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Breast Health

Natural Breast Health and Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine addresses breast health by preventing congestion from occuring due to Blood and Qi Stagnation of the channels that traverse the breasts.

Maintain optimal breast health using Aroma Acu-therapy, topical remedies with pure essential oils, and. For best outcomes using self-care, combine associated Aroma Acu-Sticks® to acu-points, topical remedies, and good lifestyle practices.

Related Article:

Natural Self-care Lymphatic Drainage

 

Acupressure for Healthy Breasts and Improved Circulation

Learn Everything You Need to Know About Acupressure Application Linked Here!

• Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 6
• Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3 
• Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
• Apply the Fire Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Pericardium 6
• Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3

Patterns of Imbalance Causing Breast Issues in Chinese Medicine

Liver Qi Stagnation and Breast Accumulations

A common root cause of breast issues according to Chinese medicine is Liver Qi Stagnation which can be the result of pent-up emotions. When one does resolve emotional pain or frustration in a timely manner, Liver congestion can develop. Indications would include breast tenderness, distention, and pain; frustration, anger, or depression; menstrual irregularities, PMS symptoms, and menopausal complications. 

Lymph Drainage and Breast Health

The lymphatic system helps to drain toxins away from the breasts; if lymph nodes are not functioning well, are swelling, or feel tender around the arm pits or on the upper chest, this does not bode well for breast health. Again, essential oils such as basil or cedar can be applied (diluted) to lymph node rich areas. 

Blood-Qi Stagnation Causing Breast Problems

Long-standing Qi stagnation will likely lead to Blood Stagnation, as Blood goes where Qi goes. This is why regular exercise is so vital to prevention of the development of accumulations of the breasts. It is clear that the circulation of Qi and Blood are key in maintaining breast health. In addition to herbal therapy, women can consider applying pure essential oils with regular self-massage. 

Spleen Qi Deficiency and Sagging Breasts

There are three clear associations with the breasts and the Spleen energetic organ system: First, the Spleen acupuncture channel traverses the breasts, and a smooth flow of Spleen Qi would be necessary for breast health. Second, when the Spleen is compromised, Damp-Phlegm accumulations often develop. Third, the Spleen Qi holds things up in the body, and sagging breasts would result with Spleen Qi Deficiency. Causes of Spleen imbalances include a poor diet with too many fried foods, sweets, and dairy products; worry, overthinking, or mother issues. Symptoms would include breast nodules and fluid filled cysts. 

How Breast Issues Develop

Breast diseases develop over time, and no one imbalance causes breast lumps and congestion. Certainly Ancestral Qi (DNA) must be considered as a contributing factor. Whether genetic influences are a factor or not, this would be a common scenario of the progression of breast growths:

1. Emotional issues are suppressed and Liver Qi Stagnation develops.
2. Spleen Qi Deficiency leads to Internal Damp accumulations in the breasts.
3. Liver Qi Stagnation is not resolved and develops into Heat that rises to the chest.
4. The Heat congeals Damp accumulations in to thicker lumps.
5. Worst Case Scenario: Blood Stagnation combines with phlegm and develops into dense accumulations.

While this is a simplified, scaled down explanation of how traditional Chinese medicine view breast disease, but it does help to demonstrate ways that women can influence their health through preventative health practices. Consider taking up meditation, healthy eating habits, and stress reduction practices.

Toxic-Heat and Breast Issues

Toxic-Heat can refer to both a breast infection (mastitis), or it can refer to chronic Internal Heat likely due to Liver Qi Stagnation causing Fire. This can be a serious condition and can have many symptoms of Heat including red rashes and bleeding or yellow discharge from the nipples.

**Contact your local healthcare provider.

Lung Qi Stagnation and Lung Disease

As mentioned, emotions are a key factor in the development of breast diseases. When a woman experiences great loss and grief that she is unable to work through, the Lung Qi can stagnate. The Lungs are part of the Metal Element and are associated with the ability to let go. Because the Lungs are in the vicinity of the chest, the congestion of Qi of the Lungs can cause Qi Stagnation of the breasts.

 

Acupressure Points for Hot Flashes During Therapy

• Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3
• Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 7
• Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 10
• Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 2
• Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 11

References

Hou W, Pei L, Song Y, et al. Acupuncture therapy for breast cancer-related lymphedema: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2019;45(12):2307-2317. doi:10.1111/jog.14122

Brinkhaus B, Kirschbaum B, Stöckigt B, et al. Prophylactic acupuncture treatment during chemotherapy with breast cancer: a randomized pragmatic trial with a retrospective nested qualitative study. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2019;178(3):617-628. doi:10.1007/s10549-019-05431-5

Brauer JA, Sehamy AE, Metz JM, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine and supportive care at leading cancer centers: a systematic analysis of websites. J Altern Complement Med 2010;16:183–6. 

[16] Lesi G, Razzini G, Musti MA, et al. Acupuncture as an integrative approach for the treatment of hot flashes in women with breast cancer: a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial (AcCliMaT). J Clin Oncol: JCO 2015;63:1795–802.