The symptoms often associated with a vaginal yeast infection are:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge - ranges from slight watery, white discharge to a thick, white, chunky discharge (like cottage cheese)
• Itching of the external and internal genitalia
• Redness and/or inflammation of the vulvar skin
• Pain with intercourse
• Painful urination
• Possible pinpoint bleeding if the infection is severe.

In traditional Chinese medicine, vaginal yeast infections correspond most closely with the pattern of "Damp Heat." Excessive consumption of dairy products, greasy fried foods, sugar and refined foods leads to the formation of Damp.

Damp can also form from wearing too-tight pants, undergarments not made of cotton and from wet exercise clothing or wet swimsuits. In women, Damp easily infuses downward and accumulates in the genital area. Over a prolonged time, Damp often combines with Heat to form Damp Heat.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs help eliminate the Damp and the Heat in the lower part of the body and can address any underlying pathology. Treatment depends upon whether the infection is acute or chronic.

Yeast infections can be stubborn due to the fact that Damp tends to linger and seep down into the lower regions of the body. But, both acupuncture and herbal medicine are quite effective in dealing with this particular condition.

There are also some very useful nutritional supplements that I would prescribe as well as discussing any dietary and lifestyle changes that would be beneficial for treating and preventing vaginal yeast infections.