Breast Tenderness

Diagnosis of Breast Tenderness:

Painful breasts around period: (Kidney) feel tender, sore, distended, or have itchy pain in the nipples (Liver)

Etiology (causes) of Breast Tenderness:

1. Liver Qi stagnation – Liver effects nipple – if the Liver attacks the Stomach the breasts are effected. Qi is not able to flow smoothly.

2. Liver and Kidney  Yin deficiency - breasts are effected during menses, blood is - collaterals then lack nourishment and this leads to Stagnation Differentiation Tumor – generally has inverted nipple, breast skin looks like an orange peel, Areola border is not clear. Cyst – can be big or small – change w/ cycle hormone levels, can have many, they are fluid filled sacs.

Chinese Medicine Differentiation and Treatment

Liver Qi stagnation pre-menstrual tenderness, itchy, distended Plus – Liver Qi Stagnation symptoms

Principle of Treatment: – soothe Liver to relieve stagnation

Herbal Medicine Formula: Chai Hu Shu Gan San or Xiao Yao San

Liver and Kidney  Yin tenderness in last few days of bleeding Plus – Liver Kidney Yin Heat symptoms (see Appendix 1)

Principle of Treatment: – nourish Liver Kidney Yin

Herbal Medicine Formula: Yi Guan Jian or Zi Shui Qing Gan Yin