Women's Healthrǔ fáng zhàng tòng

Breast tenderness & swelling

Also called:cyclical mastalgiabreast engorgement

From the TCM perspective: Breast distension: liver qi stagnation along the breast channel

Overview

Cyclical breast tenderness and swelling commonly precede menstruation or occur in pregnancy/lactation. TCM most often attributes it to liver qi stagnation in the channel traversing the breast, worse with stress/anger, or damp-phlegm/heat when lumps and redness occur. Any new lump or bloody discharge needs medical evaluation.

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Liver qi stagnation

Key distinguishing signs: Distending pain before the period easing after it, hypochondrial tightness and sighing, wiry pulse
Treatment principle: Soothe liver qi and unblock the collaterals

Phlegm nodulation with qi constraint

Key distinguishing signs: Soft mobile lumpy areas with heaviness, varying cyclically, greasy tongue coat and slippery pulse
Treatment principle: Resolve phlegm and dissipate nodules

Liver-kidney yin deficiency

Key distinguishing signs: Dull post-period pain with dryness, hot palms, dizziness and tinnitus, red tongue with little coat
Treatment principle: Nourish yin and soften nodules

Heat-toxin with redness

Key distinguishing signs: Red hot intensely painful firm breast with fever (lactational mastitis/abscess), red tongue and rapid pulse
Treatment principle: Clear heat-toxin, unblock and dissipate the abscess

Daily self-care

Wear a well-fitting bra, reduce premenstrual caffeine/salt and use gentle warmth.
In lactational engorgement keep regular feeding/pumping; seek prompt care for redness or fever.
Examine breasts after each period and follow age/risk-based imaging.

When to seek medical help

The following warning signs require prompt medical evaluation — do not rely on self-treatment:

A new hard fixed lump, orange-peel skin or an inverted nipple.
Bloody discharge, nipple ulceration or an enlarged underarm node.
Rapid redness, fever and abscess in breastfeeding not improving in 24-48 hours.

Medical disclaimer: Educational content about traditional Chinese medicine for information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace a qualified clinician. If symptoms worsen or warning signs appear, seek medical care.

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