Breast inflammation is a serious breast disease for women. It should be taken seriously and treated promptly. In addition to medication prescribed by a doctor, massage techniques can also be used to relieve the pain caused by the disease. Let's take a look at the massage techniques for acute mastitis below.
Basic Massage Techniques for Acute Mastitis
1. Oscillation Method: Apply pressure with the palm of your hand, starting from the swollen area of the breast and pushing towards the nipple in a high-speed motion. Repeat this 3-5 times. When there is a slight warm sensation, the preventive effect against inflammation will be better.
2. Kneading and Pinching Method: Apply moderate pressure with your five fingers, knead the affected breast, and alternate between tightening and loosening the grip 10-15 times. You can also gently push the nipple outward a few times with your palm to help clear the milk ducts.
3. Rubbing and Pressing Method: Apply pressure with the small or large area between the base of your fingers on the breast lump or painful area, and rub it gently in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction for 100 times each.
4. Pushing and Stroking Method: The patient should sit or lie on their side with the chest fully exposed. Use both hands to gently stroke around the breast towards the nipple 50-100 times. The movements should be gentle and soothing.
Special Acupressure Points for Acute Mastitis
Breast Root Point: 4 inches below the nipple, at the base of the breast, in the 5th intercostal space from the midline.
Shaoze Point: 0.1 inch beside the angle of the little finger on the radial side of the hand.
Renzhong Point: In the middle of the chest, on the midline, at the 4th intercostal space, between the two nipples.
Yingchuang Point: In the chest, at the 3rd intercostal space, 4 inches from the midline.
Massage Techniques for Special Acupressure Points for Acute Mastitis
During the massage, the patient should lie supine and sequentially massage the Shaoze, Breast Root, Renzhong, and Yingchuang acupressure points, each for 3 minutes. The massage should be done until there is a sense of swelling and pain in the affected area.
Massage Benefits: Shaoze and Breast Root points can promote the flow of milk ducts. Renzhong and Yingchuang points have the effect of expanding the chest and regulating Qi. When used together, these four points can disperse blockages, relieve stagnation, and promote the flow of channels.
Precautions for Massage of Acute Mastitis
When performing the massage, follow the principle of "centripetal" movement, moving from the periphery of the breast towards the nipple, following the direction of milk flow out of the ducts. Initially, there may be discomfort or even pain in the affected area, but it is important to persevere, as the discomfort or pain will disappear within a short period of time.
Daily Prevention of Acute Mastitis
1. Pay attention to self-examination regularly. If there is swelling or a lump in the breast, it should be treated promptly. Apply hot compresses with a hot towel or hot water bottle to reduce swelling, and gently massage the area after each hot compress to promote smooth flow and eliminate the lump.
2. During breastfeeding, try to empty the breasts completely. If there is residual milk or incomplete emptying, it can be manually expressed or assisted with a breast pump.
3. Maintain good breast hygiene and promptly remove milk blisters on the surface of the nipples to prevent nipple blockage and milk stasis, which can lead to the development of the disease.
4. Avoid letting the baby fall asleep with the nipple in their mouth, as it can cause the baby to bite and potentially lead to infection.
