Acupressure for Breast Tenderness While Nursing

Here are the acupressure points traditionally used for breast tenderness while nursing. Use gentle, regular pressure, and give it time. You do not have to use all of these points. Using just one or two of them whenever you have a free hand can be effective.

Acupressure Point GB21 — Jian Jing
Chinese Name: 肩井
Location: at the highest point of the shoulder. On the top of the trapezoid muscle, directly up from the nipple.
Traditionally used for: neck rigidity, pain in the shoulder, pain in the back, mastitis, arthritis of the hand and arm, to increase the bust size in women, prevent sagging breast.

Acupressure Point ST16 — Ying Chuang
Chinese Name: 膺窗
Location: in the 3rd intercostal space, 4 body inches lateral to the cv meridian.
Traditionally used for: fullness in the chest, pain in the chest, pain in the hypochondrium, cough, asthma, mastitis, lactation deficiency.

Acupressure Point LU5 — Chi Ze
Chinese Name: 尺  澤
Location: on the cubital crease of the elbow, in the depression at the radial side of the tendon of biceps brachii.
Traditionally used for: dry cough, wet cough, fever, asthma, water retention in the lungs, sore throat, chest congestion, pain in the elbow and arm.

Acupressure Point ST36 — Zu San Li 
Chinese Name: 足三里
Location: Four finger widths below the kneecap toward the outside of the shinbone.
Traditionally used for: Strengthens the whole body to prevent as well as relieve allergies. long life point, balancing point, to boost up energy, knee pain, gastric pain, vomiting, abdominal distention, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, mental fog, arterial sclerosis, poor digestion especially of proteins and carbohydrates, breast abscess, mastitis, pain and swelling in the breast.

Acupressure Point ST39 — Xia Ju Xu
Chinese Name: 下巨虛
Location: 3 body inches below ST37.
Traditionally used for: lower abdominal pain, pain in the testes, mastitis, pain, irritable bowels.

Caution: You should consult with a healthcare professional before practicing Acupressure or starting any diet, exercise, Chinese herbs or other supplementation programs.

Acupressure is self-care, not a replacement for diagnosis or treatment. Stop if you feel sharp pain, numbness or dizziness. Pregnant or trying to conceive? Skip LI4, SP6, GB21, BL60 and BL67 unless your practitioner directs it. Get medical care first for chest pain, sudden weakness, fainting, heavy bleeding, or a high fever.