Can cupping therapy be used for breast distension and pain?

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on April 14, 2025
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Breast pain can be treated with cupping, but it is ineffective because breast pain is related to fibrocystic breast changes, which are often caused by endocrine disorders leading to elevated levels of estrogen. Generally, we can treat it with traditional Chinese medicine, using methods to soothe the liver and regulate qi, and harmonize the thoroughfare and conception vessels to alleviate the pain. Endocrine treatment can also be used, though it is generally avoided if possible. However, for significant pain during the pre-menopausal period, therapy can be initiated before the menstrual period. Treatment with vitamins B, C, and E can improve liver function, regulate sex hormone metabolism, and enhance autonomic nervous system functions. These serve as supplementary medication for this condition. Vitamin E in particular also helps alleviate pain.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What is the cause of breast swelling and pain?

Breast pain is generally related to breast hyperplasia, and it can be diagnosed through the use of breast ultrasound or mammography. Currently, breast hyperplasia is believed to be associated with disruptions in the endocrine system leading to elevated levels of estrogen. Factors such as the external environment, work and living conditions, interpersonal relations, and various other stresses that cause neuropsychiatric impacts can alter the internal environment of the body. This, in turn, affects the function of the endocrine system, leading to abnormal secretion of one or more hormones. During the menstrual cycle, the receptors in the breast tissue undergo cyclical changes due to the fluctuation of hormone levels. An imbalance where estrogen levels are high and progesterone secretion is reduced can result in incomplete regression of breast hyperplasia after the growth phase, causing breast tissue hyperplasia. Additionally, differences in the quality and quantity of estrogen receptors in the breast tissue may contribute to uneven growth levels across different parts of the breast.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Is there a quick way to relieve unbearable breast pain after a miscarriage?

After undergoing induction of labor at an advanced stage of pregnancy, there will also be secretion of milk from the breasts. When experiencing unbearable breast pain and swelling, it is necessary to use lactation-suppressing medications for treatment, such as drinking barley malt water, or undergoing treatment with medication under the guidance of a doctor. Additionally, you can eat some foods that have lactation-suppressing effects, such as hawthorn and leeks. You can also apply mirabilite by wrapping it in a cloth bag and then applying heat to the localized area of the breast to alleviate swelling and pain. If the condition is severe, it is still necessary to go to the hospital for treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can pseudopregnancy cause breast pain?

During pseudopregnancy, women may also experience symptoms of breast tenderness. As women may experience delayed menstruation, along with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating, it is necessary to consider the possibility of pregnancy. If it is a pseudopregnancy, then it is due to the rise in hormone levels around the time menstruation is due, coupled with psychological factors in women, which can also cause false breast tenderness. When patients experience this condition, there is no need for excessive worry. They should rest adequately, enhance their nutrition, eat a light diet, keep warm, avoid overexertion, stay away from cold, and not stay up late. They can go to the hospital for a blood test to measure human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to determine whether they are pregnant.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What to do about breast pain before menstruation?

Under normal circumstances, if there is also breast swelling and pain usually, it is essential to go to the hospital for an ultrasound to check if there is breast hyperplasia or any organic breast diseases. If organic diseases are excluded, premenstrual breast swelling and pain are generally considered clinically, and traditional Chinese medicine believes that the liver meridian accumulates in the breast. For example, patients who are prone to anger or have liver depression and qi stagnation may experience premenstrual breast swelling and pain. At this time, treatment can generally involve taking some liver-soothing and depression-relieving medicine, such as Xiao Yao Wan, Ru Ning tablets, and other medicines for symptomatic treatment. Occasional one or two instances are not a big problem, but if premenstrual breast swelling and pain occur frequently, it is definitely necessary to take medicine for symptomatic treatment, as this condition is generally related to liver meridian and liver depression qi stagnation.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What tests should be done for breast pain?

Breast pain is generally considered to be caused by breast hyperplasia. It usually occurs or worsens before menstruation and decreases or disappears after menstruation. In this case, it is recommended to have a breast ultrasound, which generally shows uneven low echo areas. If cysts are formed, anechoic areas will be reported. You can also undergo a mammography X-ray examination, which often shows ground glass-like or cotton wool-like shadows. If financial conditions allow, further breast MRI examination can be conducted to more accurately determine the benign or malignant nature of the condition.