Main Complaint
Breast congestion (Breast Engorgement) following abrupt cessation of breastfeeding.
Clinical Background
A 41-year-old woman recently recovered from influenza and is experiencing significant emotional and physical stress. Due to her recent illness and the challenges of caring for her children during this difficult time, she decided it was the right moment to stop breastfeeding. Shortly after weaning, she developed noticeable lumps in both breasts, but there were no signs of acute inflammation or infection.
Treatment
The treatment began with bloodletting at Si-1 Shao Ze, a key point for promoting lactation and resolving breast channel stagnation. This method supports the clearance of residual milk and reduces pressure in the mammary ducts.
77.05 San Zhong was needled bilaterally, as part of a powerful Dao Ma group often used to treat swelling, congestion, and fluid retention — with specific benefits for the breast area.
Additional points included:
- Shuang Long (Double Dragon) — two specialized points with strong indications for breast conditions:
- Shuang Long Yi is located 1.5 cun below the knee eye (St-35 Du Bi), on the lateral side of the tibia.
- Shuang Long Er lies 0.6 cun distal to Shuang Long Yi.
- Indications include mastitis, breast swelling, benign tumors, nipple inflammation, and low milk supply.
- 44.06 Jian Zhong and 44 Jian Feng were needled together.
- Jian Feng is located 2 cun superior to 44.06 and is known for its ability to treat disorders of the breast, mainly when caused by Qi stagnation in the upper body.
- GV-20 Bai Hui and GV-22 Xin Hui were added to calm the Shen.
- Auricular Point: Omega Axis — selected for its neuroendocrine and emotional regulatory effects.
Outcome
The breast congestion entirely resolved within 24 hours after a single treatment session. No further intervention was necessary. The patient reported feeling both physical relief and emotional release.
Theoretical Basis
The use of Si-1 Shao Ze in this case draws on the classical interior-exterior relationship between the Small Intestine channel (Tai Yang) and the Heart channel (Shao Yin) of the hand. Because the Heart governs the chest and houses the Shen, bleeding Si-1 — the Jing-Well point of the Small Intestine — can help clear heat and stagnation from the Heart and chest, making it a powerful point for addressing breast congestion, mastitis, and emotional tension that may manifest in the chest.
This classical logic finds a parallel in Master Tung’s acupuncture, where points located along the Heart trajectory are also used to treat excess or stagnation in the chest and breasts. For example:
- 44 Jian Feng
- 44.06 Zhong Jian
Both points are considered to reflect the Heart channel’s influence in Tung’s mapping system and are frequently used for symptoms such as breast swelling, nodules, insufficient lactation, and emotionally related chest tension.
For More Information
To learn more about these acupuncture points, their functions, indications, and needling techniques — Download the “Master Tung’s Points” App, available on the App Store and Google Play.
