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Uneven Milk Supplyaccording to TCM

Causes Icon 3 causes Herbal Formulas Icon 2 herbal formulas Herbs Icon 2 herbs

Symptom family: Breastfeeding Conditions

Root Causes of Uneven Milk Supply in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Uneven milk supply according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Heat
  • Liver
  • Stomach
Detailed description of the cause

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 Uneven Milk Supply

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Uneven milk supply, 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
Detailed description of the cause

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 Uneven Milk Supply

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat Uneven milk supply, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps... see more Gua Lou San
Detailed description of the cause

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 Uneven Milk Supply

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Uneven milk supply, 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
Detailed description of the cause

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 Uneven Milk Supply

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

TCM Herbal Formulas for Uneven Milk Supply

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Heat
  • Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
  • Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Gua Lou San

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause uneven milk supply, such as Liver Qi Stagnation

Learn more

Top Formula for Heat:
Gua Lou San

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause uneven milk supply, such as Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat

Learn more

Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity

These formulas are suitable for some uneven milk supply-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.

Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores

These formulas are suitable for some uneven milk supply-causing patterns like Jealous Breast (Du Ru) or Blow Breast (Chui Ru).

One such formula is Tuo Li Xiao Du San, with milkvetch root as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Uneven Milk Supply

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address uneven milk supply, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency

Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough

Uneven milk supply can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.

One such herb is Snake Gourds (Gua Lou), a key herb in some formulas recommended for uneven milk supply, like Gua Lou San.

Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency

Uneven milk supply can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.

One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for uneven milk supply, like Tuo Li Xiao Du San.