Massage is often recommended for certain lactation issues such as a plugged milk duct. Using acupressure, the pressing or tapping of acupuncture points is similar to massage. An effective alternative for the needle-shy, acupressure can be used for a variety of conditions. Lactation issues, like blocked milk ducts or trouble with milk coming in, may benefit from acupressure. Talk to your doctor or lactation consultant about your symptoms before trying acupressure.
Lactation and Chinese Medicine
In Chinese medicine theory, childbirth and breastfeeding deplete a mother's vital energy and blood supply. Deficiencies in blood and qi, or energy, can lead to low milk supply or watery milk. Qi can also stagnate or become blocked in energy channels that flow to the breast, like the liver channel. Stress can also impede energy and is often cited as a cause of lactation issues. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your practitioner may choose to press a variety of points that can increase blood and energy, move qi or a combination of the two.
Supporting Research
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions, including lactation concerns, in China and parts of Asia. More recent studies show that acupuncture and acupressure may provide some benefit for lactating mothers. A February 2011 study published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" examined the effects of acupuncture during the first three months of an infant's life. Mothers who received acupuncture were more able to exclusively breastfeed than those in the control group, indicating that acupuncture may help you maintain healthy amounts of breast milk. According to a study published in the "Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine" in September 2008, stimulating small intestine point 1 effectively increased lactation quantity and prolactin levels, a hormone that releases breast milk.
Acupressure Points
The aforementioned study found small intestine point 1 to be effective for increasing milk production. Peter Deadman's textbook "A Manual of Acupuncture" also states that small intestine points 2 and 11 are also used for low milk production. Stomach points 18 and 30 may also be beneficial. Stomach 18 is located below the breast, while stomach 30 is found in the pelvic area. Your practitioner may choose these points for breast pain and deficient lactation. Spleen point 18, also located near the breast, may help with breast abscesses and blocked milk flow.
Considerations
Acupressure is most effective when performed by a licensed and knowledgeable practitioner. Though acupressure or acupuncture can support lactation, neither is a cure for lactation dysfunctions or breast infections. Consult a physician or lactation consultant if you have pain and tenderness in your breasts or have a fever and flu-like symptoms.
References
- BabyCenter: Plugged Milk Ducts
- Harmony Point Acupuncture: Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for the Breastfeeding Mother
- Low Milk Supply: Acupuncture and Acupressure
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Acupuncture Treatment as Breastfeeding Support; I. Neri, et al.; February 2011
- "Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine"; Clinical Observation On the Effects of Electroacupuncture at Shaoze (SI 1); L. Wei, et al.; September 2008
- "A Manual of Acupuncture"; P. Deadman, et al.; 2001
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