What are Lumps?

Lumps refer to any noticeable swelling or bulge under the skin, varying greatly in size and texture. They can appear anywhere on the body and may result from numerous causes, including infections, inflammation, tumors, or cysts. Lumps are common and often benign, but depending on their cause and characteristics, they can sometimes indicate a more serious condition. Their nature—whether soft, hard, painful, or painless—provides essential clues to their underlying causes.

How does TCM view Lumps?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets lumps as manifestations of internal imbalances and blockages within the body's energy pathways, or meridians. According to TCM, the presence of lumps signals disharmony among the body's vital energies, particularly Qi (life force), Blood, Phlegm, and bodily Fluids.

The treatment focuses on restoring balance, enhancing Qi flow, and addressing the specific disharmony causing the lumps, with the understanding that the external symptom (the lump) is a reflection of an internal ailment.

Root Causes of Lumps in TCM

In TCM, lumps are often attributed to the Stagnation of Qi and Blood or the accumulation of Phlegm and Heat. For instance, Phlegm and Blood Stasis can lead to palpable masses that are either movable or fixed and painful. These conditions might arise from emotional stress, dietary imbalances, external pathogenic factors, or a combination of these. TCM treatments aim to invigorate Blood, transform Phlegm, clear Heat, and circulate Qi to dissolve lumps and restore health.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
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 Lumps

Common Symptoms: Abdominal Masses Menstrual Cramps Dark Menstrual Clots Dark Menstrual Blood Amenorrhea Irregular Periods Restlessness Dark Face

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Blood Stagnation Lumps, Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood... see more Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Di Dang Tang | Dan Shen Yin | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Hai Tong Pi Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang | Yu Lin Zhu
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

TCM Herbal Formulas for Lumps

For lumps resulting from Phlegm and Heat accumulation, formulas like Xiao Xian Xiong Tang, which includes Snake Gourds (Gua Lou) to transform Phlegm and clear Heat, are commonly prescribed. Similarly, for lumps caused by Blood Stasis, Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, featuring Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), helps invigorate Blood and dispel Stasis.

These formulas, among others, are tailored to address the specific pattern of disharmony identified through TCM diagnostic methods, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment that targets both the symptoms and their root causes.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Lumps Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels, Qi And Blood Stagnation... see more
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang Blood Stagnation
Di Dang Tang Blood Stagnation
Dan Shen Yin Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan Blood Stagnation
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang Blood Stagnation
Hai Tong Pi Tang Blood Stagnation
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang Blood Stagnation
Yu Lin Zhu Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation

Acupoints for Lumps

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

  • By Meridian
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Kidney Channel
  • Stomach 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.

Added to Cart