Blog

If you are currently breastfeeding, and are having trouble with milk supply, it can truly be frustrating. Thankfully, there are numerous natural options that can considerably improve your supply, and make breastfeeding your child a lot easier. While some women resort to change in diets and consumption of herbs, others find results by consulting a San Francisco acupuncturist. If you have tried every natural remedy, it’s time to try acupuncture.
Acupuncture and Breastfeeding
From a Chinese medical point of view, there are many reasons why a mother’s milk supply could dip – stress also known as Liver Qi Stagnation in acupuncture lingo, imbalance of yin and yang, deficiency of Qi or blood. Whatever the underlying cause may be, it is prudent to seek proper diagnosis as well as treatment from an experienced acupuncturist aside from a lactation consultant to boost milk supply. Listed below are three important acupressure points that can stimulate milk supply, and alleviate stress.
Gallbladder 21: This point aids in better circulation of energy, blood, and fluids. Stimulating this point also releases stuckness, or in other words – tension. Acupuncturists believe that this is a great pressure point for milk letdown. Applying pressure for about 3 minutes before a feed will not only make the mother feel good, but also help produce more milk. Massaging this point also relieves back and neck tension. You can have your partner stimulate this point using their knuckles, thumb, elbow, or even forearms.
Spleen 6: This point is found about 4 finger widths above your ankle on your inner leg just under the shinbone. If you have attended childbirth classes, you may be familiar with this pressure point. Stimulating Spleen 6 helps in shrinking your uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size. If you have pain during or after breastfeeding, applying firm pressure for about 3 minutes at this point will give you instant relief.
Pericardium 6: It is important for a mother to relax and enjoy breastfeeding rather than getting anxious over it. This point is located on the pericardium meridian, and helps relax the muscles of your chest, which in turn makes more space for the circulation of blood and fluids that results in a boost in milk supply.
Acupressure not only improves milk supply, but also reduces fatigue and anxiety; and helps a mother feel less anxious, and enjoy breastfeeding. This is a sure-shot way to improve lactation, and is also safe, simple, and effective. For more information on how acupuncture can help you with breastfeeding, contact Anchor Acupuncture & Wellness – the best San Francisco acupuncturist in town. Call us today at 415-855-3112 to schedule an appointment!