Symptom families: Female Breast Conditions, Lumps, Swellings & Abscesses

Parent symptom: Lumps

What are Breast Lumps?

Breast lumps are growths or firm masses that develop within the breast tissue. They are among the most common breast irregularities and a frequent cause of concern for many, although most lumps are benign. The discovery of a lump warrants medical evaluation, as it is crucial to rule out breast cancer. Synonymous terms for breast lumps include breast masses and breast nodules, each referring to the same potential symptom of a variety of breast conditions.

How does TCM view Breast Lumps?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets breast lumps as manifestations of imbalances within the body's energy systems. Unlike Western medicine that views lumps as isolated symptoms, TCM considers them signals of deeper disharmonies, often involving Qi Atagnation or Blood stasis.

Recognizing the specific TCM pattern causing the lump is essential because it guides the bespoke herbal treatment and acupuncture strategies.

Root Causes of Breast Lumps in TCM

TCM identifies multiple potential patterns behind breast lumps, often implicating Qi Stagnation or Blood Stasis as underlying causes. Qi Stagnation, especially related to the Liver, can lead to lumps, with symptoms like distention and mood swings.

Conversely, Blood Stagnation can result in fixed, stabbing pain and a darker complexion. A precise diagnosis is key to selecting the appropriate treatment, such as Gua Lou San for transforming Phlegm and cooling Heat or Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan for warming the channels and invigorating Blood flow.

Explore below more details about what might cause Breast lumps according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Liver
  • Stomach
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Breast Lumps

Common Symptoms: Chest Distension Abdominal Distention Depression Mood Swings Irregular Periods Pre Menstrual Tension Menstrual Cramps Irritability

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Breast lumps, Breast nodules, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Gua Lou San | Xiao Yao San | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Yi Guan Jian | Xia Ru Yong Quan San
Qi And Blood Stagnation Breast lumps, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Wen Jing Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Breast Lumps

Common Symptoms: Irregular Periods Dark Menstrual Clots Menstrual Cramps Dark Menstrual Blood Prolonged Lochia Lower Abdominal Pain Breast Engorgement Breast Pain

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation Breast lumps, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Wen Jing Tang
Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels Breast lumps, Irregular periods, Brown vaginal discharge, Dark menstrual clots, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Lower abdominal pain, Umbilical pain, Breast engorgement, Breast pain... see more Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Breast Lumps

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat Breast lumps, Breast nodules, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast hardness... see more Gua Lou San
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Breast Lumps

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Breast lumps, Breast nodules, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Gua Lou San | Xiao Yao San | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Yi Guan Jian | Xia Ru Yong Quan San
Detailed description of the cause

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Breast Lumps

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat Breast lumps, Breast nodules, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast hardness... see more Gua Lou San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Breast Lumps

The selection of TCM formulas for breast lumps is tailored to the specific underlying pattern. For Qi Stagnation, especially liver-related, Gua Lou San may be employed to alleviate stagnation and transform Phlegm. For conditions related to Blood stasis, such as Qi and Blood Stagnation or Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels, Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan is a common prescription. This warm, acrid herb is known for releasing the exterior and mobilizing blood flow, addressing the stasis at the root of the lumps.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address breast lumps, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
  • Formulas that promote qi movement
  • Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
  • Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify

All Formulas Recommended for Breast Lumps Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Gua Lou San Liver Qi Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Qi And Blood Stagnation
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan Liver Qi Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Qi Stagnation
Yi Guan Jian Liver Qi Stagnation
Xia Ru Yong Quan San Liver Qi Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation

All Formulas Recommended for Breast Lumps Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels, Qi And Blood Stagnation... see more
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation

All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for breast lumps

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels, Qi And Blood Stagnation... see more
Xia Ru Yong Quan San Liver Qi Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation

All "formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen" recommended for breast lumps

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation

All "formulas that promote qi movement" recommended for breast lumps

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Yue Ju Wan Liver Qi Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Qi Stagnation

Acupoints for Breast Lumps

TCM also prescribes specific acupoints for the management of breast lumps. Points on the Gall Bladder Channel, like Jianjing GB-21, can remove channel obstructions and promote Qi flow, potentially diminishing lumps. On the Stomach Channel, Rugen ST-18 benefits the breasts and regulates chest Qi, while points on the Kidney Channel such as Bulang KID-22 and Shenfeng KID-23, have properties that harmonize rebellious Qi and benefit the breasts.

Directing Vessel acupoints, especially Shanzhong REN-17, are crucial for tonifying Qi and facilitating lactation. Each point selection is based on the individual pattern of disharmony in TCM diagnosis.

Explore below some acupoints used to address breast lumps, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Kidney Channel
  • Stomach Channel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Directing Vessel
  • Spleen Channel
  • Small Intestine Channel
Jianjing GB-21

Jianjing GB-21

Midway between Dazhui DU-14 and the lateral extremity of the acromion, at the highest point of the shoulder.

Zulingqi GB-41

Zulingqi GB-41

In the depression distal to the junction of the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, on the lateral side of the tendon of extensor digitorum longus muscle of the foot.

Diwuhui GB-42

Diwuhui GB-42

Between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, on the medial side of the tendon of extensor digitorum longus muscle of the little toe.

Xiaxi GB-43

Xiaxi GB-43

Between the 4th and 5th toes, proximal to the margin of the interdigital web.

Bulang KID-22

Bulang KID-22

In the 5th intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Shenfeng KID-23

Shenfeng KID-23

In the 4th intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Yuzhong KID-26

Yuzhong KID-26

In the 1st intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Wuyi ST-15

Wuyi ST-15

In the 2nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Yingchuang ST-16

Yingchuang ST-16

In the 3nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Rugen ST-18

Rugen ST-18

In the 5nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Dushu BL-16

Dushu BL-16

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra (T6).

Huangmen BL-51

Huangmen BL-51

3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra (L1).

Shanzhong REN-17

Shanzhong REN-17

On the midline of the chest, on the level of the 4th intercostal space or nipples.

Tianxi SP-18

Tianxi SP-18

2 cun lateral to the nipple, in the 4th intercostal space.

Tianzong SI-11

Tianzong SI-11

In the intrascapular fossa, at the junction of the upper and middle third of the distance between the lower border of the scapular spine and the inferior angle of the scapula.