Natural Support for Mastitis with Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine

What Finally Worked for Me—and What I Offer Moms in San Diego

The Truth About Mastitis

Mastitis is one of the most frustrating postpartum conditions—painful, overwhelming, and sometimes recurring despite your best efforts. I know this from personal experience.

As a new mom, I did everything “right.” I followed naturopathic recommendations to strengthen my immune system. I took sunflower lecithin, stayed hydrated, supported lymphatic flow—but I still kept getting mastitis.

What finally changed things for me?

Chinese herbs and acupuncture.

Now, as a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, I help other moms avoid antibiotics (when appropriate) and recover faster, with care that’s safe, effective, and customized.

What Is Mastitis?

Mastitis is an infection or inflammation of breast tissue, often caused by:

• Blocked milk ducts

• Bacteria entering through cracked nipples

• Poor milk drainage or skipped feeds

• Exhaustion or lowered immunity

It can show up as:

• Breast pain, redness, or swelling

• Hard, warm lumps

• Flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, fatigue

• Sudden drop in milk supply

Western medicine typically treats mastitis with antibiotics—but in Chinese medicine, we work to resolve the stagnation, clear heat, and restore flow through gentle, effective methods.

How Chinese Medicine Helps Mastitis

1. Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbal formulas are tailored to address inflammation, infection, and stagnation.

• Oral Herbs: To clear heat, move Qi, and boost immunity (always customized and professionally prescribed).

• Topical Poultices: Applied directly to the breast to draw out heat, reduce swelling, and improve circulation.

In my case, herbs were the only thing that turned things around. Once I added a custom formula to my care plan, my symptoms resolved within a day—and didn’t return.

2. Acupuncture

Acupuncture helps by:

• Reducing inflammation

• Regulating the immune response

• Releasing oxytocin to promote milk flow

• Calming the nervous system

It also helps clear heat and move Qi, which are critical in resolving mastitis energetically.

3. Sliding Cupping for the Breast & Lymph Flow

We use gentle, oil-based sliding cupping around the breast to:

• Promote lymphatic drainage

• Unblock stuck ducts

• Reduce localized swelling

• Relieve pain without pressure

  
  

This method is soothing, safe, and incredibly effective—especially when paired with herbal care.

Our Mastitis Treatment Approach at EAST & WEST

When you come in for mastitis support, here’s what your session might include:

• Herbal consultation + custom herbal formula (internal and/or topical)

• Acupuncture tailored to postpartum & lactation needs

• Sliding cupping for lymph movement and inflammation

• Comfort-focused environment with side-lying or upright setup, organic towels, and warm organic tea

We also help you understand how to prevent future episodes by addressing root imbalances in digestion, stress, or overexertion (all of which can play a role in recurrence).

You Don’t Have to Suffer Through This

Whether this is your first flare-up or your third, you deserve care that works. Chinese medicine gave me my power back—and I’d love to offer the same to you.

Book your mastitis relief session today, or schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn how we can support you naturally.