[JI Laixi's experience in acupuncture treatment of chronic mastitis at lump stage based on "stagnation"]

The paper summarizes the clinical experience of Professor JI Laixi in acupuncture treatment for chronic mastitis at lump stage. Professor JI Laixi believes that the essential pathogenesis of this disease is "stagnation". The obstruction in the affected meridians and collaterals due to qi stagnation, qi deficiency, phlegm retention or fire accumulation leads to mastitis. Hence, the treating approach of acupuncture and moxibustion focuses on "relieving stagnation", and 4 principles of treatments are determined, namely regulating qi, tonifying qi, promoting yang circulation and reducing accumulated heat. Clinically, 4 acupuncture techniques are adopted accordingly. Regulating qi and unblocking the circulation in the breast: Hegu (LI4) and Taichong (LR3) are used to relieve masses and stagnation, promote qi movement and improve meridian circulation of the breast. Benefiting qi and regulating qi movement in the breast: Zusanli (ST36), Qihai (CV6) and Neiguan (PC6) are selected to replenish the spleen and stomach, nourish the acquired qi and maintain the free flow of qi in the breast. Promoting yang circulation and resolving masses: the tender points corresponding to Jueyinshu (BL14) and Xinshu (BL15) are stimulated, besides, the patient is required to flex or extend the spine to its maximum position while coordinate with inhalation and exhalation, so as to promote the circulation of heart meridian, propel yang qi movement, warm up and enhance the movements of qi, blood and body fluids to remove stagnation in the breast. Reducing accumulated heat and promoting circulation in the breast: acupuncture is applied to Neiting (ST44), Shangjuxu (ST37), Fenglong (ST40), Neiguan (PC6) and Jianjing (GB21), combined with pricking technique with three-edge needle at Zhongchong (PC9) and Lidui (ST45), and the hooking technique with hook needle at the positive points in the thoracic section of the bladder meridian of foot-taiyang on the back, so as to release the damp-heat stagnation and restore the circulation in the breast.