Why does vaginal discharge increase after moxibustion?
Jul 23, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, increased vaginal discharge after moxibustion may be caused by the warming effect of moxibustion, ovulation, vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, cervicitis, or other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a hospital to determine the specific cause and receive targeted treatment. During moxibustion, attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the acupoints, and the procedure should be avoided during menstruation or vaginal bleeding.
Normally, increased vaginal discharge after moxibustion may be caused by the thermal effect of moxibustion, ovulation, vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, cervicitis, or other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the specific cause and receive targeted treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Thermal Effect of Moxibustion
Moxibustion promotes pelvic blood circulation by applying warmth to specific acupoints, thereby increasing secretion from the cervix and vaginal glands. This manifests as increased vaginal discharge that is transparent or white, odorless, and without itching. Usually, no special treatment is required; however, frequent changing of underwear and maintaining external genital hygiene and dryness are recommended.
2. Ovulation
If moxibustion is performed around the ovulation period, increased estrogen secretion from the ovaries can lead to thin and abundant cervical mucus, which may be mistaken as a result of moxibustion. The discharge appears similar to egg white with high spinnbarkeit. This is a normal physiological phenomenon and generally does not require intervention.
3. Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
If hygiene is neglected after moxibustion or if the body constitution is damp-heat, Candida infection may occur, leading to increased vaginal discharge resembling tofu residue, accompanied by symptoms such as vulvar itching and burning pain. Patients can follow medical advice to use medications such as sodium bicarbonate solution, clotrimazole suppositories, or miconazole nitrate cream for treatment.
4. Bacterial Vaginosis
Temporary local immune changes after moxibustion may lead to excessive growth of anaerobic bacteria, causing vaginal flora imbalance. This can result in increased grayish-white, thin vaginal discharge with a fishy odor and mild vulvar discomfort. Patients can follow medical guidance to use medications such as metronidazole tablets or tinidazole tablets for treatment.
5. Cervicitis
When the cervix is infected by pathogens such as Chlamydia or Mycoplasma, moxibustion-induced congestion may worsen, leading to increased purulent, yellow vaginal discharge accompanied by a sensation of heaviness in the lower back and abdomen. Patients can follow medical instructions to use medications such as azithromycin tablets or doxycycline tablets for treatment. Sexual intercourse should be avoided during treatment.
During moxibustion, it is important to ensure acupoint cleanliness, avoid performing it during menstruation or vaginal bleeding, and individuals with sensitive constitutions should undergo moxibustion under the guidance of a TCM practitioner to minimize adverse reactions.
