Breasts are body tissues,
which can be effectively self-massaged or massaged by someone else. At some
time or the other, most women experience physical and psychological trauma
related to breast congestion, breast pain, discomforts of surgical procedures,
and anxieties about changes in their breast tissues.
The fact that breasts are
strongly associated with sexual touching and attractiveness, does not rule out
the fact that they should not receive physical care. Breast care is an
important area of health that is often neglected, due to the stigmas
surrounding the treatment of this part of the body.
The breast tissue contains an
abundance of lymph vessels. Unlike other areas of the body, the breast lacks
sources of external compression, such as muscles or strong overlying frontal
part that promotes natural lymphatic drainage. As a result, fluid has a
tendency to stagnate, which may lead to breast problems. This is where gentle,
non-stimulating massage techniques can be used to aid fluid recirculation.
Massage therapy is an effective non-invasive treatment for breasts, as they
also require need good circulation and tissue mobilization for optimum health.
It is at times believed that there may be a correlation between chronic poor
breast drainage and susceptibility to cancer. Massage techniques is one of the
most effective ways for addressing such problems and promoting breast health.
Advantages of Breast
Massage
- Breast massage is a
concept used by women since centuries. It is a simple process, which can be
done in the privacy of home. Secondly, it is an easy process and doesn't
take more than a few moments to accomplish.
- The breast is made
up of tissue and adipose fat. A firm and proper massage helps tone these
tissues and firms them up. This gives the breasts a healthier and more
natural look.
- Breast massage help
create a beautiful bust line by helping to shape and tone it, thus
increasing its overall attractiveness.
- It helps one be
aware of any fibrous areas of possible indications of breast cancer.
- It helps flush out
high toxin materials from the breast, bring nutrition to the tissues and
specifically remove the toxins via the lymphatic system.
- It gives women a
feeling of their femininity, and promotes relaxation and peace of mind, as
massage of other body parts does.
- Breast massage helps
correct sagging, droopiness and other features, which are considered
unattractive.
- Breast massage helps
enhance the health and elasticity of the support ligaments, which in turn
provides better breast support.
How to do Breast Massage?
Women's breasts vary
considerably in texture and sensitivity to pressure. Hence, gentle strokes for
those who are sensitive or have softer breasts. Moderate pressure may be more
effective for those with firmer-textured breasts. A lotion or massaging oil
can also help avoid friction, and lessen sensitivity. Gentle-to-moderate
kneading, rubbing, and squeezing strokes with the hands are enough to
encourage increased lymph and blood flow to the breast. The breast can be
kneaded and squeezed by contracting the palm and fingers of the hand.
1. To drain the lymph
fluid from the breast, a common massage stroke is a gentle radial outward
stroke from the nipple to the outer edge of the breast. This is done by
applying light pressure starting from the centre of the breast and making
several strokes outwards from the nipple.
2. Hold your breast.
But, instead of squeezing it out, give it a twirling kind of motion. Rotate
your hands (and thus the breast) in a clockwise motion, followed by an equal
anticlockwise motion. Continue this for about ten times.
3. Open out your palms
on the breast such that are facing downwards. Then move your palms downwards
so that the fingers rub against the side surfaces of the breast. This should
be avoided on the nipple, as it may spoil its shape.
A gradual feeling of warmth
in the massaged area indicates increased blood flow to massaged areas. To gain
maximum benefit and therapeutic effects, breast massage should be practiced
daily, as part of a routine - perhaps when fresh out of the shower, since the
skin is still somewhat moist. Massage can also be done several times a day,
depending on requirement and schedule.
Precautions
Breast massage is a very
simple process that can be done by the individual. However, it must be done
with the utmost care. Improper breast massage can actually boomerang, like
damaging of the glandular tissues that hold your breasts upright.
Lymph Drainage Therapy for
Breast Care
Lymph drainage therapy (LDT)
is a gentle, non-stimulating technique with few contraindications. LDT is
particularly effective for treating breast tissue because it involves
extremely light pressure. Mastopathies respond well to lymphatic breast care.
Breast problems, which
Benefit from LDT include
- Menstruation
related problems - breast pain and swollen breasts.
- Pregnancy and
breast-feeding problems – engorgement due to massive breast edema, sore
nipples, inflammation/infection, plugged ducts or nipple pores, fissures,
dermatitis and stretch marks.
- Chronic
non-malignant lumps
- Breast implant
complications
- Cosmetic concerns
such as surgery and trauma recovery; scarring. It is time for efficient
breast care to be brought into the realm of accepted practice. Armed with
proper knowledge and a clear understanding of our limits, we can eliminate
the controversy and stigma surrounding this necessary therapeutic
application.
Dr John Anne