Breast Lumps in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different breast lumps patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Breast lumps are growths or firm masses that develop within the breast tissue. They are among the most common breast irregularities and a frequent cause of concern for many, although most lumps are benign. The discovery of a lump warrants medical evaluation, as it is crucial to rule out breast cancer. Synonymous terms for breast lumps include breast masses and breast nodules, each referring to the same potential symptom of a variety of breast conditions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets breast lumps as manifestations of imbalances within the body's energy systems. Unlike Western medicine that views lumps as isolated symptoms, TCM considers them signals of deeper disharmonies, often involving Qi Atagnation or Blood stasis.
Recognizing the specific TCM pattern causing the lump is essential because it guides the bespoke herbal treatment and acupuncture strategies.
TCM Patterns for Breast Lumps
Qi Stagnation
Causes: Breast lumps, Breast nodules
Liver Qi Stagnation
Breast lumps, Breast nodules
Along with: 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, Melasma
Qi And Blood Stagnation
Breast lumps
Along with: 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, Melasma
Blood Stasis
Causes: Breast lumps
Qi And Blood Stagnation
Breast lumps
Along with: 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, Melasma
Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
Breast lumps
Along with: Irregular periods, Brown vaginal discharge, Dark menstrual clots, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Lower abdominal pain, Umbilical pain, Breast engorgement, Breast pain
Heat
Causes: Breast lumps, Breast nodules
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Breast lumps, Breast nodules
Along with: Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Thirst, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia
Herbal Formulas for Breast Lumps
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address breast lumps
Gua Lou San
Addresses these breast lumps patterns:
Main Actions
- Remove breast carbuncle (mastitis) after birth giving
Addresses These Breast Lumps Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Breast lumps, Breast nodules
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
How it manifests:
Breast lumps, Breast nodules
Accompanying symptoms:
Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Thirst...
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
Addresses these breast lumps patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Transforms Blood Stasis
- Softens lumps
- Reduces fixed abdominal pain
Addresses These Breast Lumps Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
How it manifests:
Breast lumps
Accompanying symptoms:
Irregular periods, Brown vaginal discharge, Dark menstrual clots, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia...
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Breast lumps
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these breast lumps patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm
- Stops pain
- Promotes Qi movement
Addresses These Breast Lumps Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Breast lumps
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Wen Jing Tang
Addresses these breast lumps patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Uterus and vessels
- Nourishes Blood
- Dispels Cold
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Breast Lumps Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Breast lumps
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these breast lumps patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Addresses These Breast Lumps Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Breast lumps, Breast nodules
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Addresses these breast lumps patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver and Spleen Qi Stagnation
- Tonifies Spleen
- Clears Deficient Heat
- Nourishes the blood
Addresses These Breast Lumps Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Breast lumps, Breast nodules
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Yue Ju Wan
Addresses these breast lumps patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness)
Addresses These Breast Lumps Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Breast lumps, Breast nodules
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these breast lumps patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
- Alleviates pain
- Harmonizes Blood
Addresses These Breast Lumps Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Breast lumps, Breast nodules
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Yi Guan Jian
Addresses these breast lumps patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Spreads the Liver Qi
Addresses These Breast Lumps Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Breast lumps, Breast nodules
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Xia Ru Yong Quan San
Addresses these breast lumps patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Blood
- Increases breast milk supply
Addresses These Breast Lumps Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Breast lumps, Breast nodules
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...