and having a more healthy sex life.

Unbalanced diet is also a major reason for Damp-Heat. Eating irregularly or an overconsumption of raw, slimy, cold, greasy or dairy food harms the Spleen's ability to transport and transform Body Fluids. Then the Dampness accumulates, penetrates the Uterus and forms excessive vaginal discharge. 

The treatment principle is to clear Heat and resolve Dampness.

Read more about Damp-Heat here

The color, consistency and odor of this pattern's vaginal discharges are similar to these of Spleen Deficiency.

Emotional stress such as irritation, anger, frustration or worry can cause Liver Qi Stagnation, which then invade the Spleen and harm its Body Fluids transformation and transportation function. Thus Dampness forms and accumulates. 

Stagnant Liver Qi also blocks the Liver Channel which rolls around the Uterus. This, combined with the accumulation of Dampness, leads to the abnormal vaginal discharge.

The treatment principle is to calm the Liver, move Qi, eliminate Stagnation, and strengthen the Spleen.

Read more about Liver Qi Stagnation here

If Damp Heat is not treated for a while, it can develop into Toxic Heat, which is a much more severe condition. 

Women affected by Toxic Heat There might have five different vaginal discharge colors: white, yellow, brown, green and red. The red color can be from the discharge itself or from Blood. The consistency is thick and sticky like pus. There is also strong foul smell. Urine color is dark or red.

The treatment principle is to clear Heat, resolve Toxins, resolve Dampness and stop discharge.

Read more about Toxic Heat here

The color, consistency and smell of vaginal discharges caused by Kidney Yin Deficiency are similar to these under Kidney Yang Deficiency. However, Yin Deficiency has some Empty Heat symptoms such as a feeling of Heat in the palms or soles or a feeling of Heat in the evening. 

Kidney Yin Deficiency can be the result of overwork, especially if combined with insufficient rest. It can harm the Directing and Girdle Vessels which then fail to hold Yin Body Fluids which eventually leak out in the form of vaginal discharge. 

The treatment principle  is to nourish Yin, strengthen the Kidneys and Essence as well as clear Empty Heat. 

Read more about Kidney Yin Deficiency here

Spleen Yang Deficiency can weaken the Kidney Yang, especially if it lasts many years without being treated properly. As a result, the Kidneys fail to contain Body Fluids, which leak out eventually as vaginal discharge. 

The color of the excessive discharge is often white. Unlike with Spleen Deficiency, the consistency is rather watery, like egg white. This indicates a form of Deficiency or Coldness.

The treatment principle is to tonify and warm the Kidneys, strengthen the Directing Vessel and stop discharge.

Read more about Kidney Yang Deficiency here

This pattern can be further divided into Spleen Qi Deficiency, Spleen Yang Deficiency and Spleen Qi Sinking. The first one can develop as a consequence of the latter two if they linger for a while without proper treatment. Spleen Yang Deficiency can also lead to Kidney Yang Deficiency. 

The typical symptoms are excessive and continuous vaginal discharge with a white or pale yellow color. Normally there is no smell. The consistency is sticky, which suggests Dampness (which is the case here) or Heat.

The Spleen is responsible for transforming and transporting Body Fluids. This function can be largely impaired due to Spleen Deficiency. Then Dampness piles up and penetrates the Uterus which results in profuse vaginal discharge. Excessive physical work is the main reason for a weakened Spleen. This pattern is more common among younger women. 

The treatment principle is to strengthen the Spleen, tonify and raise Qi, raise Yang and resolve Dampness.

Read more about Spleen Deficiency here