Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Hu Naiwen, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physician at the Shanghai Tong Te Tang in Taipei, Taiwan, shares his knowledge on his YouTube channel to help viewers better understand and prevent breast cancer, as well as fight cancer through the TCM practice of acupoint tapping.

Breast cancer is a disease where breast cells grow out of control. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that approximately 264,000 women and 2,400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States each year, and about 42,000 women and 500 men die from the disease. Additionally, the death rate from breast cancer is higher among black women than among white women. Although the mortality rate of breast cancer has decreased in recent years, the harm it poses should not be underestimated.

Women’s breasts are composed of lobules that produce milk, ducts that transport milk, and connective tissue. The most common types of breast cancer are invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body through blood vessels and the lymphatic system, a process known as metastasis. In addition, there is a common type of breast tumor called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), in which cancer cells exist only inside the ducts and have not spread to other tissues.

Hu stated that in modern medicine, tumors are classified into two types: benign tumors and malignant tumors. Benign tumors usually grow locally and do not spread to other parts of the body, and in general, they do not cause significant harm to the body. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, are made up of cells that divide and proliferate uncontrollably, invading surrounding tissues and organs. These tumors are potentially life-threatening and usually require early surgical treatment.

As for how to distinguish between benign and malignant tumors, Hu explained that a tumor that feels immobile is likely to be malignant (cancer), while a tumor that feels slippery is likely to be benign.

Hu pointed out that there are several risk factors associated with breast cancer, such as dietary habits, lifestyle, stress management, and attitude toward life. He further summarized the three groups of people that are most susceptible to developing breast cancer.

Many people like to stay in air-conditioned rooms, eat ice, drink cold beverages, or eat fruits and vegetables as their main meals. Some people do not dress warmly enough during cold weather. In addition, some individuals often sit for long periods. These bad habits can lead to a cold body temperature and poor blood circulation, and a low body temperature provides the ideal environment for cancer cells to grow.

Hu explained that individuals who stay up late are at higher risk for developing breast cancer, particularly those who consume high-calorie late-night snacks such as fried chicken and barbecue. In addition to being prone to obesity, these people may also experience a weakened immune system.

According to a study of more than 20,000 Japanese women, those who slept for six hours or less each night had a 62 percent higher risk of breast cancer compared to those who slept for seven hours. Researchers suggest that insufficient sleep may decrease melatonin secretion, which regulates hormone secretion and can also inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells.

Hu also pointed out that breast cancer tends to afflict individuals who frequently get angry and have a poor outlook on life. Having negative emotions such as always finding fault with others, feeling mistreated, and blaming everything on external factors can create a body environment conducive to the growth of breast cancer cells.

Drink warm water daily and avoid excessive consumption of cold drinks. Body temperature should be maintained at 97.7 F to 98.6 F (36.5 C to 37.2 C). A body temperature consistently below 96.8 F (36 C) can make the body more susceptible to illness. Try to keep the body warm; wear skirts and shorts occasionally, but avoid exposing the thighs, cleavage, and stomach too frequently.

The saying “early to bed and early to rise makes a person healthy” is a commonly accepted belief, but many young people nowadays believe that “staying up late and sleeping in” is better for their mood. While this may be true during their youth, as they age, staying up late and sleeping in can cause many issues, such as back pain and a negative mood. Therefore, it is best to avoid staying up late and try to go to bed before 11 p.m. to restore energy and enhance the body’s defenses against illnesses.

Hu referenced the TCM literature “A Heart Approach to Gynecology,” which states that “ru yan is caused by depression and anger damaging the liver and spleen.” Ru yan is an ancient TCM term for breast cancer. According to TCM, breast cancer is caused by depression and anger damaging the liver and spleen meridians. The breast is part of the spleen and stomach meridians, while the nipples are part of the liver meridian. As such, issues with the nipples correspond to the liver meridian, and issues with the breast correspond to the spleen meridian, both of which can potentially lead to the development of breast cancer.

In TCM, it is believed that the human body has a system of “meridians,” which are channels for the flow of qi (energy) that connect the internal organs with various parts of the body. Along the meridian pathways, there are acupuncture points that correspond to different parts of the body.

According to TCM’s theory of syndrome differentiation and treatment, diseases can be caused by various factors, such as wind, fire (heat), summer heat, dampness, dryness, and cold. Hu pointed out that breast cancer is not necessarily a problem with the breast itself. Some lesions may manifest in the breast, but the underlying cause of the disease could be dampness and heat in the intestines and stomach. To address such issues, it is advisable to avoid consuming excessively salty, bitter, and sour foods, and to refrain from drinking alcohol.

Modern research has also highlighted the connection between intestinal-microbial imbalance and breast cancer, as gut microbiota imbalance may contribute to tumor growth. Researchers believe that regulating gut microbiota may become part of breast cancer treatment.

In the ancient TCM literature “A Heart Approach to Gynecology,” it is also written that ” infected blood remaining inside the body leads to the development of abscesses.” This suggests that the presence of toxic and “bad blood” in the body can contribute to the formation of ulcers. When abscesses form in the mammary gland, it could be a sign of breast cancer. However, it is important to note that the term “infected blood” in this context does not refer to septicemia, but rather to stagnant, bad blood in the body.

“Infected blood” can block the flow of qi and blood, leading to the formation of blood stasis. Blood stasis then inhibits the smooth flow of blood throughout the body, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, hunger, weakness, stiffness, and soreness.

In TCM theory, breast cancer is considered a disease caused by the stagnation of qi and blood stasis. Therefore, TCM practitioners often use acupressure and other techniques to relieve qi stagnation, unblock meridians, and promote blood circulation, to alleviate symptoms and prevent disease.

Based on the relationship between specific areas of the body and their corresponding meridians and acupoints, Hu has developed a set of exercises for breast health.

The six relevant acupoints are shown in the figure: Shanzhong, Jianjing, Zhongfu, Taiyuan, Quchi, and Jiquan.

First, extend your right hand and make a loose fist with your thumb pointing forward. With the palm of your hand facing the acupoint, gently tap on the first four acupoints, namely Shanzhong, Jianjing, Zhongfu, and Taiyuan. Then, open your right hand and use your palm to tap on the Quchi and Jiquan acupoints. Alternate between your left and right hand for each acupoint, tapping each acupoint 36 times. Repeat this process three times daily, in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Hu also suggested massaging the breasts while showering. Open your palms and grasp both breasts, then rotate them outward and massage them 36 times. Then, rotate them inward and massage them another 36 times. Finally, use both hands to softly pull both breasts forward 36 times. Consistently doing this can reduce the risk of breast cancer, but remember not to use too much force.

It is important to note that massage and acupuncture therapy should not be used as a substitute for mainstream treatments for breast cancer, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Patients should always seek professional medical guidance and consult with their doctors before undergoing these alternative therapies.