Nipple Fissureaccording to TCM

Symptom family: Breastfeeding Conditions

Root Causes of Nipple Fissure in TCM

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Heat
  • Liver
  • Stomach
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Nipple Fissure

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Breast skin cracks, 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... see more Gua Lou San | Xia Ru Yong Quan San | Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Nipple Fissure

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat Breast skin cracks, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps... see more Gua Lou San
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Nipple Fissure

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Breast skin cracks, 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... see more Gua Lou San | Xia Ru Yong Quan San | Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Nipple Fissure

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat Breast skin cracks, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps... see more Gua Lou San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Nipple Fissure

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Heat
  • Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
  • Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
  • Formulas that promote qi movement

All Formulas Recommended for Nipple Fissure Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Gua Lou San Liver Qi Stagnation
Xia Ru Yong Quan San Liver Qi Stagnation
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan Liver Qi Stagnation

TCM Herbs for Nipple Fissure

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

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood

"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for nipple fissure

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) Tuo Li Xiao Du San
Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) Yue Ju Wan