Clogged Milk Ducts in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different clogged milk ducts patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Clogged milk ducts are a common breastfeeding challenge where milk flow is obstructed in one or more ducts of the breast. This condition typically presents as a tender, painful lump in the breast and can occur when milk isn't effectively drained from the breast. Factors contributing to clogged ducts include ineffective lathering, pressure on the breast from tight clothing, or infrequent feeding. If left untreated, clogged ducts can potentially lead to more severe conditions like mastitis.
Western medicine approaches often involve frequent nursing or pumping from the affected breast, applying warm compresses, and gentle massage. The focus is on removing the blockage and maintaining milk flow to prevent further complications.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches clogged milk ducts from a holistic perspective, viewing them as a manifestation of imbalance within the body's energy systems. Unlike Western medicine's focus on physical blockages, TCM considers clogged ducts a result of disrupted Qi (vital energy) flow and imbalances in the body's organs and meridians.
In TCM, symptoms can arise from various patterns of disharmony. It is crucial to identify the specific pattern causing the clogged ducts before initiating treatment. This personalized approach allows for targeted interventions that address the root cause of the issue, rather than merely alleviating symptoms.
TCM Patterns for Clogged Milk Ducts
Heat
Causes: Clogged milk ducts
Stomach Heat or Fire
Clogged milk ducts
Along with: Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Clogged milk ducts
Along with: Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Thirst, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia
Qi Stagnation
Causes: Clogged milk ducts
Liver Qi Stagnation
Clogged milk ducts
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
Herbal Formulas for Clogged Milk Ducts
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address clogged milk ducts
Gua Lou San
Addresses these clogged milk ducts patterns:
Main Actions
- Remove breast carbuncle (mastitis) after birth giving
Addresses These Clogged Milk Ducts Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Clogged milk ducts
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
How it manifests:
Clogged milk ducts
Accompanying symptoms:
Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Thirst...
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these clogged milk ducts patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Addresses These Clogged Milk Ducts Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Clogged milk ducts
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these clogged milk ducts patterns:
Main Actions
- Removes Heat and Dryness in the Lower Burner
- Removes constipation
Addresses These Clogged Milk Ducts Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Clogged milk ducts
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Addresses these clogged milk ducts patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver and Spleen Qi Stagnation
- Tonifies Spleen
- Clears Deficient Heat
- Nourishes the blood
Addresses These Clogged Milk Ducts Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Clogged milk ducts
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Qing Wei San
Addresses these clogged milk ducts patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Stomach Fire
- Cools the Blood
- Nourishes the Yin
Addresses These Clogged Milk Ducts Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Clogged milk ducts
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Yue Ju Wan
Addresses these clogged milk ducts patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness)
Addresses These Clogged Milk Ducts Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Clogged milk ducts
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Xie Huang San
Addresses these clogged milk ducts patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Stagnant Fire from the Spleen and Stomach
Addresses These Clogged Milk Ducts Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Clogged milk ducts
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these clogged milk ducts patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
- Alleviates pain
- Harmonizes Blood
Addresses These Clogged Milk Ducts Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Clogged milk ducts
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Fei Er Wan
Addresses these clogged milk ducts patterns:
Main Actions
- Kills parasites
- Reduces accumulation
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Clogged Milk Ducts Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Clogged milk ducts
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Yi Guan Jian
Addresses these clogged milk ducts patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Spreads the Liver Qi
Addresses These Clogged Milk Ducts Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Clogged milk ducts
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Hua Ban Tang
Addresses these clogged milk ducts patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Cools the Blood
Addresses These Clogged Milk Ducts Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Clogged milk ducts
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...