Breast Lumpsaccording to TCM
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
- Qi Stagnation
- Blood Stasis
- Heat
- View More Causes
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 Melasma Menstrual Cramps
| 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, Melasma... 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, Melasma... see more | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Wen Jing Tang |
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
- Qi Stagnation
- Blood Stasis
- Heat
- View More Causes
Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Gua Lou San
Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause breast lumps, such as Liver Qi Stagnation
Learn moreAll 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 |
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
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
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
Between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, on the medial side of the tendon of extensor digitorum longus muscle of the little toe.
