Symptom family: Chest Discomfort & Sensations

Did you mean? Chest Pain

What is Breast Pain?

Breast pain, also referred to medically as mastalgia, involves discomfort or pain in one or both breasts. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe and can vary in its frequency and duration. The condition is not uncommon and can be influenced by various factors including hormonal changes, which often relate to menstrual cycles, or it might be associated with certain medical conditions or medications. Breast pain alone is generally not a sign of breast cancer; however, persistent pain warrants medical evaluation.

How does TCM view Breast Pain?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches breast pain as a symptom indicative of underlying imbalances within the body’s energetic system. Unlike Western medicine that often focuses on localized treatment, TCM considers breast pain a reflection of systemic issues, particularly involving Qi (vital energy) and Blood flow.

The philosophy of TCM holds that effective treatment requires a thorough understanding of the root cause of the pain, identified through a detailed assessment of the body’s patterns of disharmony. This holistic approach aims to restore balance and ensure the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body.

Root Causes of Breast Pain in TCM

In TCM, breast pain is commonly associated with two major patterns: Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis. Qi Stagnation often involves emotional distress that disrupts the flow of energy in the body, leading to symptoms like chest distension and irregular menstrual cycles alongside breast pain. The stagnation primarily affects the Liver, which in TCM is crucial for the smooth flow of Qi and blood. Treatments focus on relieving this stagnation using herbs like Gua Lou San, which helps ease the chest and regulate Qi.

Blood Stasis, on the other hand, refers to the obstruction of Blood flow, which can cause sharp, stabbing pain and swelling in the breasts. This condition is often treated with formulas like Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, which invigorates blood circulation and breaks up the stasis. By addressing these underlying imbalances, TCM aims to alleviate symptoms and promote overall health.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • 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 Breast Pain

Common Symptoms: Chest Distension Dark Face Irritability Mood Swings Depression Menstrual Cramps Dark Menstrual Blood Irregular Periods

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation Breast pain, 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 Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Wu Yao Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Wei Jing Tang
Liver Qi Stagnation Breast pain, 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 | Xia Ru Yong Quan San | Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan
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 Breast Pain

Common Symptoms: Irritability Abdominal Masses Menstrual Cramps Amenorrhea Dark Menstrual Clots Dark Menstrual Blood Prolonged Lochia Irregular Periods

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation Breast pain, 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 Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Wu Yao Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Wei Jing Tang
Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels Breast pain, Irregular periods, Brown vaginal discharge, Dark menstrual clots, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Lower abdominal pain, Umbilical pain, Breast engorgement, Anxiety... see more Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
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 Breast Pain

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat Breast pain, 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 Breast Pain

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Breast pain, 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 | Xia Ru Yong Quan San | Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan
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 Breast Pain

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

TCM Herbal Formulas for Breast Pain

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), treating breast pain involves addressing underlying imbalances. For Qi And Blood Stagnation, Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, which contains Szechuan Lovage Roots, invigorates Blood and disperses Stagnation, easing pain and enhancing circulation.

Gua Lou San is used for Liver Qi Stagnation, helping to clear Heat and transform Phlegm, thus smoothing Liver Qi and reducing emotional distress. For pronounced Blood Stasis, Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan, with Cinnamon twigs, breaks up Blood stasis and improves Qi flow, alleviating pain and menstrual irregularities. Each formula is chosen to restore balance and ensure smooth energy flow, fundamental to TCM's holistic approach.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that promote qi movement
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
  • Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
  • Formulas that tonify blood
  • Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
  • Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold

All Formulas Recommended for Breast Pain Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Gua Lou San Liver Qi Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wu Yao Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wei Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Xia Ru Yong Quan San Liver Qi Stagnation
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan Liver Qi Stagnation

All Formulas Recommended for Breast Pain Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wu Yao Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wei Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels

All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for breast pain

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
Xia Ru Yong Quan San Liver Qi Stagnation

All "formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores" recommended for breast pain

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Tuo Li Xiao Du San Jealous Breast (Du Ru), Blow Breast (Chui Ru)
Wei Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation

All "formulas that promote qi movement" recommended for breast pain

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Wu Yao Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan Liver Qi Stagnation

All "formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen" recommended for breast pain

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation

Acupoints for Breast Pain

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as a treatment for breast pain, targeting specific acupoints that enhance energy flow and reduce discomfort. Points like Diwuhui GB-42 and Jianjing GB-21 are crucial for resolving Liver Qi Stagnation and clearing the Gall Bladder channel, which can significantly alleviate pain. Rugen ST-18 and Wuyi ST-15 on the Stomach channel are also beneficial for regulating Qi in the chest and harmonizing the Stomach Qi, directly influencing breast health.

By integrating these targeted treatments, TCM offers a comprehensive approach to managing breast pain, emphasizing the restoration of internal harmony and the proper flow of Qi and blood.

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

  • By Meridian
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Stomach Channel
  • Kidney Channel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Small Intestine Channel
  • Directing Vessel
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.

Wuyi ST-15

Wuyi ST-15

In the 2nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Rugen ST-18

Rugen ST-18

In the 5nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Youmen KID-21

Youmen KID-21

6 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun below the sternocostal angle, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Shenfeng KID-23

Shenfeng KID-23

In the 4th intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Huangmen BL-51

Huangmen BL-51

3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra (L1).

Tianzong SI-11

Tianzong SI-11

In the intrascapular fossa, at the junction of the upper and middle third of the distance between the lower border of the scapular spine and the inferior angle of the scapula.

Yutang REN-18

Yutang REN-18

On the midline of the chest, on the level of the 3rd intercostal space.