"Stone milk," also known as milk stasis, is a condition in which the breasts become painful and hard, resembling stones. It is a common postpartum condition in women, caused by various factors such as blocked milk ducts and poor milk flow. If left untreated or improperly treated, it can lead to acute mastitis or even breast abscess.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the main cause of postpartum milk stasis is liver qi stagnation and internal fire toxins. The treatment should focus on soothing the liver, regulating qi, promoting milk flow, and reducing swelling. The key to treatment is to clear the milk ducts and eliminate stagnant milk. A professional lactation therapist can perform circular massage on the affected area, using palm and finger vibrations to improve blood circulation in the breasts. Techniques such as finger kneading, finger rubbing, and finger combing can also be used to gently press and release the local mammary ducts, dislodging milk clots and promoting milk flow. This helps to relieve stagnation, dissolve lumps, regulate qi and blood, and reduce inflammation and heat. In addition, acupressure on the root of the breast, Qi-men, Ying-window, Qu-chi, and Shao-ze points can also be used to assist in milk flow. This therapy is safe, effective, repeatable, and has no side effects. It does not affect breastfeeding, and about 90% of patients can be cured. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can also be used as complementary treatments based on the patient's condition.
In addition to factors such as delayed breastfeeding and blocked milk ducts, a mother's negative emotions, such as stress, worries, anger, and frustration, are also important causes of "stone milk."
If a postpartum mother is excessively stressed, worried, or emotionally blocked, it can easily lead to disharmony in the organs, hinder the smooth flow of qi, and worsen milk flow. Professional psychologists should provide psychological counseling based on each mother's family situation and background, resolving emotional tension and stagnation, helping to adjust mental state and shift focus, and providing guidance on diet, nutrition, sleep, and breastfeeding as needed.
