CHINESE MEDICINE AND BREAST HEALTH
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so I wanted to talk about how Chinese Medicine looks at breast health. The breasts are one area of the body that I feel is greatly overlooked. When we do talk about women’s breasts it is usually associated with breast cancer or breastfeeding. Rarely do I hear people talk about the general health and wellness of the breasts.
In TCM breasts store Jing essence which gets converted to Qi (energy). There are a few root causes of breast disease: stagnation (Qi and blood flow are restricted which eventually leads to having denser breast tissue), heat and toxicity (external toxins such as chemical estrogens and environmental toxins), deficiency (the immune system fails to eliminate abnormal cells) and dampness accumulation (excess fat cells).
The meridians that run through the breasts are the Kidney, Stomach, Spleen, Liver, and Pericardium. Emotions also play a very important role in breast health as unresolved anger/frustration (Liver), fear (Kidney), over-worrying (Spleen/Stomach), stress/anxiety (Pericardium) can be linked to breast disease. These unresolved emotions can create blockages of energy in the meridians. To release the blockages try things like yoga (check out my yin yoga guides), lymph drainage, breast massage, Acupuncture, and Qi Gong.
One way to feel more deeply connected with ourselves is through breast massage. It can also help to reduce any swelling, help with breastfeeding, alleviate tension, improve circulation, lymphatic draining (releasing toxins), and cultivate a practice of self-love. In TCM breast massage can increase circulation, move Qi (energy) and blood flow through the body. It aids in breaking up stagnant Qi in order to have healthy breasts.
HOW TO MASSAGE YOUR BREASTS:
First, find a comfortable and peaceful space where you can relax fully.
Try using a massage oil such as organic almond or jojoba oil. If you can warm the oil first that can create a more pleasurable experience.
Using the pads of your fingers start gently massaging each breast in a circular and/or kneading motion from the outside of the breast gradually working your way towards the nipple.
You can also move from the nipple toward the outside of the breast.
Don’t forget to move to the armpit and outer edges of the breast and upward the collar bone, shoulders, and neck.
Always finish at the middle of collar bone massaging in a clockwise direction.
Repeat on the other breast.
HOW TO DO A BREAST EXAM
Start by standing in front of a mirror so that you can see any colour or shape differences in your breasts. It is best to place your arms in different positions to get the best look. Place your hands at your sides, then on your hips, and lastly place them above your head.
With one hand behind your head place three fingers on your breast. Start moving your fingers in small circles over the surface of the breast applying light pressure to start and gradually moving to medium and hard pressure as you move your fingers to cover the entire breast.
Place your hand inside your armpit, gently pulse upward into your armpit. Repeat ten times.
Next with the lightest of pressure massage the collarbone area, shoulder, and neck in a downward motion.
Finish each massage by gently squeezing each nipple to check for discharge or any pain.
Repeat on the other breast.
NOTE:
If you have breast cancer you should check with your medical doctor before starting breast massage.
If you have just had a mastectomy it is best to wait until you are fully healed.
Consult a doctor if you have any conditions that are making painful or sore breasts such as mastitis, cysts, or infection.
BEST MASSAGE OILS
Sesame oil - this is used frequently in Ayurvedic massage. It is high in EFA’s, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is known to be moisturizing for the skin.
Jojoba oil - this oil is also high in EFA’s (essential fatty acids) as well as has similar compositions to the sebum in the human skin.
Almond oil - wonderful to use for women with clogged milk ducts. It is also packed with vitamin E so great for stretch marks.
Coconut oil - contains vitamin E, is very moisturizing for the skin, antifungal and antibacterial.
Castor oil - I like to use small amounts of this in combination with the above oils. It is helpful in pulling out toxins, reducing pain and swelling.
Fenugreek essential oil - add a few drops to your carrier oil (sesame, jojoba, almond) to aid in stimulating breast milk production.
Clove essential oil - the warming properties of this oil helps to increase circulation. Must be added to a carrier oil and only a few drops (1-2) per 250 ml of carrier oil.
Geranium essential oil - helps to balance the endocrine system, mind and emotions. Add a few drops to a carrier oil.
TIPS
Use non-toxic beauty products. This is a great resource https://www.ewg.org/ewgverified/
Eat organic and pesticide-free fruits and vegetables - studies show that women who have breast cancer have higher levels of pesticide residue in their breast tissue
Avoid hydrogenated oils - higher risk of breast cancer
Avoid hormone-induced meat and dairy
Limit alcoholic beverages - studies show that an alcoholic drink can raise breast cancer risk by 5%
Exercise - studies show that regular exercise can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 20%
Support your body with supplements especially if levels are low - research indicates that breast cancer is higher in women with low vitamin D levels, milk thistle to support the liver, B vitamins for deficiency, liver support and removal of excess estrogen from the body (B6), and turmeric for inflammation
Support your liver - in Chinese medicine breast cancer can be associated with Liver Qi stagnation so in order to stimulate the liver eat bitter foods such as greens and add lemon juice
No smoking