Sebaceous Cystsaccording to TCM

What is Sebaceous Cysts?

Sebaceous cysts, also known as epidermal cysts or sebum-filled cysts, are benign lumps that develop beneath the skin, primarily resulting from blocked sebaceous glands. These glands are tasked with producing sebum, an oily substance that helps to keep the skin moisturized and protected. Although these cysts are typically harmless and often painless, they can become inflamed or infected, causing discomfort.

How does TCM view Sebaceous Cysts?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sebaceous cysts are seen through the lens of internal disharmony and imbalance. According to TCM principles, the appearance of such cysts on the skin is a manifestation of deeper issues related to the body's vital energies, or Qi, and the balance of Yin and Yang.

TCM teaches that only by identifying and correcting the underlying disharmony can one effectively treat the cysts and prevent their recurrence. This holistic approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body's systems and the importance of maintaining balance for optimal health.

Causes of Sebaceous Cysts according to TCM

In the TCM framework, sebaceous cysts are often attributed to the accumulation of Phlegm-Fluids or the impact of Exterior Cold invading the body, leading to Interior Heat due to Stagnation. These conditions stem from imbalances in the body's Qi, or vital energy, leading to the disruption of fluid metabolism and the body's ability to regulate temperature and protect itself from external pathogenic factors.

The accumulation of Phlegm-Fluids, in particular, is seen as a blockage that manifests physically as cysts. TCM's diagnostic process aims to identify these underlying patterns of imbalance, offering a more nuanced understanding of the condition and guiding the treatment strategy.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Sebaceous Cysts

Addressing the specific patterns of Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs and Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation, TCM recommends tailored herbal formulas to restore balance and facilitate healing. For these conditions, a treatment approach might involve formulas designed to expel Cold and transform Phlegm, while also addressing the stagnation that contributes to Heat accumulation.

One example could be a modified version of Da Qing Long Tang, incorporating herbs like Ephedra (Ma Huang) for their properties in dispelling Cold and promoting the flow of Qi. Through such targeted treatments, TCM aims to correct the internal imbalances that lead to the development of sebaceous cysts, offering a holistic solution to this skin condition.

See more details below about Da Qing Long Tang, a herbal formula used to address sebaceous cysts.

TCM Herbs for Sebaceous Cysts

See more details below about Ephedra (Ma Huang), a herb used to address sebaceous cysts.