TITLE: Feeding and nursing with help of acupuncture and moxibustion: double experience, in France and Madagascar

ISSUE DATE: November 12-15, 2000
LAST NAME: REMPP
NAME: Christian
NATIONALITY: France
ADDRESS: 2 boulevard du President Edwards
ABSTRACT: abbreviation
A-21.
TITLE: Feeding and nursing with help of acupuncture and moxibustion: double experience, in France and Madagascar
AUTHOR(S): Christian REMPP
ABSTRACT:
Feeding and nursing can have a wide advantage by the practice of acupuncture, moxibustion and massage. Many points can be used, we selected some oh them. Selection was made by consideration of three criteria: efficiency, easiness of localisation, easiness in operating. Using acupuncture and moxibustion isn't in itself an original idea. Originality is in using together with massage and, in the case of low weight premature babies, a particular nursing technique called <kangaroo> technique.
The points we use are common points: ShanZhong, CV17, with two paramedian needles (see oral presentation and illustrations); ShaoZe, SI1, with needle pointing toward SI2; QianZu, SI2, needle pointing toward SI3. This technique, combined with a particular procedure of massage, is enough to stimulate feeding (CV17 is often sufficient) and to prevent or erase the post-partum blues (SI1).
The efficiency of the massage is in close link with the technical quality. The two hands are working with the tips of the fingers. The movement is beginning at ShenJue CV8, massaging up to ShanZhong, CV17, then diagonally to the inferior edge of the nipple, then down to the ombilic. And the whole thing is to be done again several times for a few minutes. This technique has great and quick efficacy. We teach this technique to the woman and to her husband.
Moxibustion is used on the nipple to cure and prevent congestion, pain and cracks, which make the feeding difficult or painful. The full ability to feed is find again in less than a few hours.
In case of low weight premature babies, we use the <kangaroo> technique. This technique, in her simple and natural form, has always existed in all countries of the world, and it always will. The form which has been developped results from a technique used by the women of the Andes Cordillera who were carrying their babies while working in the fields. The baby is attached to the chest of his mother by a particular bandaging. So he feels movements and warmth of his mother, smells and hears them. So he is continuously stimulated and driven to feeding. This technique has several advantages compared with the incubator: the babies eat more better, grow up easier, overcome better against illness and vaccinations, and become less anxious.
There techniques will be completely explained and illustrated during oral presentation.
We used these techniques in France, in an academic hospital, and in Madagascar, during an humanitary mission. We have some years in retrospect, and both experiences prouved and confirmed the efficiency, fiability and the ease with which these techniques can be used and exploited.