Mastitis often occurs in women during lactation, especially in primiparous women. Mastitis that occurs during pregnancy is called internal mastitis, while mastitis that occurs during lactation is called external mastitis. Massage therapy is mainly used in the early stage of mastitis, before it becomes suppurative. Let's take a look at the massage techniques for mastitis.
Causes and Pathogenesis of Mastitis
Mastitis is mostly caused by external invasion of wind and heat, leading to blockage of the milk ducts and accumulation of milk. It can also be caused by emotional depression, disharmony between the liver and stomach, stagnation of qi and blood, resulting in stagnant milk and poor milk duct circulation. Prolonged accumulation of stagnant milk can lead to suppuration.
Massage Treatment for Mastitis
Main symptoms: breast swelling, pain, redness of the skin, presence of lumps, poor milk discharge, accompanied by systemic symptoms such as chills, fever, and joint pain. After two or three days, the lump may increase in size, become more painful and red, fever may persist, appetite may decrease, thirst may increase, the tongue coating may turn yellow, and the pulse may be rapid or wiry. If the lump becomes soft and there is a fluctuating sensation upon palpation, it has already suppurated. After a few days, it will rupture and release thick pus, with a decrease in fever and pain and gradual reduction of swelling.
Treatment principle: promote blood circulation, unblock the milk ducts, clear heat, and disperse nodules.
Acupoints selected: Rugen, Wuyi, Yingchuang, Zhongwan, Qihai, Tianshu, Zusanli, Jianjing, Shaoshang, Hegu, Fengchi, Piyu, Weiyu, Ganyu, Sanyinjiao, and other points.
Massage techniques: pressing, kneading, rubbing, friction, grasping, and Yizhichan pushing technique.
Massage Techniques for Mastitis
Chest and Abdomen
The patient lies supine, and the massage therapist sits on one side. First, gently rub the area around the breast lump, then knead the Rugen, Wuyi, Yingchuang, and the area around the breast lump (gentle touch should be applied, avoiding contact with the painful area). Next, use rubbing technique to stroke from the root of the breast towards the nipple. Then knead Zhongwan, Tianshu, Qihai, and use Yizhichan pushing technique to push back and forth 2-3 times. Finally, knead Zusanli, Sanyinjiao.
Shoulder and Back
The patient sits upright, and the massage therapist stands behind. First, grasp Fengchi and Jianjing, then knead Piyu, Weiyu, Ganyu (or use cupping therapy if preferred), and finally knead Shaoshang, Hegu, and press Jianjing.
Explanation of Acupoint Selection for Mastitis Massage
The breast belongs to the Stomach meridian of the Foot Yangming, while the nipple belongs to the Liver meridian of the Foot Jueyin. Therefore, kneading Zhongwan, Tianshu, Weiyu, Piyu, and Zusanli can clear the heat of the Yangming and promote blood circulation. Kneading Ganyu, Sanyinjiao can regulate the qi of the Jueyin. Kneading acupoints around the breast lump and rubbing the area around the lump can promote blood circulation, unblock the milk ducts, disperse nodules, and relieve pain, which has obvious therapeutic effects and is an essential method of treating mastitis. Grasping Fengchi, kneading Shaoshang, and Hegu can expel wind, clear heat, and regulate qi and blood.
Differentiation and modification: If there is excessive heat and stagnation, Qihai and Zusanli can be omitted and Dazhui and Feishu can be added. If there is disharmony between the liver and stomach, Qihai can be omitted and Taichong can be pinched while kneading Zhangmen and Qimen.
Daily Care Tips for Mastitis
1. Prevention is key for mastitis, so in the later stages of pregnancy, it is recommended to regularly clean the nipples with 75% alcohol.
2. Avoid exposing the breasts to wind during breastfeeding, pay attention to keeping warm, and maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
3. Breastfeed on schedule, maintain oral hygiene for the baby, and avoid letting the baby sleep without breastfeeding.
4. When mastitis has become suppurative, avoid massage treatment and instead use medication and other therapies.
