Acupuncture points for breastfeeding

Soon after birth, babies need to eat breast milk in time. Breast milk contains the most complete nutrients. Compared with formula milk, babies who eat breast milk have better resistance than those who eat formula milk. However, many new mothers have no breastfeeding experience, and some new mothers have insufficient breast milk due to their own reasons. At this time, Chinese medicine massage can help milk secretion. What are the acupuncture points for milk secretion?

What are the acupuncture points for breastfeeding?

Lactation-promoting acupoint 1: Tanzhong point

Location: At the fourth intercostal space on the midline of the chest, approximately between the two nipples.

Function: It has the effects of relieving chest tightness, regulating qi, unblocking meridians and promoting lactation. It can regulate qi and blood in the breast through the milk.

Massage method: Use the spiral surface of the thumb or middle finger of one hand to apply force on the Tanzhong point, and use the other four fingers to lightly support the body surface or make a fist. Gently swing the wrist joint, or rotate it in a small circle, so that the applied part can drive the subcutaneous tissue in the area to do repeated, rhythmic, gentle and slow circular kneading, and it is best to radiate the swelling and numbness to the chest.

Lactation-promoting acupoint 2: Rugen acupoint

Location: Chest, between the fifth and sixth intercostal spaces of the rib just below the nipple.

Function: Massaging this point helps to dredge the meridians, promote qi circulation and relieve depression, unblock local qi and blood, and promote milk secretion.

Massage method: Place your palm on the breast, with the thumb on the breast and the other four fingers under the breast. Use the pads of your middle and ring fingers to gently massage this acupoint. Massage once in the morning and evening every day, for 3 to 5 minutes each time.

Lactation-promoting acupoint 3: Shaoze point

Location: ulnar side of the last segment of the little finger (outside of the little finger), 1 centimeter away from the corner of the nail.

Function: Shaoze is an acupoint on the Small Intestine Meridian of Hand-Taiyang. Massaging this acupoint can adjust the local circulation of Qi and blood and dredge the local meridian Qi.

Massage method: The masseur pinches the Shaoze point of the person being massaged with the thumb nail for about 20 seconds, then releases for 3 seconds, and repeats the operation 10 times.

Lactation-promoting acupoint 4: Zusanli

Location: three inches below the knee (the width of four fingers combined).

Function: It has the effects of regulating the spleen and stomach, adjusting qi and blood, and replenishing weakness.

Massage method: First use the base of your palm to gently relax the muscles, then use your elbows to massage in circles.

Lactation-promoting acupoint 5: Qimen acupoint

Location: Chest, between the sixth and seventh ribs, just below the nipple.

Function: It can soothe the liver and regulate qi, relieve chest tightness and depression, and regulate emotions.

Massage method: Use soft finger technique, with the index and middle fingers of both hands forming sword fingers or just the thumbs placed on the Qimen acupoints on both sides. The strength should be enough to feel a slight pain, and massage for about 10-15 minutes.

Lactation-promoting acupoint 6: Taichong acupoint

Location: In the posterior depression between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal spaces.

Function: It has the effects of soothing the liver and regulating qi, relieving chest tightness and depression, and can also regulate emotions.

Massage method: Use the tip of your thumb to press the Taichong point on the back of both feet for 3 minutes each.