What is the TCM diagnosis of breast cysts?

In TCM, breast cysts are diagnosed mainly from the aspects of physical imbalance, qi stagnation, blood stasis, and endogenous phlegm and dampness, and the cause and pathogenesis are determined through syndrome differentiation and analysis. TCM believes that breast cysts are mostly related to liver depression and qi stagnation, spleen deficiency and phlegm and dampness, and endocrine imbalance. These factors jointly affect the operation of breast meridians and lead to the formation of cysts.

When diagnosing breast cysts in traditional Chinese medicine, it is usually judged comprehensively through inspection, questioning, auscultation and palpation. Inspection mainly observes whether there is redness or swelling on the outside of the breast or changes in skin color; questioning will ask about emotional state, menstrual conditions and eating habits to determine whether there is meridian blockage or endocrine abnormalities; palpation is to determine the texture, size and location of the cyst by touching the breast. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that breast cysts of liver depression and qi stagnation will have symptoms such as chest and flank pain, irritability, etc.; spleen deficiency and phlegm dampness type are often manifested as soft cysts, obesity and thick and greasy tongue coating; blood stasis type usually has hard cysts, accompanied by breast pain or dark skin color.

When diagnosing breast cysts in traditional Chinese medicine, it is usually judged comprehensively through inspection, questioning, auscultation and palpation. Inspection mainly observes whether there is redness or swelling on the outside of the breast or changes in skin color; questioning will ask about emotional state, menstrual conditions and eating habits to determine whether there is meridian blockage or endocrine abnormalities; palpation is to determine the texture, size and location of the cyst by touching the breast. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that breast cysts of liver depression and qi stagnation will have symptoms such as chest and flank pain, irritability, etc.; spleen deficiency and phlegm dampness type are often manifested as soft cysts, obesity and thick and greasy tongue coating; blood stasis type usually has hard cysts, accompanied by breast pain or dark skin color.

For breast cysts diagnosed by traditional Chinese medicine, the principles of traditional Chinese medicine treatment are to relieve liver depression, resolve phlegm and dampness, and activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis. Common methods include Chinese medicine conditioning, such as Chaihu Shugan San, which can regulate liver qi, Erchen Decoction is suitable for those with phlegm and dampness obstruction, and Taohong Siwu Decoction can be used with those with obvious blood stasis; acupuncture therapy stimulates relevant acupoints (such as Tanzhong and Taichong) to dredge the meridians and relieve breast qi stagnation and blood stasis; in addition, it can be combined with massage to stimulate the meridians around the breast to improve circulation. It is usually recommended to regulate emotions, maintain a regular work and rest schedule, reduce the intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods, and exercise moderately to improve circulation in the body, thereby reducing the chance of recurrence of breast cysts. Once the cyst is found to be enlarged or accompanied by abnormal symptoms, you should seek medical attention in time to ensure safety.