Breast Massage Has Its Perks

Studies suggest that women who wear bras for long periods (more than 12 hours a day) have a higher risk of developing breast cancer; the risk is reduced if a woman only wears a bra less than 12 hours a day. Of course, most women do not want to go without a bra, so what can they do? (I do suggest women wear a bra as little as professionally possible–may 8-9 hours a day? I’ve cut down to about 8 myself.)

A breast massage is a therapeutic option. The breast tissue is delicate so an improper massage could be hurtful. However, if done correctly many consider it safe and beneficial. Breast massage also is called Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD). The massage therapist lightly stretches the lymph vessel walls, which encourages lymph drainage. There are other benefits to regular breast massage (twice a week): it can make your breasts firmer along with balancing hormones, which encourages good breast health. Such massages have been performed in India and the Orient for centuries. Unfortunately, it is not always available as massage therapy in all U.S. states.

Breast Massage

The breasts are made up of fat and glands mounted by a delicate system of ligaments. The arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels circulate blood, oxygen, and toxins through the breasts as they do elsewhere in the body. Some studies have suggest that constant pressure from a bra may flatten the lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic vessels in the breast are designed to remove toxins from the fluid between breast cells and out of your blood and body. When a lymph vessel is flattened, the toxins cannot flow as they should. This will lead to a build up of toxins that could result in breast cancer. The build up of toxins in the flattened lymphatic vessel (and any lymphoid) can cause other problems too.

Most professional massage therapists have the knowledge to perform a breast massage. However, due to the fact that during a breast massage the breast must be uncovered, many women prefer to have their spouse or themselves do it. This massage can be performed while either lying or sitting down, whichever is more comfortable to the person getting the massage.

Massage oils are used to prevent friction and discomfort during the massage (do not use mineral-based oils or scented oils). When applying oil to the breast do so in circular movements, going from the center of the chest towards the underarm area and only use light pressure, only as much pressure as you would to massage your eyelid. Starting at the nipple, use your fingers to make slow smooth strokes away from the nipple in all directions. This is the first step, and should never be skipped.

Once the breast is covered with oil, you will gently knead it by lifting with both hands from the chest and pressing very delicately. In addition, with both hands (thumbs above the nipple and fingers below) carefully twist the breast in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. If you are planning and/or doing an at-home breast massage you will benefit if you get a book on the subject or look online for some picture instructions.

The last step is a cooling down massage: smooth and stroke the breast with fingertips starting at nipples and going out. The compression of this encourages the fluids to move out of the breast. Repeat this breast massage technique on the other breast.

After a breast massage, the receiver should drink a lot of water to help flush their system. The first breast massage may be the most painful, but after a few sessions you will have adjusted to it. However, it is usually just uncomfortable. Remember, it is important to use minimal pressure during a breast massage. If you are not giving one to yourself, be sure to speak up if the person giving you the breast massage is using pressure that is too hard.

If pain or tenderness persists, it is best to visit your doctor–sooner than later.

Massage Chick side note: One site where I found some useful information on breast massage (including picture illustrations) was AyurvedicCure.com.

———
Disclaimer: Content on this blog is not medical advice or meant to replace medical advice or treatment. New studies are done all the time, rules change, information gets outdated, etc. Please read my blog’s disclaimer.