It is relatively unknown for most that acupuncture provides natural, side-effect free and superb effective treatment to enhance milk flow for nursing mothers. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a holistic approach to lactation care that has been used for centuries to treat insufficient or termination of lactation.

Insufficient or termination of lactation refers to the inability of a mother to produce enough breast milk to meet the nutritional needs of her infant or the sudden cessation of breast milk production. This can occur for various reasons, such as hormonal imbalances, improper breastfeeding techniques, maternal illness, or the use of certain medications.

In TCM, lactation issues are often seen as a result of an imbalance in the body’s energy, particularly in the liver and kidney meridians. The liver plays a crucial role in the smooth flow of qi and blood, which are essential for the production of breast milk. The kidneys are responsible for the body’s essence, including the reproductive essence, which is vital for lactation.

Research has shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for insufficient or termination of lactation in nursing mothers. One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture treatment led to a significant increase in milk production in postpartum women with lactation insufficiency compared to a control group that did not receive acupuncture (1).

Another study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine also reported positive outcomes for acupuncture treatment of lactation insufficiency. The study found that acupuncture treatment significantly increased milk volume and improved breast engorgement and nipple pain in postpartum women (2).

In addition to acupuncture, traditional Chinese herbal medicine has also been used to treat lactation insufficiency. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that a traditional Chinese herbal formula called Shenghua Decoction significantly improved milk volume and infant weight gain in lactating women with insufficient lactation (3).

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are effective therapies for the treatment of insufficient or termination of lactation, but it requires the skill and experience of a qualified practitioner to achieve optimal results. At Huatuo Clinic, our TCM specialists have extensive experience in treating lactation issues with acupuncture and herbal medicine.

We understand the challenges that new mothers face when trying to breastfeed their infants and the importance of maintaining a healthy milk supply. Our practitioners work closely with you to understand your unique circumstances and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

If you are experiencing lactation issues or have concerns about your milk supply, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced practitioners. We can assess your situation and provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan that may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle modifications.

At Huatuo Clinic, we are committed to helping new mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals and promote the health and well-being of both mother and child. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards natural, effective lactation support.

References:

1. Zhu Y, et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture intervention for postpartum lactation insufficiency. J Altern Complement Med. 2013;19(4):283-287.
2. Yang C, et al. Clinical observation of the treatment of postpartum lactation insufficiency by acupuncture combined with ginger moxibustion. J Tradit Chin Med. 2014;34(4):412-416.
3. Yu W, et al. Shenghua Decoction increases milk volume in lactating women with insufficient lactation. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;137(1):554-559.