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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Is massage useful for breast distension pain?

Breast pain massage can be effective, but the effect is not very clear. Breast pain is generally related to breast hyperplasia, which is often linked to increased levels of estrogen due to endocrine disorders. Under normal circumstances, for symptoms that are quite obvious, we can use traditional Chinese medicine for treatment, which alleviates the pain through methods such as soothing the liver and regulating Qi, as well as harmonizing vital energy. Vitamin treatment can also be used. Vitamins B, C, and E improve liver function, regulate sex hormone metabolism, and enhance autonomic nervous function, serving as auxiliary medications for this condition. Vitamin E also has a pain-relieving effect. Endocrine treatment can also be used, although it is generally best avoided if possible. However, for patients in the pre-menopausal period who experience significant pain, it can be taken before the onset of menstruation.

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Written by Ding Ying Bo
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 24sec home-news-image

Brown vaginal discharge and breast pain, is it pregnancy?

Brown vaginal discharge and breast tenderness, if occurring after a delayed period, especially when effective contraceptives have not been used, may indicate early signs of pregnancy. This is because a low level of progesterone after conception can lead to a threatened miscarriage, manifesting as brown discharge. Moreover, following conception, a rapid rise in estrogen and progesterone levels in the body can stimulate the breasts, causing tenderness and pain. However, brown discharge and breast tenderness can also occur just before menstruation begins, as the endometrium thickens and hormonal fluctuations can lead to shedding. Thus, the presence of brown discharge and premenstrual breast tenderness, coupled with a noticeable increase in progesterone levels, can also stimulate the mammary ducts, resulting in breast pain. Therefore, it is difficult to determine based on symptoms alone whether the manifestations are due to a delay in menstruation or early pregnancy. A hospital laboratory test is necessary to confirm, generally advocating for an HCG test as it is the most accurate for confirming pregnancy and can determine with near 100% certainty, with little room for error.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What's going on with breast swelling and pain and also arm soreness?

Breast swelling and pain, as well as arm soreness, are considered to be caused by mammary gland hyperplasia and accessory breast syndrome. Mammary gland hyperplasia often manifests as cyclical swelling and pain in the breasts, commonly occurring or worsening before menstruation and alleviating or disappearing after menstruation. While mild cases might not be noticed by patients, severe cases can impact daily life and work. However, some patients do not exhibit obvious cyclical changes, and symptoms can include unilateral or bilateral breast swelling and pain, resembling needle pricks, which can extend to the shoulder, upper limbs, or chest and back areas. A few patients might experience nipple discharge, which can be yellow-green, brown, or bloody. The condition can sometimes persist for a long time, with symptoms automatically disappearing or reducing after menopause. When breast swelling and pain occur, it is necessary to regularly recheck the breast with ultrasound and mammography.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What's the matter with delayed menstruation and breast pain?

Delayed menstruation and breast pain, if it occurs in women of childbearing age who are sexually active, this condition needs to be checked to see if there is a possibility of pregnancy. Menstruation is related to mood, diet, environmental stress, and psychological tension. If there is a problem in any of these areas, it can cause menstrual disorders. Of course, a delay in menstruation of about a week is within the normal range. If menstruation is delayed for more than a week and there has been sexual activity, a pregnancy test should be used to see if there is a possibility of pregnancy. If not pregnant and menstruation is delayed for more than a week, it is necessary to promptly go to the hospital for a gynecological ultrasound to check the condition of the endometrium, and if necessary, medication can be used to induce menstruation. If a pregnancy test is positive, then it is timely to go to the hospital for a pregnancy checkup.

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Written by Zhang Chun Yun
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is it normal for breast tenderness to disappear in early pregnancy?

In early pregnancy, the changes in a woman's breasts are due to an increase in estrogen, which promotes the development of mammary ducts and the accumulation of fat, while progesterone promotes the development of mammary alveoli. Prolactin, growth hormone, insulin, cortisol, and epidermal growth factor also work together to differentiate stem cells into alveolar cells and myoepithelial cells. This often results in women noticing gradually enlarging breasts and feeling breast tenderness during physical examinations. Therefore, it is normal for women to experience breast tenderness in the affected areas, and the disappearance of this tenderness is also normal. If you are concerned, you can further visit a hospital for an examination to rule out any organic changes in the breast tissue. Follow the advice and proper diagnoses of doctors. If you have further questions, please consult a doctor at the hospital for more information.