Breast Hyperplasia · Phlegm-Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Chest
Pattern Overview
Phlegm-Blood Stasis is a common pattern in breast hyperplasia, characterized by breast tissue fibrosis and cyst formation, firm nodules, pain, and local microcirculatory disturbance. The core pathogenesis is Phlegm-Dampness and Blood Stasis intermingling in the breast, leading to collagen fiber hyperplasia, fibrosis, and cyst formation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Firm, fixed breast nodules, fibrosis, cysts, pain |
| Associated Symptoms | Sticky mouth, heavy sensation, dark complexion, purple-dark lips |
| Tongue and Pulse | Purple-dark tongue with greasy coating, hesitant or slippery pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Phlegm-Blood Stasis intermingling in the breast |
| Etiology | Chronic breast hyperplasia, prolonged inflammation, poor diet, stress |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Fenglong (ST40) | 8 cun above the lateral malleolus, 2 cun lateral to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |
| Danzhong (RN17) | Center of the chest, at the level of the nipples | Regulates chest Qi and treats breast nodules |
| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella | Invigorates blood and resolves stasis |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus | Regulates menstruation and nourishes Blood |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the breast nodules | Local blood invigoration and nodule resolution |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may combine with cupping on the breast area to enhance blood stasis resolution.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (桃红四物汤) + Er Chen Tang (二陈汤)
Composition:
Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Poria (Fu Ling), White Mustard Seed (Bai Jie Zi), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Transforms Phlegm, invigorates blood, resolves stasis, and softens nodules.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Fibrosis | Add San Leng, E Zhu to break up stasis |
| Cysts | Add Zhe Bei Mu, Xia Ku Cao to soften and resolve masses |
| Severe pain | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain |
| Swelling | Add Dan Shen, Ji Xue Teng to improve microcirculation |
Western Mechanism Reference
Breast tissue fibrosis and cyst formation with collagen fiber hyperplasia, local microcirculatory disturbance, and inflammation. Phlegm-Blood Stasis corresponds to breast hyperplasia with significant fibrosis and cyst formation, where chronic inflammation and microcirculatory disturbance contribute to collagen fiber hyperplasia and cyst formation.
References
- Surgery of TCM - Breast Hyperplasia with Phlegm-Blood Stasis.
- Xiong Jibai: Phlegm-Stasis uses Tao Hong Si Wu Tang with Er Chen Tang.
- WHO. (2023). Women’s health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for women’s health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM breast health.