Breast Abscessaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Female Breast Conditions, Lumps, Swellings & Abscesses
Sub-symptom(s): Acute Breast Abscesses Initial Breast Abscess
What is Breast Abscess?
A breast abscess is a painful accumulation of pus within the breast tissue, often resulting from a bacterial infection. This localized infection can cause swelling, redness, and tenderness in the affected area. In more advanced cases, an abscess might form a noticeable lump and can cause fever or ill feeling.
Prompt medical attention is essential for treatment, which typically involves antibiotics and sometimes drainage of the abscess. It's a condition more common during breastfeeding but can affect women and men at various ages.
How does TCM View Breast Abscess?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets a breast abscess not merely as a localized infection but as a reflection of deeper imbalances in the body's Qi (energy) and Blood.
TCM postulates that abscesses arise when pathogenic factors such as Heat, Dampness, or Stagnation disrupt the natural flow of Qi and fluids. Therefore, the focus in TCM is on restoring harmony and balance to the affected channels, thus addressing both the symptoms and their root causes.
Causes of Breast Abscess According to TCM
TCM ascribes the development of a breast abscess primarily to the Stagnation of Qi and the accumulation of Dampness and Heat in the body. These imbalances might stem from emotional upsets leading to Liver Qi Stagnation, which, if unaddressed, can combine with Dampness and Heat to create blockages and, ultimately, abscesses. The path to healing in TCM involves not only clearing the abscess but also ensuring the smooth flow of Qi and blood to prevent recurrence.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Breast Abscess
In managing a breast abscess, TCM practitioners may utilize herbs to regulate Qi and dispel pathogenic influences. Green Tangerine Peel is frequently prescribed to address Qi Stagnation, especially when linked to emotional stress.
To counteract Dampness, Mallow Seeds can be used for their diuretic properties, promoting fluid metabolism. For Heat and Phlegm that often accompany abscesses, Snake gourd seeds serve to cool and clear the congestion, supporting the body's natural healing processes.
See more details below about Er Qing Gao, a herbal formula used to address breast abscess.
- By Formula Type
- External formulas for external disorders
External formulas for External disorders
Breast abscess can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by external factors like wind, cold, or heat leading to symptoms on the body's surface.
One such formula is Er Qing Gao, with natural indigo as a key herb.
Acupoints for Breast Abscess
Acupuncture, another cornerstone of TCM, can be beneficial for breast abscesses. The Pericardium Channel’s Tianchi P-1 point, located near the breast, is utilized to regulate Qi and dissipate nodules.
Similarly, points along the Large Intestine Channel, such as Xialian LI-8, can help regulate internal organ function, clear heat, and calm the mind, contributing to an overall therapeutic effect. These points, selected based on individual diagnoses, underscore TCM's holistic approach to healing.
Explore below some acupoints used to address breast abscess, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Pericardium Channel
- Large Intestine Channel
Xialian LI-8
When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 4 cun distal to Quchi LI-11 of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.
TCM Herbs for Breast Abscess
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address breast abscess, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that cool the blood
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Breast abscess can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is Snake Gourd Seeds (Gua Lou Ren), which is directly recommended for breast abscess.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for breast abscess
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Snake Gourd Seeds (Gua Lou Ren) | Not applicable |
| Snake Gourd Peels (Gua Lou Pi) | Not applicable |
Herbs that regulate Qi
Breast abscess can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Green Tangerine Peel (Qing Pi), which is directly recommended for breast abscess.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Breast abscess can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Mallow Seeds (Dong Kui Zi), which is directly recommended for breast abscess.
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Breast abscess can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Natural Indigo (Qing Dai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for breast abscess, like Er Qing Gao.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Breast abscess can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Hibiscus Leaves (Fu Rong Ye), a key herb in some formulas recommended for breast abscess, like Er Qing Gao.