The art of breast massage has been practiced for thousands of years and is an important aspect of self-care, wellness, and healing. Breasts are generally associated with sexuality and breastfeeding. Beyond this, breasts are an instantly recognizable symbol of femininity and a vital part of our beings.
Because they’re made up mainly of fatty tissue (along with nerves, veins, arteries, and connective tissue), breasts can also be the site of toxin collection and storage. We’re exposed to many daily environmental pollutants, in our foods (via pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers), the air we breathe, our water supply, medications and vaccines, household cleaning products, beauty and personal care products, plastics, and more. These toxins tend to accumulate in our bodies in fatty tissue, which could partially explain why breast cancer is sadly so prevalent today.
Breast massage is an essential tool to have in your holistic arsenal, as it supports and heals breast tissue, preventing toxic build-up and helping to clear toxins from the breasts. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, breast massage increases circulation and the healthy flow of blood and “qi”, or energy, through the body. This stimulation can serve to break up stagnation and to keep the breasts healthy. In Western medicine, breast massage is acknowledged as helping to promote lymphatic flow and drainage.
This act of self-love is innately soothing and healing, and encourages the body to emit anti-aging hormones such as prolactin, oxytocin, and estrogen. Furthermore, it helps us to be in touch our bodies, so that we will more readily notice changes and if anything is off. There are also many acupressure points around the breasts, so massaging them can stimulate other organs including the kidney, spleen, stomach, and liver.
As an additional bonus, regular breast massage promotes perky, full breasts and prevents sagging as it tightens and tones the tendons and muscles of the breasts.
Every woman can practice self-massage of the breasts – there are so many incredible benefits!
Benefits of Breast Massage:
Lymphatic Drainage
Our lymphatic system is responsible for supporting our immune system, ridding the body of toxins and waste build-up. When the system is overrun, it can become sluggish or even blocked, preventing the elimination of these toxins. The breasts are a significant location for our lymphatic system, and through breast massage, we can stimulate the drainage and proper functioning of lymph. Breast engorgement, in particular, is associated with sluggish lymph nodes as well as fluid build-up and can be relieved through massage.
Detecting Infection/Mastitis
If there’s an infection present, such as a plugged milk duct or mastitis, massage can be an effective treatment in clearing the infection. This can be especially beneficial when done with the right oil (more info on this below!).
Easing Depression
Mild depression and stress are linked to low oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is released during breastfeeding, childbirth, and sex, which contributes to feelings of happiness, euphoria, and connection after these events. Breast massage and stimulation also promotes the secretion of oxytocin and can have positive impacts on both instant and long-term mental health, stress reduction, and overall wellbeing.
Reducing Breast Pain/Cysts/Fibrocystic Breasts
Breast massage can be used as a tool to relieve pain and diminish breast cysts. Although often not cancerous or immediately harmful, breast cysts are a sign that there’s an imbalance in the body that should be addressed. They can occur as a single cyst or multiple cysts, and are small sacs filled with fluid, air, or organic debris that can cause pain and discomfort. They sometimes are more prevalent and painful during the ovulation or menstrual cycle, and disappear once your menses has finished. Breast massage can help to break down the tissue holding the cysts together and to dissolve the lumps.
Breast Cancer Prevention and Pain Management
Breast cancer can occur when healthy cells mutate into abnormal cells and develop into cancerous growths. The use of breast massage as a preventative measure works by stimulating abnormal cells’ activity back into their healthy state. This can potentially reduce the possibility of cancerous growth. Massage also stimulates the production of serotonin, dopamine, lymphocytes, and NK cells, which actively decrease cortisol levels (our stress hormone) and help to fight cancerous cells. Massage can also be an effective treatment for pain management and postoperative edema and healing. This is closely tied to the lymphatic system. Often the system is compromised during any surgery associated with breast cancer treatment, but through massage, we can help to support its function and increase the release of toxins. Breast massage is also a gentle, nurturing, and relaxing treatment, which can be one of the most important aspects of cancer care.
Breast Tissue Care
Breast massage stimulates new cell production and maintains the health of breast tissue. This form of self-care decreases sagging associated with breastfeeding and age. Because prolactin is released and circulation is increased, breast massage can also help to increase breast size.
Breast Enhancement
The right breast massage, when done with the right breast oil, can enhance and plump your breasts. Genetix Activated Enhancement Oil is an organic treatment that naturally plumps and enlarges breasts with a combination of herbs and oils that support feminine health. Here are some impressive before/after’s of women who’ve used the oil:
