{"id":4605,"date":"2022-06-03T12:38:24","date_gmt":"2022-06-03T20:38:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.activeherb.com\/blog\/?p=4605"},"modified":"2025-02-25T11:06:08","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T19:06:08","slug":"how-to-support-vaginal-health-with-tcm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.activeherb.com\/blog\/how-to-support-vaginal-health-with-tcm.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Support Vaginal Health With TCM"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You\u2019ve heard of the gut microbiome, the invisible world of trillions of bacteria that reside in the colon. But there\u2019s another anatomical microbiome, the health of which should be of paramount importance for all women: the vaginal microbiome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A balanced vaginal microbiome, just like the gut microbiome, contains an overwhelming majority of friendly bacteria. But because of various factors including lifestyle choices, the number of unfriendly bacteria in the vaginal tract can multiply fast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what women need to know about supporting vaginal health with TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) and from a western medicine perspective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vaginal Microbiome Dysbiosis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A healthy gut microbiome contains approximately 85% friendly bacteria and 15% potentially-harmful bacteria. With that delicate balance, the immune system gets enough of a workout to keep pathogenic bacteria in check. But when gut dysbiosis occurs, the percentage of unfriendly bacteria can skyrocket. The same is true of vaginal dysbiosis. Like the large intestine (colon), the vaginal canal is also a major settlement for microorganisms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When pathogenic microorganisms flourish in the vaginal canal, itching, burning and colored discharge may result. In Western medicine, the opportunistic fungus, Candida albicans is most often the underlying cause of vaginal discharge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In light of this fact, Candida albicans has a negative connotation; it\u2019s responsible for infections. But the truth is, this yeast (yeast is a type of fungus) is part of a normal microbiome, both in the gut and in the vaginal canal. The problem arises when the body is under stress. That\u2019s when Candida albicans can multiply out of control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Western Medicine Treat Vaginal Discharge? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most often, antibiotics are the first treatment option. However, just like with gut health, antibiotics can destroy the microbiome of the vaginal canal. Of course, there are times when antibiotics are absolutely necessary and potentially life-saving. But the downside to antibiotics\u2014especially the overprescribing of them\u2014is that much of the good bacteria is destroyed along with the bad. Furthermore, the overuse of antibiotics and antifungals for vaginal discharge has led to the harmful microorganisms becoming resistant to these interventions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Causes Vaginal Discharge? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So we know that Candida albicans is the fungal overgrowth responsible for the abnormality. But what causes the overgrowth in the first place? There are several things that can cause it. Let\u2019s start with one of the leading culprits in western civilization: diet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In TCM, there are two diagnostic patterns that give rise to vaginal dysbiosis: Spleen Qi Deficiency and Damp-Heat. <\/div>\n\n\n\n

The overconsumption of gluten<\/a>, which is the protein molecule in wheat and other grains, may be one factor<\/a>. Thus, if you\u2019ve experienced several episodes of vaginal discharge over the years and your diet is high in products with wheat, wheat flour and other sources of gluten (beer, rye, barley), one resolution is to try a gluten-free diet. Consuming too much sugar can also create vaginal dysbiosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s also an association between birth-control pills and this health concern<\/a>. That\u2019s because contraceptives may lead to higher levels of estrogen in the body. This in turn can make yeast overpopulate and stick to the vaginal walls more easily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stress to the body of any kind, be it poor diet or failing to manage emotional or mental stress, can lead to vaginal dysbiosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does TCM Explain Discharge? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the root cause is from a Western perspective, in TCM, there are two diagnostic patterns that give rise to vaginal dysbiosis:<\/p>\n\n\n\n