AcuiQ

Acupuncture Points for Insufficient Lactation

9 sourced protocols, each with its citation.

Related Symptoms

Often treated alongside Insufficient Lactation:

Insufficient LactationBreast EngorgementBreastfeeding DifficultyDepression PostpartumHypogalactiaPostpartum Low Milk Supply

Points cited for Insufficient Lactation

How often each point appears across the 9 entries ranked highest for Insufficient Lactation. Citation frequency, not a recommendation.

  • SI01Lesser MarshSmall Intestine Meridian5 of 9
  • CV17Chest CentreConception Vessel4 of 9
  • ST18Breast RootStomach Meridian2 of 9
  • ST36Leg Three MilesStomach Meridian2 of 9
  • BL31Upper Bone HoleBladder Meridian1 of 9
  • BL32Second Bone HoleBladder Meridian1 of 9
  • BL33Middle Bone HoleBladder Meridian1 of 9
  • BL34Lower Bone HoleBladder Meridian1 of 9
  • CV03Central PivotConception Vessel1 of 9
  • CV04Original Qi GateConception Vessel1 of 9
  • CV06Sea Of QiConception Vessel1 of 9
  • CV08Spirit Palace GateConception Vessel1 of 9

Each card names its evidence kind. What these labels mean

Protocol (6 points)

100%

BL31 · BL32 · BL33 · BL34 · KD01 · CV08

Insufficient LactationUrinary Retention PostpartumUterine Contraction Postpartum PainDepression Postpartum
Point 1 of 6

BL31Upper Bone Hole

BL31 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Bladder Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 上髎 (shàng hé)

🎯 Location: On the sacrum at the midpoint between posterior superior iliac spine and posterior midline just at the 1st posterior sacral foramen.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in sacroiliac dysfunction.

🛡️ Treats: Fever, Knee Pain, Common Cold, Vomiting, Back Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.13261 ↗
Not corroborated. No other study in the index uses any of these points for this search.

Protocol (3 points)

100%

ST18 · SI01 · CV17

Insufficient LactationBreastfeeding Difficulty
Point 1 of 3

ST18Breast Root

ST18 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 乳根 (rǔ gēn)

🎯 Location: On the chest directly below nipple, on the lower border of the breast, in the 5th intercostal space 4 thumb widths lateral to the anterior midline.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in lactating women; avoid direct needling in breast tissue.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Shortness of Breath, Swelling, Breast Abscess, Breast Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_378_23 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. ST18, SI01, CV17 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1145/3715020.3715068 ↗

Protocol (5 points)

100%

ST36 · CV03 · CV04 · CV06 · CV17

Insufficient LactationPostpartum Qi DeficiencyPostpartum Jing Deficiency
Point 1 of 5

ST36Leg Three Miles

ST36 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 足三里 (zú sān lǐ)

🎯 Location: 3 thumb widths below ST35, 1 finger breadth (middle finger) from anterior border of the tibia.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in cases of severe varicose veins.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Fever, Poor Appetite, Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1089/acu.2020.29156.cpl ↗
Corroborated by a second study. ST36, CV17 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.1145/3715020.3715068 ↗

Protocol (5 points)

100%

ST18 · ST36 · SI01 · LV03 · CV17

Insufficient LactationPostpartum Hypogalactia
Point 1 of 5

ST18Breast Root

ST18 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Stomach Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 乳根 (rǔ gēn)

🎯 Location: On the chest directly below nipple, on the lower border of the breast, in the 5th intercostal space 4 thumb widths lateral to the anterior midline.

⚠️ Cautions: Caution in lactating women; avoid direct needling in breast tissue.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Shortness of Breath, Swelling, Breast Abscess, Breast Pain

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.1145/3715020.3715068 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. ST18, SI01, CV17 also appear in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_378_23 ↗

Single-point entry

100%
Insufficient LactationPostpartum Low Milk Supply

SI01Lesser Marsh

SI01 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Small Intestine Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 少澤 (shǎo zé)

🎯 Location: On the ulnar side of the little finger about 0.1 thumb width from corner of the nail.

⚠️ Cautions: Avoid in patients with bleeding disorders.

🛡️ Treats: Cough, Chest Pain, Fever, Dizziness, Tinnitus

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20240127-k0003 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. SI01 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_378_23 ↗

Protocol (3 points)

100%

LU01 · LU02 · CV17

Insufficient LactationLactation InsufficiencyBreast Engorgement
Point 1 of 3

LU01Central Mansion

LU01 acupoint
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🗺️ Meridian: Lung Meridian

🇨🇳 Chinese: 中府 (zhōng fǔ)

🎯 Location: Laterosuperior to the sternum 1 thumb width below LU02 at the level of the 1st intercostal space 6 thumb widths lateral to the anterior midline.

⚠️ Cautions: Needle obliquely or laterally, never deeply or medially – risk of pneumothorax.

🛡️ Treats: Heat Chest, Cough, Chest Pain, Fever, Shortness of Breath

Study-reported

Point selection reported in a published study.

doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20201207-0002 ↗
Corroborated by a second study. CV17 also appears in another study-reported protocol for the same search. A second publication is not necessarily a second research group. doi:10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_378_23 ↗
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Using Acupoints for Insufficient Lactation

Self-Treatment Guidelines

  • Locate acupoints using anatomical landmarks
  • Apply firm, steady pressure for 1-3 minutes
  • Treat 2-3 times daily for best results

When to Seek Professional Help

  • Severe or persistent Insufficient Lactation
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment
  • If you have underlying health conditions

Disclaimer: The acupoint information provided is for educational purposes only.