acupuncture
There are multiple meridians and many more points that can affect the breasts and breast health.
Acupuncture can be used to move energy and has be effective in helping move Qi through the body to restore balance and promote healing.
It can also help with pain reduction and the combating fatigue.
We are not trained acupuncturists, the content on this page is merely for educational purposes to raise awareness about this ancient healing practice and help to reduce any misconceptions about needling.
There are roughly 20,000 board certified acupuncturists in the United States to find one near you visit please visit the
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine:
History
Origins of Ancient Knowledge
Healers have been practicing acupuncture since before recorded history, Some believe that the practice began even before 2500 B.C. in China.
The Huang Di Nei Jing or The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine was the first text to outline the practices.
Modern acupuncture was established during the Ming Dynasty somewhere around 1400.
The medicinal practices of China spread East to Japan first and then moved westward into Europe by the early 1800s.
Acupuncture did not gain notoriety in the USA until Nixon visited China in the 1970's and learned about the practice. Since then the practice has been integrated into practice and acupuncture schools and training programs through the world.
Illustrations from A Manual of Acupuncture, used with permission of the publishers. Further reproduction strictly prohibited.
The Practice
What to expect during a session
Do you hate needles? You're not alone, but if that's what is stopping you from exploring this method of healing its best to get over that fear. Most of the time you don't even feel the needle being placed.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of incredibly thin needles into small centers of energy along the meridians of the body. The goal is to balance your energy and promote optimal health.
When performed correctly it is very safe and there are virtually no side effects. Acupuncture may be suitable for individuals who cannot take certain type of medications due to an existing problem and can frequently be seamlessly integrated into an already established care plan.
When going to treatment you will discuss your goals with your practitioner and they will likely go through and intake process with you, this may involve looking at your tongue or checking your pulses.
You will be asked to sit in a chair or lie down. Your acupuncturist will use disposable, sterile, single use needles and insert them carefully to each acupoint needed for treatment.
There are hundreds of points so each session may be slightly different depending on what type of energy needs balancing. The number of sessions will vary depending on your needs.
Needles typically remain in place between 5 and 30 minutes. Cost of sessions vary depending on your practitioner, whether or not your insurance covers this modality and may be reduced if you attend community acupuncture session.
Meridians
Energy Pathways
There are 12 primary meridians in the body:
1. Lung
2. Large Intestine
3. Stomach
4. Spleen
5. Heart
6. Small Intestine
7. Bladder
8. Kidney
9. Pericardium
10. Triple Burner
11. Gallbladder
12. Liver
As well as 8 extraordinary meridians:
1. Governing Vessel
2. Conception Vessel
3. Thrusting Vessel
4. Belt Vessel
5. Yin Heel Vessel
6. Yang Heel Vessel
7. Yin Link Vessel
8. Yang Link Vessel
Illustrations from A Manual of Acupuncture, used with permission of the publishers. Further reproduction strictly prohibited.
Breast Benefits
Studies have shown that acupuncture can help to drastically relieve fatigue and help with pain relief. In addition it has also been used to help control hot flashes, relax anxiousness, assist with breast milk production, reduce nausea and help with neuropathy.
Certain acupoints can help with breastfeeding and milk supply when stimulated. S1, which is the point on the lateral corner of the 5th finger nail has been utilized to increase milk supply by stimulating prolactin levels. G21 is a let down point and is located at the superior aspect of the shoulder, midway between the lateral edge and the spine.
Acupuncture is a great tool for side effect management for patients undergoing breast cancer treatments as well. Studies have shown that it may reduce lymphedema as well as help to mitigate some of of the less pleasant effects of many aromatase inhibitors.
Acupuncturists are trained to assess each patient individually so there is not a one size fits all treatment plan. Speak with your practitioner about what will be the best course of action for you for your breasts, body and beyond.