Jan:  Surely you have way more LC knowledge than I, but the latest research
in human physiology, orthopedics, chiropractic, and exercise physiology (not
specific to breastfeeding) states that heat should NOT be applied when
inflamation is present.  Cold is the treatment of choice until inflammation
is gone.  Now, if we are talking about true "mastitis", meaning inflammation
of the breast (as opposed to infection), then ice would be the choice.  In
the case of Candida Albicans it is torture for most women to apply ice (one
distinguishing factor between bacterial mastitis and fungal infection).

You are correct that once upon a time, not that long ago, we were all taught
to use heat on injured tissue.  It sure feels better, but it causes large
amounts of lymph to be deposited in the tissues directly in contact with the
heat.  Confusing, I know...
Warmly,
Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC    [log in to unmask]
mom, wife, educator, lactation consultant, researcher, scientist, author,
organic gardener, photographer, lapidary creator, lousy cleaner.

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