Health Resources

Soothing the Liver, Regulating Qi, and Resolving Nodules: Safeguarding Women's Breast Health

The breasts are a unique and vital part of a woman's body, serving not only as a symbol of aesthetics but also as an important "window" reflecting endocrine balance, emotions, and overall health. In recent years, due to factors such as high stress, irregular routines, and poor diet, the incidence of breast diseases has risen steadily. Common issues include mammary hyperplasia, breast cysts, breast lumps, and breast tumors, which have become prevalent women's health concerns. Without timely intervention, some benign conditions can deteriorate into serious illnesses or even develop into breast cancer.

Common Breast Diseases Include:

  1. Mammary Hyperplasia: One of the most common breast issues, manifesting as breast distension, pain, and a nodular feeling that typically worsens before menstruation and relieves afterward.
  2. Breast Cysts: Soft, round lumps that can be felt in the breast and may change in size with the menstrual cycle.
  3. Breast Lumps: While some are benign nodules, others could be tumors; diagnosis requires ultrasound or imaging.
  4. Mastitis: Common during breastfeeding, presenting as localized redness, swelling, heat, and pain, sometimes accompanied by fever.
  5. Malignant Breast Tumors: Lumps that are hard, irregular in shape, fixed (poor mobility), and often painless but progress rapidly.

How Does TCM View Breast Diseases?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the breasts are located along the paths of the "Stomach Meridian" and "San Jiao Meridian," and are closely related to the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney organs. Breast diseases are often formed due to emotional distress, Liver Qi stagnation, Spleen deficiency leading to phlegm-dampness, or imbalances in the Chong and Ren meridians. TCM refers to breast lumps as "Ru Pi" or "Ru Yan," emphasizing the following causes:

  • Liver Qi Stagnation: Suppressed emotions, anger, and stress lead to stagnant Liver Qi, obstructing the breast collaterals and forming pain or lumps.
  • Phlegm-Dampness Accumulation: A greasy diet or Spleen deficiency impairs digestion, leading to internal phlegm-dampness that congeals into masses.
  • Chong and Ren Disharmony: Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, postpartum, or breastfeeding cause Qi and Blood disorder and collateral obstruction.
  • Blood Stasis: Cold exposure, trauma, or surgery can cause internal blood stasis, leading to nodules.

TCM Treatment Methods for Breast Diseases

TCM treatment focuses on "Syndrome Differentiation," using a comprehensive approach tailored to the individual:

  1. Oral Herbal Regulation: Herbs such as Chai Hu, Dang Gui, Xiang Fu, and Xia Ku Cao are used to soothe the Liver, regulate Qi, soften hardness, and resolve nodules and phlegm.
  2. Acupuncture Therapy: Stimulating points like Rugen (ST18), Shanzhong (CV17), Taichong (LR3), and Hegu (LI4) to clear the meridians and relieve pain.
  3. External Applications: Herbal pastes or patches applied locally to help activate blood circulation, resolve stasis, and reduce swelling.
  4. Emotional and Dietary Therapy: Psychological counseling combined with a diet of heat-clearing foods like kelp, winter melon, and mung beans.
  5. TDP Heat Therapy: Used alongside herbal medicine to warm the meridians, clear blockages, and soften hard nodules.

TCM Prevention and Conditioning for Breast Health

TCM emphasizes regulating the overall Qi, Blood, and organ functions. This not only relieves local symptoms but also helps prevent recurrence, making it ideal for long-term health maintenance.

It is important to note that many women ignore check-ups in the early stages because they lack obvious symptoms, missing the best window for intervention. Painless breast lumps, in particular, can evolve into malignant lesions if delayed. Therefore, if you notice breast pain or nodules, seek medical attention immediately for a professional assessment.

How to Prevent Breast Disease?

  • Maintain a positive mood; avoid excessive stress, depression, and anxiety.
  • Adjust dietary habits; avoid fried, high-fat, and stimulating foods.
  • Maintain a regular routine and avoid staying up late to keep endocrine balance.
  • Perform regular breast self-exams and clinical screenings.
  • Avoid exposing the breasts to cold, trauma, or excessive/aggressive massage.

Dr Li Rui: Over 30 Years of Focus on Female Breast Regulation

Dr Li Rui graduated from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, holding a Master’s degree in TCM and a Bachelor’s degree in Western Medicine. Having studied under the famous gynecological expert Professor Li Guangrong, she has over thirty years of clinical experience. She specializes in regulating mammary hyperplasia, breast cysts, breast lumps, and various gynecological endocrine disorders. She advocates for an approach that regulates the Liver, Spleen, and Kidneys simultaneously, treating both the internal cause and external symptoms. Book an appointment at our Yishun TCM clinic today!