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Symptom families: Female Breast Conditions, Breastfeeding Conditions
Did you mean? Clogged Milk Ducts
Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the breast, often associated with redness, swelling, and pain. It can affect lactating mothers, where it typically results from blocked milk ducts or bacterial infections, but non-breastfeeding women and occasionally men can also experience mastitis.
The discomfort can range from mild to severe, sometimes accompanied by fever and chills. Quick and effective treatment is essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications such as abscess formation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches mastitis not just as a localized infection but as a symptom of imbalance within the body's energy, or Qi. It is seen through the lens of Qi Stagnation, Heat, and Phlegm, affecting the smooth flow of energy and fluids in the breast tissue. TCM practitioners seek to identify the unique pattern of disharmony causing the issue, as treatment is tailored to the individual's specific imbalance to restore harmony and health.
In TCM, mastitis is often attributed to the Stagnation of Liver Qi, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to Heat accumulation in the breast. Stress and emotional upset are seen as common culprits, disrupting the flow of Qi and leading to symptoms such as pain and swelling.
The concept of Stomach Fire or Heat is also implicated, where an accumulation of Heat in the Stomach, causing inflammation and infection. The Heat get transfered to the nipple through Stomach Channel. The TCM perspective always circles back to the flow of Qi and balance among the body's organ systems, reflecting a holistic view of health.
Explore below more details about what might cause Mastitis according to TCM.
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Liver Qi Stagnation | mammitis, mastitis, 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 |
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat | mammitis, mastitis, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps... see more | Gua Lou San |
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Liver Qi Stagnation | mammitis, mastitis, 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 |
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat | mammitis, mastitis, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps... see more | Gua Lou San |
For mastitis, TCM recommends formulas that clear Heat, as well as those that move Qi and dispel stagnation. An example is Gua Lou San, which utilizes the cooling properties of Snake Gourds to transform Phlegm and stop cough, effectively addressing the Heat and Qi Stagnation that can underlie mastitis.
Additionally, Tuo Li Xiao Du San, with its key ingredient Milkvetch Roots, is employed to bolster the body's Defensive Qi and address the Toxic Heat that can lead to serious infections. These formulas are chosen based on a careful evaluation of the individual's signs and symptoms to ensure a precise match to their pattern of imbalance.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address mastitis, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause mastitis, such as Liver Qi Stagnation
Learn moreSuitable for Heat patterns that may cause mastitis, such as Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some mastitis-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation or Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat.
One such formula is Gua Lou San, with snake gourd as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some mastitis-causing patterns like Blow Breast (Chui Ru).
One such formula is Tuo Li Xiao Du San, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Tuo Li Xiao Du San | Blow Breast (Chui Ru) |
Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Not applicable |
Mastitis can be treated by formulas that clear external abscesses and sores if it is due to localized infections or inflammations on the skin.
One such formula is Shi Wei Bai Du San, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Shi Wei Bai Du San | Not applicable |
Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin | Not applicable |
Mastitis 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.
Mastitis can be treated by these formulas when there's an imbalance between the Liver and Spleen systems, often manifesting as digestive disturbances and emotional fluctuations.
One such formula is Si Ni San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Mastitis can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Xiao Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Acupuncture points along the Stomach Channel, such as Rugen ST-18, located in the fifth intercostal space on the mammillary line, are often selected for their effectiveness in benefiting the breasts and regulating Qi in the chest.
By stimulating these points, TCM practitioners aim to enhance local Qi circulation, reduce inflammation, and alleviate the pain associated with mastitis. This local treatment is often complemented by points that systematically address the underlying patterns of disharmony throughout the body.
See more details below about Rugen ST-18, an acupoint used to address mastitis.
In the 5nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.