Lipomasaccording to TCM

What is Lipomas?

Lipomas are benign tumors composed of adipose tissue, making them the most common form of soft tissue tumor. These growths are typically soft, movable under the skin, and painless, ranging in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters across.

Lipomas can appear on any part of the body, but they are most frequently found on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs. Their slow growth and benign nature mean they usually do not pose serious health risks, but they can be a cosmetic concern or cause discomfort if they grow large or occur in clusters.

How does TCM view Lipomas?

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), lipomas are seen as manifestations of internal disharmony within the body, specifically related to the Stagnation or Rebellions of Qi (vital energy) and the accumulation of Dampness and Phlegm.

TCM does not view lipomas merely as isolated physical occurrences but as indicators of underlying imbalances that need to be addressed holistically. Treatment approaches in TCM aim to restore balance and harmony within the body, emphasizing the flow of Qi, strengthening the spleen to address Dampness, and resolving Phlegm to shrink or eliminate lipomas.

Acupoints for Lipomas

In the realm of TCM, acupuncture points (acupoints) are utilized to treat a variety of conditions, including lipomas, by restoring the flow of Qi and addressing the root causes of the disharmony. One specific acupoint recommended for lipomas is Fenglong ST-40, located on the Stomach Channel.

This point is known for its effectiveness in resolving Dampness and Phlegm, which are considered the primary factors in the formation of lipomas according to TCM. By stimulating Fenglong ST-40, practitioners aim to enhance the body's natural healing processes, potentially reducing the size of lipomas or preventing their further growth.

See more details below about Fenglong ST-40, an acupoint used to address lipomas.

Fenglong ST-40

Midway between Dubi ST-35 and Jiexi ST-41, two middle finger-width from the anterior crest of the tibia, or one middle finger-width from Tiaokou ST-38.