Free Web NovelChapter 514: Chapter 514: Unblocked
Li Xu gently pressed and palpated the area around the patient’s breasts.
Just as he suspected, his fingertips detected distinct nodules.
Especially in the upper-outer quadrant, the milk ducts were hard. The moment he applied a little pressure, the patient winced and cried out in pain.
"This is a classic case of milk stasis."
Li Xu explained, "In traditional Chinese medicine, this condition is known as a blockage of local qi and blood, which leads to swelling and pain. If it’s not treated promptly, the prolonged stasis generates heat and can develop into acute mastitis. At that point, you’d need IV fluids or even surgery to drain it."
"What? It’s that serious?" The young mother was terrified.
"Don’t worry. We’ve caught it early. It’ll be fine as long as we clear the blockage."
Li Xu turned to get a bottle of specially formulated Massage lubricant. He poured some into his palm, warmed it between his hands, and then spread it evenly over the affected area on the patient.
"Relax. This might hurt a little, but just bear with it, and we’ll get it cleared."
Li Xu spread his five fingers, placing his hand flat against the skin like a comb. He began to stroke and lift the tissue, moving from the base of the breast toward the nipple.
His touch was exceptionally light, applying a gentle, flowing pressure.
This was different from a regular massage. You couldn’t just randomly knead or press in circles, as that would damage the delicate milk ducts.
...
Li Xu’s expression was focused, his movements skillful and rhythmic...
Standing behind him, Song Sisi watched, completely captivated.
Although she had studied the theory, this was the first time she had ever observed this kind of hands-on procedure up close.
She watched Li Xu’s hands, which seemed to work magic. ’He’s incredible,’ she thought, feeling a wave of admiration mixed with a faint, inexplicable shyness.
Even though Li Xu had placed an absorbent fenestrated drape under the patient, the release of pressure after clearing the ducts caused milk to spray everywhere. It splattered across the bedsheets and even onto the cuffs of his white coat.
But no one was paying any attention to that right now.
About twenty minutes later, the procedure was finished.
Li Xu used a warm, damp towel to clean the patient and then helped her cover up.
The young mother sat up. Seeing the mess on the bed, she blushed to the roots of her hair and said, embarrassed, "Doctor Li... I’m so sorry. I made such a mess, and it even got on you..."
"Don’t mention it."
Li Xu smiled and pulled off his gloves, unconcerned. "This is our job. It’s completely normal."
"This session has mostly cleared the blockage. However, to ensure the results last, you’ll need to come back for two more treatments in the next few days to fully restore the health of your milk ducts."
At this point, Li Xu changed the subject. "Also, regarding your concerns about low milk supply and recurrent blockages, I have a unique supplementary treatment I can offer."
"It’s called auricular acupressure with seeds."
"I will place some small herbal seeds on specific acupoints on your ear. The continuous stimulation can regulate your endocrine system, promote prolactin secretion, and effectively reduce the chances of future blockages. You could give it a try."
Hearing this, the young mother’s eyes lit up as if she’d been thrown a lifeline. "Promote lactation? Really?"
"Then I definitely have to try it."
"Doctor Li, you have no idea how guilty I’ve been feeling. Every time I see my baby crying from hunger, I feel like crying too. I just feel like I’m not a good mother."
She said excitedly, "Doctor Li, can you put on some extra ones for me? I don’t care if you cover my whole ear! I want to be a milk machine! I just want my baby to have a full meal for once."
Her earnest wish made Li Xu chuckle.
"Easy now. Haste makes waste. Putting on too many can actually cause a negative reaction."
As he spoke, Li Xu took a small box from a cabinet.
Inside were some pre-cut squares of adhesive tape, about 6x6 to 10x10 millimeters in size. A small, round, black pellet was stuck to the center of each piece.
These were the Wang Buliuxing Seeds.
As the old saying in Chinese medicine goes: "Pangolin scales and Wang Buliu will make a mother’s milk flow freely."
Wang Buliuxing itself is a potent herb for promoting lactation and clearing channels, making it perfect for auricular acupressure.
Li Xu gestured for the patient to turn her head to the side, exposing her ear.
He took out an alcohol-soaked cotton ball and expertly disinfected her outer ear.
Selecting the right acupoints on the ear is a precise science; you can’t just stick them on randomly.
Li Xu selected a series of specific points on both of her ears...
"Doctor Li, what’s happening? I feel like you’re only pressing on my ear, but... I have this tingling sensation all over my body. Even my breasts feel... full?"
Li Xu explained, "In Chinese medicine, the ear is not just an isolated organ for hearing. It’s seen as a microcosm of the body, like an inverted fetus, with reflex points corresponding to all the internal organs. It is intimately connected to the body’s meridians and viscera."
"Stimulating these auricular points is like pressing buttons on the body’s remote control, allowing you to regulate the functions of various organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys from a distance."
"The fact that you’re feeling it so strongly means your meridians are sensitive. That’s a good thing—it means the treatment will be more effective."
...
PS: Large sections were censored and had to be deleted...
