Ovarian Cystsaccording to TCM

Symptom families: Gynecological Conditions, Lumps, Swellings & Abscesses

Parent symptom: Cysts

Did you mean? Uterine Cysts

What are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets within or on the surface of an ovary. Women have two ovaries — each about the size and shape of an almond — located on each side of the uterus. Eggs (ova), which develop and mature in the ovaries, are released in monthly cycles during the childbearing years.

Many women will have ovarian cysts at some point during their lives. While most cysts are benign and may resolve on their own without treatment, some may cause symptoms such as abdominal bloating, pain during bowel movements, menstrual irregularities, or pain in the lower back or thighs.

How does TCM view Ovarian Cysts?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches ovarian cysts not as isolated phenomena but as signals of disharmony within the body's system. TCM practitioners believe that cysts form due to imbalances in the body's vital energy (Qi), Blood, Yin, and Yang, leading to conditions such as Dampness, Phlegm, or Blood Stasis.

Understanding and treating these underlying imbalances is key in TCM, aiming to restore harmony and health to the entire body, not just addressing the cysts themselves.

Root Causes of Ovarian Cysts in TCM

In TCM, the development of ovarian cysts is often attributed to the accumulation of Dampness and Phlegm in the Uterus, leading to blockages and stagnation in the reproductive system, manifest as ovarian cysts, accompanied by symptoms like delayed menstruation, abdominal heaviness, and fatigue.

These conditions reflect an imbalance in the body’s ability to metabolize fluids and maintain the smooth flow of Qi and Blood. Addressing these root causes through TCM practices such as herbal medicine and acupuncture is essential for resolving cysts and promoting overall reproductive health.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Phlegm
  • 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 Ovarian 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

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 Ovarian 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 Ovarian 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

TCM Herbal Formulas for Ovarian Cysts

To treat ovarian cysts, TCM utilizes herbal formulas that aim to dry Dampness, transform Phlegm, and regulate Qi. Formulas like Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan and Wei Ling Tang are commonly prescribed. Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan, containing Coco-Grass Rhizomes (Xiang Fu), focuses on regulating Qi and drying Dampness, while Wei Ling Tang, with Water plantain (Ze Xie), works to expel Dampness and promote the draining of fluids. These treatments exemplify TCM’s holistic approach, addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying imbalances contributing to the formation of ovarian cysts.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Phlegm
  • Dampness
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that expel dampness
  • Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge

All Formulas Recommended for Ovarian 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

All Formulas Recommended for Ovarian 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 ovarian 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 Ovarian Cysts

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

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Herbs that regulate qi
  • Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
  • Herbs that drain dampness
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency

"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for ovarian cysts

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

"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for ovarian cysts

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