Thin Breast Milkaccording to TCM

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Symptom family: Breastfeeding Conditions

Root Causes of Thin Breast Milk in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Thin breast milk according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Phlegm
  • Spleen
  • Stomach
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Thin Breast Milk

Common Symptoms: Generalized Fatigue Weak Voice Pale Face Shortness Of Breath Dizziness Lack Of Appetite Low Milk Supply Lower Abdominal Pain

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi and Blood Deficiency Watery milk, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more Si Wu Tang | Tong Ru Dan
Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency Watery milk, Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Blurry vision, Deafness, Tinnitus, Shortness of breath, Weak voice, Pale face, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Ba Zhen Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Thin Breast Milk

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi and Blood Deficiency Watery milk, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more Si Wu Tang | Tong Ru Dan
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Thin Breast Milk

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Watery milk, Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Thin Breast Milk

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency Watery milk, Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Blurry vision, Deafness, Tinnitus, Shortness of breath, Weak voice, Pale face, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Ba Zhen Tang
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 Thin Breast Milk

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency Watery milk, Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Blurry vision, Deafness, Tinnitus, Shortness of breath, Weak voice, Pale face, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Ba Zhen Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Thin Breast Milk

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Phlegm
  • Formulas that tonify blood
  • Formulas that regulate blood
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that tonify
  • Formulas that tonify qi and blood

All Formulas Recommended for Thin Breast Milk Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Si Wu Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency
Tong Ru Dan Qi and Blood Deficiency
Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency
Ba Zhen Tang Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Thin Breast Milk Caused by Blood Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Si Wu Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency
Tong Ru Dan Qi and Blood Deficiency

TCM Herbs for Thin Breast Milk

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

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Herbs that regulate qi
  • Aromatic herbs that transform dampness

"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for thin breast milk

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) Si Wu Tang | Ba Zhen Tang
White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) Si Wu Tang | Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang

"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for thin breast milk

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Ginseng (Ren Shen) Tong Ru Dan | Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Ba Zhen Tang
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) Tong Ru Dan