Fig. 1
Pictorial images of the integrated breast massage technique with the massage therapist standing behind the patient’s head. A Butterfly stroke: Apply continuous pressure to the affected breast while moving along the base of the breast from the medial side to the axillary area. Then repeat the same motion at the upper half of the breast. B Fingertip circle: With the fingers of one hand, lightly press and massage the breast in a circular motion while moving around the areola. C, D, E Diamond stroke. C: The breast is positioned between the fingers and thumbs of both hands (resembling a diamond shape), followed by both hands moving toward each other and toward the areola. D: Alternating between hands, press the breast with the palmar side of the 2nd to 5th fingers, and then release (resembling patting on the breast). E: With the tips of the 2nd to 5th fingers, press into the breast gently, then move both hands away from each other with an action that is similar to scratching. Repeat the same motions around the breast toward the axillary area. F Promotion of milk duct dilatation: Gently squeeze and roll the areolar area between the thumb and forefinger. G Augmentation of milk drainage from areas with plugged milk ducts: Gently fix and squeeze the breast mass with the non-dominant hand while the dominant hand manually expresses breast milk by gently compressing the areola and nipple between the thumb and index finger