Healing My Rare Breast Disease: How Traditional Chinese Medicine Changed My Life
- Ellie Shields
- Jul 22, 2025
- 2 min read
Living with Cystic Neutrophilic Granuloma Mastitis was a journey I never expected to face. This rare breast disease brought me physical pain and emotional frustration. Western medicine, despite its technology and resources, left me feeling more vulnerable and unheard than helped.
I was poked, prodded, and examined by countless medical residents — so many hands on my breast, so many appointments — yet no one could give me clear answers or lasting relief. It was invasive and exhausting. I had to fight hard just to get a biopsy so they could finally see what the lump really was. That moment of diagnosis was a breakthrough, but still, the conventional treatments felt cold and harsh.
Then I found Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and everything changed.
My TCM doctor didn’t rush me or require me to undress. They simply listened. They listened to my symptoms, my story, and my body’s subtle messages. Through this deep listening, they diagnosed an underlying issue: excess heat rising from my liver, causing inflammation and cyst formation in my breasts. Suddenly, my symptoms had a clear root cause.
The herbal remedies they prescribed brought me relief almost immediately. For the first time in months, the pain eased, the swelling reduced, and I felt hopeful again. The treatment wasn’t just about managing symptoms — it was about restoring balance to my whole body.
What amazed me most about TCM was its holistic approach. Instead of isolating one problem, it considered the interconnectedness of my body’s systems, emotions, and environment. I didn’t have to fight to be heard; the healing came from understanding.
Why I Believe TCM Could Be the Answer for Many Women:
It treats the root, not just symptoms: Many women face chronic or confusing health issues that Western medicine treats superficially. TCM seeks to uncover and address underlying imbalances.
It’s gentle but effective: No invasive tests or painful procedures are required. Instead, healing is supported through natural herbs, acupuncture, and lifestyle adjustments.
It honors the patient’s voice: TCM practitioners listen deeply and respect your personal experience, making the healing process more compassionate.
Tips for Women Considering TCM for Health Issues
Find a qualified practitioner you trust. A good TCM doctor will listen carefully and tailor treatments specifically for you.
Be open about your symptoms and lifestyle. TCM diagnosis often includes questions about your sleep, digestion, emotions, and menstrual cycle — sharing openly helps.
Be patient and consistent. Herbal treatments and acupuncture may take time to work, but many find steady improvement with regular care.
Combine with Western medicine when needed. TCM doesn’t have to replace Western medicine — it can complement it beautifully, especially for diagnosis and acute issues.
Trust your body. If a treatment feels right and brings relief, that’s a powerful sign you’re on the right path.
If you’re struggling with unexplained pain, chronic inflammation, or complex health problems, I encourage you to explore the gentle, effective healing power of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It changed my life — and it could change yours too.
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