Nipple Fissureaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Breastfeeding Conditions
Root Causes of Nipple Fissure in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Nipple fissure according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Qi Stagnation
- Heat
- Liver
- Stomach
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 Nipple Fissure
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Qi Stagnation | Breast skin cracks, 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 |
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 Nipple Fissure
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat | Breast skin cracks, 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 Nipple Fissure
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Qi Stagnation | Breast skin cracks, 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 |
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 Nipple Fissure
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat | Breast skin cracks, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps... see more | Gua Lou San |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Nipple Fissure
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address nipple fissure, 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
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
- Formulas that promote qi movement
Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Gua Lou San
Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause nipple fissure, such as Liver Qi Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Nipple Fissure Caused by Qi Stagnation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Gua Lou San | Liver Qi Stagnation |
| Xia Ru Yong Quan San | Liver Qi Stagnation |
| Xiao Yao San | Liver Qi Stagnation |
| Yue Ju Wan | Liver Qi Stagnation |
Top Formula for Heat:
Gua Lou San
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause nipple fissure, such as Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Learn moreFormulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
These formulas are suitable for some nipple fissure-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 nipple fissure-causing patterns like Blow Breast (Chui Ru).
One such formula is Tuo Li Xiao Du San, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some nipple fissure-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation.
One such formula is Xia Ru Yong Quan San, with dong quai as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen
These formulas are suitable for some nipple fissure-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation.
One such formula is Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that promote Qi movement
These formulas are suitable for some nipple fissure-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation.
One such formula is Yue Ju Wan, with atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Nipple Fissure
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address nipple fissure, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Nipple fissure 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 nipple fissure, like Tuo Li Xiao Du San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for nipple fissure
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Tuo Li Xiao Du San |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Yue Ju Wan |
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Nipple fissure 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 nipple fissure, like Gua Lou San.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Nipple fissure can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Dong Quai (Dang Gui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nipple fissure, like Xia Ru Yong Quan San.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Nipple fissure can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nipple fissure, like Xiao Yao San.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Nipple fissure can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nipple fissure, like Yue Ju Wan.