Mastitisaccording to TCM

What is Mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the breast, often associated with redness, swelling, and pain. It can affect lactating mothers, where it typically results from blocked milk ducts or bacterial infections, but non-breastfeeding women and occasionally men can also experience mastitis.

The discomfort can range from mild to severe, sometimes accompanied by fever and chills. Quick and effective treatment is essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications such as abscess formation.

How does TCM View Mastitis?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches mastitis not just as a localized infection but as a symptom of imbalance within the body's energy, or Qi. It is seen through the lens of Qi Stagnation, Heat, and Phlegm, affecting the smooth flow of energy and fluids in the breast tissue. TCM practitioners seek to identify the unique pattern of disharmony causing the issue, as treatment is tailored to the individual's specific imbalance to restore harmony and health.

Root Causes of Mastitis in TCM

In TCM, mastitis is often attributed to the Stagnation of Liver Qi, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to Heat accumulation in the breast. Stress and emotional upset are seen as common culprits, disrupting the flow of Qi and leading to symptoms such as pain and swelling.

The concept of Stomach Fire or Heat is also implicated, where an accumulation of Heat in the Stomach, causing inflammation and infection. The Heat get transfered to the nipple through Stomach Channel. The TCM perspective always circles back to the flow of Qi and balance among the body's organ systems, reflecting a holistic view of health.

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

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 Mastitis

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation	mammitis, mastitis, 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

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 Mastitis

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

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 Mastitis

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation	mammitis, mastitis, 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

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 Mastitis

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

TCM Herbal Formulas for Mastitis

For mastitis, TCM recommends formulas that clear Heat, as well as those that move Qi and dispel stagnation. An example is Gua Lou San, which utilizes the cooling properties of Snake Gourds to transform Phlegm and stop cough, effectively addressing the Heat and Qi Stagnation that can underlie mastitis.

Additionally, Tuo Li Xiao Du San, with its key ingredient Milkvetch Roots, is employed to bolster the body's Defensive Qi and address the Toxic Heat that can lead to serious infections. These formulas are chosen based on a careful evaluation of the individual's signs and symptoms to ensure a precise match to their pattern of imbalance.

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

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Gua Lou San

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause mastitis, such as Liver Qi Stagnation

Learn more

Top Formula for Heat:
Gua Lou San

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause mastitis, such as Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat

Learn more

Acupoints for Mastitis

Acupuncture points along the Stomach Channel, such as Rugen ST-18, located in the fifth intercostal space on the mammillary line, are often selected for their effectiveness in benefiting the breasts and regulating Qi in the chest.

By stimulating these points, TCM practitioners aim to enhance local Qi circulation, reduce inflammation, and alleviate the pain associated with mastitis. This local treatment is often complemented by points that systematically address the underlying patterns of disharmony throughout the body.

See more details below about Rugen ST-18, an acupoint used to address mastitis.

Rugen ST-18

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