Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of Shaoze (SI 1) on hypolactation so as to explore an effective approach for promoting lactation. Methods: A total of 80 cases of hypolactation parturients were randomly divided into treatment group (n=40) and control group (n=40) in accordance with a program edited by Visual Basic 6.0 software. Patients of control group were treated by EA ( 9 V

20 Hz

intermittent pulses) of Shangyang (LI 1)

while those of treatment group treated by EA of Shaoze (SI 1

an empirical acupoint for improving hypolactation). The treatment was conducted once daily

with 5 sessions being a therapeutic course

2 courses altogether

followed by making a one-month's follow-up. The lactigenous volume of each parturient was detected before

after the treatment and the day of follow-up by squeezing breast repeatedly till emptying the milk. Venous blood samples were collected in the early morning before lactation for assaying the content of prolactin with radioimmunoassay. Results: After the treatment

of the every 40 cases in treatment and control groups

30 (75.0%) and 2 (5.0%) were cured

8 (20.0%) and 7 (17.5%) were effective

2 (5.0%) and 31 (77.5%) failed

with the effective rates being 95.0% and 22.5% respectively. The therapeutic effect of treatment group was significantly superior to that of control group (P<0.001). The lactation volume and prolactin contents at the end of the treatment and 1 month after the treatment in treatment group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: EA of Shaoze (SI 1) can effectively improve hypolactation parturients' symptoms

raise serum prolactin level

and is thus an effective approach for reliving hypolactation.