TCM acupoint massage method to promote lactation

Perhaps you have heard of a massage method called lactation consultant that has gradually become popular in recent years. It can effectively promote lactation for many women with no milk after childbirth, and can also fill their breasts with milk quickly. This technology has been recognized by many people. At the same time, we can experience the difficulties of lactation consultants in this technology. So how can we perform the method of lactation promotion through Chinese medicine acupoint massage by ourselves?

Basic tricks

Section 1: Rushing through the mammary ducts

Method: Use the pulp of your thumb, index finger, and middle finger to perform longitudinal reciprocating massage along the mammary duct (see Figure 1).

Section 2: Soften the areola and milk sinus

Method: Use your thumb, index finger, and middle finger to perform 360-degree rotating massage around the areola, and your hand can change direction continuously. Because the milk sinuses in the areola are harder, the massage time needs to be longer (see Figure 2).

Section 3: Enhance the letdown reflex

Method: Use the thumb, index finger and middle finger to squeeze from the areola toward the nipple. When squeezing, the mother can imagine the way a baby sucks milk, and imagine the three fingers of massage as the baby's small mouth sucking milk (see Figure 3).

Special tricks

Section 1: Relieve milk stasis

Method: Support the breast with one hand in a "C" shape and vibrate the breast gently, gradually increasing the amplitude of vibration; use three fingers of the other hand to massage from the areola toward the nipple (see Figure 4).

Section 2: Removal of induration of areola and surrounding tissues

Method: Place one hand on the outside of the areola, press vertically with the thumb and index finger, and use the other hand to massage along the course of the mammary duct using the method of milking until the areola gradually softens (see Figure 5).

Section 3: Improving the appearance of short, flat and inverted nipples

Method: Press and knead the nipple, and massage the areola and milk duct at the same time (see Figure 6).

Real people demonstrate breast milk expression steps

Hand expressing breast milk

Massage the outer breast area. Wash your hands before massaging, wrap your hands around the breasts, with your thumbs facing up and four fingers facing down, then gently squeeze the breasts, repeating back and forth ten times.

Massage the areola

Gently move your fingers toward the areola and repeat the above massage steps.

Massaging the breasts can stimulate milk secretion.

Expressing breast milk

Move the fingers of one hand toward the areola, press lightly toward the ribs, and then gently squeeze inward rhythmically. If no milk is coming out, continue with this step.

Make sure your milk container is at the correct height. Express breast milk from both breasts alternately.

After expressing milk

Express milk on each breast for about 5 minutes, then switch to the other breast and repeat the above steps.

The above set of methods of TCM acupoint massage to promote lactation are introduced here. However, you can promote lactation through diet therapy, and you can also use it for massage. By massaging the acupoints on various parts of your breasts, you can achieve the effect and purpose of promoting lactation.