Breast Pruritusaccording to TCM

What is Breast Pruritus?

Breast pruritus, commonly known as breast itching, is a sensation that causes a desire to scratch the skin of the breasts. This condition varies in intensity and can be either a temporary annoyance or a symptom of a more serious medical condition. It's essential to understand that while breast pruritus is often a benign and common experience, persistent or intense itching should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How Does TCM View Breast Pruritus?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), breast pruritus is seen as a manifestation of internal imbalances rather than just a surface-level skin issue. TCM emphasizes understanding the root cause of symptoms, focusing on the imbalances in the body's vital energies and elements.

According to TCM, symptoms like breast pruritus are signals indicating disharmony within the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. The approach to treatment in TCM involves identifying these imbalances and restoring harmony, which differs from the symptomatic treatment approach often seen in Western medicine.

Root Causes of Breast Pruritus in TCM

In the TCM perspective, breast pruritus is often associated with patterns of Qi Stagnation and Internal Heat. Liver Qi Stagnation, for instance, can manifest as itchiness in the breast area. This pattern is typically accompanied by additional symptoms such as mood swings, chest and abdominal distension, suggesting a disruption in the smooth flow of Qi leading to the itching sensation. Similarly,

Heat patterns, like Stomach Fire or Heat, may also cause breast pruritus. These patterns are often identified by accompanying symptoms such as headaches and dental issues, indicative of an internal Heat condition. TCM treatments for these patterns focus on clearing Heat and resolving the underlying imbalances causing the symptom.

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

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 Pruritus

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation	Breast skin ichiness, 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

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 Pruritus

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

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 Pruritus

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation	Breast skin ichiness, 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

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 Pruritus

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

TCM Herbal Formulas for Breast Pruritus

In addressing breast pruritus, TCM employs various herbal formulas tailored to the specific pattern of disharmony identified in the patient. For patterns related to Qi stagnation, formulations like Gua Lou San, which contain Snake Gourds (Gua Lou), are often used. These herbs are known for their ability to transform Phlegm and stop Cough, which, in TCM terms, is associated with easing Qi Stagnation.

The same formula, due to its cooling properties, can also be effective for Heat patterns, illustrating the multifaceted applications of TCM formulas based on the symptom's underlying cause.

For more complex patterns like 'Blow Breast', which includes symptoms like breast pus discharge and mastitis, formulas such as Tuo Li Xiao Du San with Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) are recommended. These focus on clearing internal abscesses and sores, addressing Qi deficiency at the root of the symptoms. This exemplifies the personalized nature of TCM treatment, where remedies are carefully selected based on the individual's unique pattern of disharmony.

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

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Gua Lou San

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause breast pruritus, such as Liver Qi Stagnation

Learn more

Top Formula for Heat:
Gua Lou San

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause breast pruritus, such as Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat

Learn more

TCM Herbs for Breast Pruritus

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address breast pruritus, organized by herb category.