Quick way to relieve premenstrual breast pain

TCM Understanding of Breast Pain During Menstruation

What is the inevitable connection between premenstrual breast pain and uterine fibroids, breast hyperplasia and gynecological tumors? According to the meridian theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the female breast belongs to the liver meridian of foot Jueyin, and is connected to the uterus through the Chong, Ren and Du meridians. Therefore, if there is a problem with the liver meridian, there will be a reaction in the above-mentioned parts.

The most common condition in women that is related to the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian is liver depression and qi stagnation. The specific manifestations of liver depression and qi stagnation include irritability, depression, fullness in the flanks, etc. If the depression lasts for a long time and turns into heat, it will cause restlessness, anger, dry mouth, headache, etc. If the liver meridian's qi stagnation lasts too long, it can easily cause pathological changes in the areas where the foot jueyin liver meridian passes. As a result, breast hyperplasia and uterine fibroids will occur. In layman's terms, liver depression and qi stagnation can easily lead to diseases such as breast pain, uterine fibroids, and breast hyperplasia. Breast tenderness is often the first symptom that appears. If left untreated, serious gynecological diseases such as uterine fibroids, breast hyperplasia, and gynecological tumors are likely to occur in the future, and at that time, it will be more difficult to treat.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the breasts are governed by the stomach meridian, and the nipples are governed by the liver meridian. Therefore, all breast diseases, poor development or breast atrophy are treated by regulating the liver and stomach. Prescribing the right medicine according to the different conditions will often achieve good results. The treatment of this disease is classified as follows:

(I) Liver depression and qi stagnation

Most of these women have a history of emotional distress or excessive stress in life. In addition to breast nipple pain that cannot be touched, they also suffer from irritability, chest tightness, rib cramps, irritability, nausea, swelling and pain in the lower abdomen, dark blood clots in menstruation, uncoordinated sexual life, and dark spots on the face. Treatment should focus on regulating the liver, qi and stomach. Commonly used medicines include Linderae odoratum, Curcuma aromatica, Citrus citron, White peony root, Citrus aurantium, Atractylodes macrocephala, malt, and Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae.

(II) Liver depression and spleen dampness

Common symptoms include premenstrual breast tenderness, obvious tenderness, lower abdominal pain with a feeling of heaviness, poor appetite, weakness in the limbs, easy diarrhea, excessive vaginal discharge, and light-colored menstruation. Treatment requires invigorating the spleen, eliminating dampness and promoting qi circulation. Commonly used medicines include Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephala, Coix seed, Magnolia officinalis, Toosendan fruit, Albizzia julibrissin bark, etc.

(III) Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency

In addition to breast pain, these women often experience fever, restless sleep, headaches and dizziness, hot hands and feet, red lips, easily ulcerated lips and tongue, thin body and inability to gain weight, back pain, and weak knees. Treatment should focus on nourishing the kidney and liver. Commonly used medicines include Adenophora Root, Ophiopogon japonicus, Rehmannia glutinosa, Toosendan Fructus, Cyperus rotundus, White Peony Root, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Eupatorium fortunei.

To treat this disease, it is advisable to persevere. The golden time to take the medicine is to start taking it when the breasts are swollen before menstruation and continue until the swelling and pain disappear during menstruation. After three menstrual cycles, most breast swelling and pain will be cured. It is worth mentioning that in addition to taking medicine, it is more important to maintain an optimistic mood for breast pain, avoid getting angry or sulking, exercise more and participate in appropriate social activities, eat less salt and spicy food one week before menstruation, especially avoid eating raw and cold food, so that the best effect can be achieved with medication!

Tips for eliminating premenstrual breast pain

1. Change your eating habits

Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet and consume fiber from whole grains (whole grains), vegetables, and beans.

2. Massage your breasts frequently

Gently massaging the breasts can help return excess body fluid to the lymphatic system. When massaging, first apply soapy liquid to the breast, and rotate your fingers along the surface of the breast in a circle about the size of a coin. Then use your hands to press the breasts in and bounce them up, which is extremely helpful in preventing breast discomfort.

3. Wear a secure bra

In addition to preventing breast sagging, the more important function of a bra is to prevent further compression of the already compressed breast nerves and eliminate discomfort. Careful sisters will find that those jogging athletes wear stable bras for this health reason.

4. Avoid diuretics

Diuretics do help remove fluid from the body and can also reduce breast swelling. But this immediate relief comes at a cost. Excessive use of diuretics can lead to potassium loss, disrupt electrolyte balance, and affect glucose formation.

5. Don’t eat salty food

High-salt foods can easily cause breast enlargement, and such foods should be avoided especially in the 7 to 10 days before menstruation.

6. Try hot compress

Hot compress is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that can relieve breast pain by using a heat bag, hot water bottle, or hot bath. If you use alternating cold and hot compresses, the effect of eliminating breast discomfort will be better.

7. Prevent Obesity

For women who are overweight, losing weight can help relieve breast pain.