TCM Treatment for Leucorrhea Disorders: Why You Should Avoid Cold Foods to Prevent "Dampness"
Many women avoid cold drinks and raw foods during their menstrual period to prevent cramps. However, TCM physicians point out that even outside of the menstrual period, women should avoid excessive consumption of raw and cold foods, as it can lead to issues with leucorrhea (vaginal discharge).
Dr Li Rui, a senior TCM physician, has observed a high incidence of abnormal leucorrhea among local women in Singapore. "This is because Singapore's weather is hot and humid with frequent rainfall, creating significant 'External Dampness.' If this is combined with a diet frequent in raw and cold foods, it easily weakens the Spleen and Stomach, leading to 'Internal Dampness.' When these two forces combine, leucorrhea increases," she explained.
Dr Li Rui, from the Shanghai Chinese Medical Centre, clarifies that a small amount of white or colorless, transparent, viscous fluid—especially around the menstrual period, mid-cycle, or during pregnancy—is known as physiological leucorrhea and is normal. However, if there is a marked increase in volume, or if the color, consistency, and odor become abnormal, or if it contains traces of blood or is accompanied by symptoms like itching, fatigue, and lower back pain, it should not be ignored. Such conditions can lead to other gynecological issues like irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, and infertility.
Dr Li Rui points out that TCM classifies "Leucorrhea Diseases" (Dai Xia Bing) as being closely related to "Dampness Pathogens." Dampness can be external or internal. External dampness refers to pathogens invading the body due to exposure to rain or wading in water during menstruation, or the consumption of raw and cold foods. Internal dampness is related to the dysfunction of the internal organs, Qi, and Blood. When these combine, and given that a woman's constitution is naturally "Yin" in nature, it easily creates a "Damp-Heat" environment that burdens the Spleen, leading to excessive discharge.
Some women suffer from recurrent leucorrhea even when medical exams show no signs of infection, leading to significant distress. Others find that while Western medication or topical treatments control the symptoms, the condition recurs once they stop. Dr Li Rui notes: "While the bacteria may have been eliminated, the underlying constitution has not improved, making recurrence likely. TCM treatment aims to address both the symptoms and the root cause. Through syndrome differentiation and tailored treatments using herbal medicine combined with acupuncture, symptoms can be significantly improved and recurrence prevented."
Dr Li Rui also suggests a supportive dietary therapy: 5 Ginkgo seeds (Bai Guo), 10 White Hyacinth beans (Bai Bian Dou), 15g Gorgon fruit (Qian Shi), and 30g Plantain herb (Che Qian Cao). Boil these in water and drink once daily.
Advice for Patients with Abnormal Leucorrhea:
• ✅ Undergo regular gynecological check-ups to ensure the discharge is not a symptom of a tumor.
• ✅ Avoid frequent use of medicated washes or alkaline soaps on the external genital area to protect natural defenses.
• ✅ Avoid using panty liners daily outside of your period to prevent bacterial growth.
• ✅ Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes and avoid exposure to rain or wading in water.
• ✅ Avoid sitting for prolonged periods; engage in moderate exercise to improve pelvic blood circulation.
• ✅ Reduce consumption of raw, cold, pickled, greasy, and heavy-flavored foods.
