What are the massage techniques for blocked milk ducts?
Jan 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
When milk stasis occurs, it can be relieved through massage techniques such as acupoint pricking, kneading, circular movements, vibration, and stroking. These methods help clear blocked mammary ducts, promote lactation, and alleviate discomfort caused by milk stasis, such as breast engorgement and hard lumps. However, it is important to clean the skin thoroughly before massaging to avoid increasing the risk of infection due to inadequate hygiene.
Generally speaking, "blocked milk" refers to milk stasis. Common massage techniques for relieving milk stasis include acupoint pressing, kneading, circular massage, vibration, and stroking. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Acupoint Pressing
There are many acupoints that directly reflect to the breast area, such as the膻中 (CV17),乳根 (ST18),乳晕 (nipple area), and天池 (PC1) points. Pressing these acupoints can stimulate the breasts and help relieve symptoms of milk stasis.
2. Kneading Technique
The kneading technique mainly involves bringing the fingers together into a grasping position and repeatedly kneading the breast tissue, moving from the outer areas of the breast toward the areola and nipple. This helps clear the mammary ducts and alleviate breast engorgement and hard lumps caused by milk stasis.
3. Circular Massage
The circular massage involves making circular motions while massaging the breasts. Before massaging, support the base of the breast with one hand, and use the other hand to massage in circular motions from the outer areas toward the center. This helps clear the mammary ducts and promote normal milk secretion.
4. Vibration Technique
The vibration technique is relatively simple. Using the hypothenar eminence of the right hand, rapidly push and vibrate from the base of the breast toward the nipple until the area feels slightly warm. This helps unblock breast meridians and promote milk secretion.
5. Stroking Technique
The stroking technique mainly involves massaging the surface of the breast to achieve therapeutic purposes. During the massage, lie on your side and use the palm to stroke from the base of the breast toward the nipple. To reduce friction, it is recommended to apply an appropriate amount of essential oil or lotion before massaging to help alleviate symptoms of milk stasis.
Before performing any massage, it is recommended to clean the skin to reduce the risk of infection. After the massage, regular observation is necessary, and if any adverse reactions occur, the procedure should be stopped promptly.
