Pre Menstrual Breast Distensionaccording to TCM

What is Pre Menstrual Breast Distension?

Pre menstrual breast distension refers to the swelling and tenderness of the breasts experienced by many women in the days leading up to their menstrual period. This common symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can range from mild discomfort to significant pain, often accompanied by a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the breast tissue.

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, particularly the increase in estrogen and progesterone, are believed to be the primary cause of this condition, affecting the breasts' ductal system and leading to fluid retention and swelling.

How does TCM view Pre Menstrual Breast Distension?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic perspective on pre menstrual breast distension, viewing it as a manifestation of underlying imbalances within the body's energy system, or Qi, and the flow of blood.

According to TCM, this condition is often the result of Qi Stagnation or the accumulation of Heat in the body, which disrupts the natural flow of energy and blood, leading to symptoms like breast distension. Identifying and correcting these imbalances through a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and lifestyle adjustments is central to TCM's approach, aiming to restore harmony and relieve discomfort.

Root Causes of Pre Menstrual Breast Distension in TCM

Qi Stagnation, especially within the Liver, can cause emotional stress, mood swings, and physical symptoms like breast distension as Qi fails to flow freely. Liver Qi Stagnation, marked by emotional upheaval and physical discomfort, is a common pattern associated with PMS.

Heat in the body, particularly when Liver Qi Stagnation turns into Fire, can intensify symptoms, contributing to feelings of oppression, irritability, and further distension. Addressing these root causes is key to alleviating pre menstrual breast discomfort.

Explore below more details about what might cause Pre menstrual breast distension according to TCM.

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 Pre Menstrual Breast Distension

Common Symptoms: Depression Irritability Mood Swings Irregular Periods Breast Engorgement Globus Sensation Abdominal Pain General Fullness

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Qi Stagnation	Premenstrual breast distension, General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing	Xiao Yao San | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Wu Yao Tang
Liver Qi Stagnation	Premenstrual breast distension, 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	Xiao Yao San | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Yi Guan Jian
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire	Premenstrual breast distension, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling hot, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more	Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

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 Pre Menstrual Breast Distension

Common Symptoms: Irritability Feeling Hot Flushed Face Thirst Excessive Menstruation Constipation Dry Stools Dark Menstrual Blood

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire	Premenstrual breast distension, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling hot, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more	Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Heat in the Blood	Pre-menstrual breast distention, Feeling hot, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Hemoptysis, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation... see more	Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Qing Jing San | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Liang Di Tang | Di Gu Pi Yin

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 Pre Menstrual Breast Distension

Common Symptoms: Hypochondriac Distention Upper Abdominal Distension Melancholia Depression Mood Swings Irregular Periods Globus Sensation Pre Menstrual Tension

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation	Premenstrual breast distension, 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	Xiao Yao San | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Yi Guan Jian
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire	Premenstrual breast distension, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling hot, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more	Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Pre Menstrual Breast Distension

For Qi Stagnation, Xiao Yao San, a formula that harmonizes the Liver and Spleen, is frequently recommended. It contains Bupleurum Roots, which help ease Qi flow and mitigate symptoms of distension.

In cases where Liver Qi Stagnation evolves into Fire, Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, which includes Mudan Peony Bark, cools Liver-Heat and alleviates emotional and physical tension. When Heat accumulates in the Blood, leading to intense premenstrual discomfort, Jia Wei Xiao Yao San can restore balance, cooling the Blood and smoothing Liver Qi to relieve distension and associated symptoms.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address pre menstrual breast distension, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Xiao Yao San

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause pre menstrual breast distension, such as Qi Stagnation or Liver Qi Stagnation

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All Formulas Recommended for Pre Menstrual Breast Distension Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Xiao Yao San	Qi Stagnation, Liver Qi Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San	Qi Stagnation, Liver Qi Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San	Liver Qi Stagnation
Wu Yao Tang	Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan	Liver Qi Stagnation
Yi Guan Jian	Liver Qi Stagnation
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San	Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

Top Formula for Heat:
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause pre menstrual breast distension, such as Heat in the Blood

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Pre Menstrual Breast Distension Caused by Heat

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San	Heat in the Blood
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San	Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Qing Jing San	Heat in the Blood
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang	Heat in the Blood
Liang Di Tang	Heat in the Blood
Di Gu Pi Yin	Heat in the Blood

Acupoints for Pre Menstrual Breast Distension

Acupuncture plays a significant role in managing pre menstrual breast distension by targeting specific points to enhance Qi flow and reduce discomfort. Rugen ST-18, located in the fifth intercostal space on the mammillary line, is particularly effective.

Stimulating this point can regulate Qi within the chest and alleviate the tenderness and swelling of the breasts associated with PMS, offering a non-invasive option for women seeking relief from pre menstrual breast distension.

See more details below about Rugen ST-18, an acupoint used to address pre menstrual breast distension.

Rugen ST-18

In the 5nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.