What is Cysts?

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form in various parts of the body due to a multitude of reasons, including blockages of ducts, infections, or around foreign bodies. They can vary in size and are generally noncancerous. Some common types include sebaceous cysts, which form under the skin, ovarian cysts within the ovaries, and lower abdominal fibroids and cysts, often associated with the reproductive system in women. Their appearance can be alarming, but they are a common condition that can be effectively managed with proper medical attention.

How does TCM view Cysts?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cysts are seen as manifestations of underlying imbalances within the body's Qi (energy) and Blood, influenced by factors like Dampness, Phlegm, or Heat. TCM doesn't just treat the symptoms but aims to identify and correct the pattern of disharmony causing the cysts.

This holistic approach ensures that treatment addresses not only the cyst itself but also the environmental and emotional factors that may contribute to its development, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence and promoting overall well-being.

Root Causes of Cysts in TCM

Cysts, in the eyes of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), are not just isolated symptoms but signals of deeper imbalances, particularly involving what TCM practitioners identify as the Toxic-Heat pattern. This concept reflects a state where excessive heat and toxins accumulate in the body, leading to inflammation, blockages, and ultimately the formation of cysts.

Such conditions manifest when the body's natural detoxification processes are overwhelmed, causing disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, and resulting in the growth of fluid-filled sacs or cysts.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Phlegm
  • Blood Stasis
  • Dampness
  • Uterus
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Cysts

Common Symptoms: Amenorrhea Infertility Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Late Menstruation Scanty Menstruation Lower Abdominal Pain Abdominal Heaviness Stifling Sensation In The Chest

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus Ovarian cysts, Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness... see more Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan | Wei Ling Tang | Wan Dai Tang | Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus Fibroids and cysts in the lower abdomen, Persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, Lower abdominal distension and pain that increases with pressure, Lower abdominal fibroids and cysts, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Abdominal pain, Prolonged lochia, Infertility, Postpartum hemorrhage, Retained placenta... see more Gui Zhi Fu Ling 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 Cysts

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus Fibroids and cysts in the lower abdomen, Persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, Lower abdominal distension and pain that increases with pressure, Lower abdominal fibroids and cysts, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Abdominal pain, Prolonged lochia, Infertility, Postpartum hemorrhage, Retained placenta... see more Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Cysts

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus Ovarian cysts, Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness... see more Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan | Wei Ling Tang | Wan Dai Tang | Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Uterus

In TCM the Uterus (or "Bao Gong") is not just a reproductive organ but a vital system closely linked to Kidney energy, responsible for menstrual health, fertility, and pregnancy. It's also connected to the Heart and Liver, reflecting the importance of emotional and blood health in reproductive wellness. In TCM, the Uterus is seen as a reservoir of Blood and Qi, crucial for reproductive health and general vitality. When the Uterus malfunctions or is imbalanced, it can lead to menstrual irregularities, infertility, miscarriages, or menopausal symptoms. Additionally, there might be symptoms like lower abdominal pain or emotional disturbances such as mood swings, often linked to Liver Qi stagnation. These manifestations highlight the TCM perspective that the health of the Uterus is intertwined with the overall balance of energy and blood in the body, as well as emotional well-being.... see more

Uterus Patterns That Can Lead to Cysts

Common Symptoms: Amenorrhea Infertility Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Late Menstruation Scanty Menstruation Lower Abdominal Pain Abdominal Heaviness Stifling Sensation In The Chest

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus Ovarian cysts, Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness... see more Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan | Wei Ling Tang | Wan Dai Tang | Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus Fibroids and cysts in the lower abdomen, Persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, Lower abdominal distension and pain that increases with pressure, Lower abdominal fibroids and cysts, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Abdominal pain, Prolonged lochia, Infertility, Postpartum hemorrhage, Retained placenta... see more Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Cysts

To counteract the Toxic-Heat pattern that can lead to the development of cysts, TCM turns to its rich pharmacopeia of herbal formulas, each meticulously composed to target specific imbalances within the body. Among these, Shi Wei Bai Du San stands out for its proficiency in clearing heat and purging toxins, courtesy of key ingredients like Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng). Fang Feng, known for its pungent sweetness and warmth, plays a crucial role in dispelling wind and dampness, alleviating inflammation, and enhancing the body's own healing mechanisms.

By addressing the root cause — the toxic heat — this approach not only seeks to resolve the immediate issue of cysts but also to restore long-term harmony and balance to the body's internal landscape, preventing recurrence and promoting overall health and wellness.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Phlegm
  • Blood Stasis
  • Dampness
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
  • Formulas that clear wind-Cold
  • Formulas that expel dampness
  • Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation

All Formulas Recommended for Cysts Caused by Phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Wei Ling Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Wan Dai Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus

All Formulas Recommended for Cysts Caused by Dampness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Wei Ling Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Wan Dai Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus

All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for cysts

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus

TCM Herbs for Cysts

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address cysts, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood
  • Herbs that drain dampness
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Herbs that regulate qi
  • Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency

"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for cysts

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) Shi Wei Bai Du San
Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) Shi Wei Bai Du San
Ephedra (Ma Huang) Da Qing Long Tang
Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan

"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for cysts

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Leeches (Shui Zhi) Not applicable
Flying Squirrel Faeces (Wu Ling Zhi) Not applicable

"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for cysts

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Water Plantain (Ze Xie) Wei Ling Tang
Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan

"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for cysts

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) Wan Dai Tang
Yam (Shan Yao) Wan Dai Tang