Objective: To study on clinical role of acupuncture at Tanzhong (CV 17) for treatment of postpartum hypolactation and to provide clinical basis for indications of acupoints.
Methods: This was a single blind randomized controlled multi-center study by Beijing obstetrical and gynecological hospital, Beijing Mother and Child health institute and Haidian Mother and Child health institute, 276 cases of postpartum hypolactation were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a Chinese drug group. The acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at Tanzhong (CV 17) and the Chinese drug group with traditional drug Tongre Decoction. Degree of breast engorge, lactating volume, prolactin, neonate body weight, artificial feeding frequency and volume, urination frequency and crying time of neonate were recorded for comparison of therapeutic effects.
Results: After treatment, degree of breast engorge, lactating volume, neonate body weight, artificial feeding frequency and volume, urination frequency and crying time of neonate were significantly improved in the two groups, with no significant difference between the two groups.
Conclusion: Acupuncture at Tanzhong (CV 17) can effectively promote lactation with a same therapeutic effect as the traditional Chinese drug Tongru Decocnon.