TCM Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Breast Cyst

Breast cysts can be divided into different types under the differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine, such as liver qi stagnation, phlegm-dampness obstruction, and qi stagnation and blood stasis. Its treatment needs to adopt the method of differentiation and treatment according to the specific syndrome type, with soothing the liver and relieving depression, resolving phlegm and softening hard masses, and promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis as the treatment principles. At the same time, it can be supplemented with lifestyle adjustments and emotional management to achieve the effect of treating both the symptoms and the root causes.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the formation of breast cysts is related to a variety of factors such as emotional disorders, improper diet and physical weakness. In terms of emotions, long-term mental stress can easily lead to liver qi stagnation, which in turn affects the circulation of qi and blood in the breast and causes lumps; eating too greasy or sweet food may cause the spleen to lose its healthy function, produce phlegm and eliminate dampness, and phlegm and dampness will accumulate inside and block the breast; and people with weak constitutions are prone to qi and blood deficiency, unable to promote the normal circulation of blood, which may induce blood stasis to remain in the breast to form lesions. In terms of syndrome differentiation, the liver qi stagnation type is manifested as lumps that change with mood fluctuations, accompanied by breast pain and irritability; the phlegm and dampness stagnation type is soft and slippery, accompanied by fatigue and loss of appetite; the qi stagnation and blood stasis type is often manifested as hard and fixed local lumps, which may be accompanied by pain symptoms that worsen during menstruation.

In the treatment of different syndromes, TCM often adopts comprehensive methods such as oral Chinese medicine, external application of medicine and acupuncture conditioning. Liver qi stagnation type should be treated with the method of soothing the liver and relieving depression. Chinese patent medicines such as Xiaoyao Pills and Danzhi Xiaoyao Pills have good liver soothing effects; phlegm-dampness obstruction type is mainly based on phlegm-resolving and softening hard masses, and Erchen Decoction or Xiaojin Pills can be selected for conditioning; Qi stagnation and blood stasis type needs to be based on the method of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and prescriptions such as Guizhi Fuling Pills are often used to promote blood circulation and open the meridians. In terms of acupuncture, acupoints that dredge meridians and soothe the liver and regulate qi, such as Taichong and Qimen, are often used to relieve liver qi stagnation, while Zhongwan and Fenglong have significant effects on phlegm-dampness obstruction type, and Sanyinjiao and Xuehai are often used to assist in improving blood stasis syndrome. In addition to medicine and acupuncture, external application of Chinese medicine is also a unique treatment method. For example, applying Chuanxiong and frankincense powder to the affected area can relieve local symptoms.

To prevent and treat breast cysts, Chinese medicine attaches great importance to lifestyle adjustments. Emotional counseling is the key. It is recommended to relax by practicing yoga, Tai Chi, calligraphy, etc., and avoid long-term mental stress. The diet should be light, reduce the intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods, and eat more fruits and vegetables rich in dietary fiber such as broccoli, red dates, and black sesame seeds to strengthen the body, nourish blood and regulate menstruation. In terms of physical exercise, daily brisk walking, running, or chest expansion exercises can promote blood circulation in breast tissue and prevent the formation or deterioration of cysts. Pay attention to breast health, perform self-examinations regularly, and keep underwear dry and comfortable to avoid tight restraints.

If the cyst persists for a long time or the symptoms worsen, please seek medical attention in time to clarify the condition. Breast health requires careful care and scientific treatment. Early intervention and prevention can help avoid further health risks caused by cysts. Through the combination of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment and daily care, patients can regain their health and live a comfortable and worry-free life.