Leukorrhea
AliasAbnormal leukorrhea
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Leukorrhea disease, known as "Dai Xia" in TCM, refers to a condition in women where the fluid secreted by the vagina increases abnormally, with changes in color, texture, quantity, and odor, accompanied by symptoms such as lower back soreness, abdominal pain, and lower abdominal distension. According to "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine", leukorrhea disease is mostly caused by factors such as spleen-kidney deficiency, downward infusion of damp-heat, and Qi-blood stasis.
The core pathogenesis of leukorrhea disease is the internal accumulation of damp pathogen, leading to obstructed Qi-blood circulation. In TCM clinical practice, common triggers include improper diet, imbalance between work and rest, and emotional fluctuations. During syndrome differentiation, attention should be paid to distinguishing cold, heat, deficiency, and excess:
1. Spleen deficiency with abundant dampness syndrome: Copious leukorrhea that is white in color, thin in texture, and odorless, often accompanied by fatigue, weakness, and a sallow complexion.
2. Kidney Yang deficiency syndrome: Copious leukorrhea that is clear and thin, soreness and coldness in the lower back and knees, clear and copious urination, often accompanied by a pale complexion, aversion to cold, and cold limbs.
3. Downward infusion of damp-heat syndrome: Copious leukorrhea that is yellow, thick, and sticky with a foul odor, vulvar itching, often accompanied by bitter taste, dry mouth, scanty and dark urine.
Overall direction of regulation: In TCM clinical practice, treatment of leukorrhea disease should follow the principles of strengthening the spleen and tonifying Qi, warming the kidney and consolidating the root, clearing heat and draining dampness, in order to harmonize Qi and blood and restore Yin-Yang balance. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that through adjusting lifestyle, dietary structure, and appropriate herbal treatment, the goals of improving symptoms and restoring health can be achieved.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Spleen deficiency and dampness excess syndrome
Main Manifestations: Excessive leukorrhea, white in color, thin and odorless, fatigue and lack of energy
Management Approach: Strengthen the Spleen and Invigorate Qi, Elevate Yang and Eliminate Dampness
Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Excessive leukorrhea, clear and thin, soreness and coldness in the loins and knees, frequent urination with clear urine
Management Approach: Warming the Kidneys and Nourishing the Primordial Qi, Astringent to Stop Leukorrhea
Damp-heat descending syndrome
Main Manifestations: Leukorrhea with a large amount, yellow, sticky, and smelly, with itching of the vulva
Management Approach: Clear Heat and Drain Dampness, Detoxify and Stop Leukorrhea
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
For patients with leukorrhea disease, treatment should be based on syndrome differentiation according to the nature of the leukorrhea.
— Fan Li Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner Assistant Physician
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)