Talking breasts - overdue anyway
LET's talk about our breasts and how to keep them healthy.
A couple of months ago a friend of mine recommended a lady who does breast massages. I have never heard about this kind of profession. But I like to try new things and you have no idea how much I learned and how much this experience has changed my habits and how I treat my breasts.
If this has never been a topic for you, now is the time to dive into it!
Let me explain why - with the help of Dr. Claudia Welch, which book I highly recommend. I’ll list it for you at the end.
Dr. Welch says, “Stagnation in the breast tissue of both qi and nourishing fluids is a common malady for modern women. We encourage stagnation by holding our breath, breathing shallowly, and not having physical movement of our breast tissue…This, Eastern medicine says, contributes to the stagnation of energy in the chest, lungs, heart, and breasts.”
She continues what made me think “We rarely get cancer of the biceps, the heart, or the muscles.” Those muscles are used regularly and blood gets pumped through them. .
Our breasts often remain stagnant. And on top of that we restrict movement by wearing bras ( often underwire), … “…. apply antiperspirants that hinder the flow of prana and sweat, and we get massaged by masseurs who avoid touching our breasts”
There I was, lying on a comfy massage table and receiving a breast massage. After an introductory talk and some questions, the lady also told me that I could get a bit emotional during the massage.
Remember, stagnation in the breasts, therefore stagnation of emotions.
My friend told me she had a complete emotional breakdown - which was very clearing and releasing. I instead was amazed that receiving this kind of massage brought me nothing but a feeling of being taken care of, in the kindest and most supportive way. It felt so natural and freeing that I promised myself that I would do this regularly myself.
And voila! I added another Magical Morning Ritual to my daily routine and in my toolkit.
Dr. Claudia Welch continues that, the “self-cleaning system is not as efficient in breast tissue, which has less blood flow because, unlike muscles, our breasts are mostly comprised of the more passive Adipose (fat) tissue.”
I completely agree with my wonderful breast massage Lady and Dr. Welch that we should wear less frequently, or no bras at all.
They advise that we should regularly have breast massages, remove stagnation, and move the breast tissues.
I include this routine in the morning as part of my Abhyanga practice ( more below)
Here is how:
Warm your oil
Massage it into the breast tissue, around the area of the breasts and armpits.
If your breasts are lumpy, Dr. Welch recommends Castor Oil
In the case of breast lumps or any insecurity about the health of your breast ALWAYS consult a specialist!
Follow up your massage with a self-exam and become familiar with how your breasts feel. That makes it easier to notice any subtle changes that might need your attention.
Continue with your body massage
If you only do the breasts rinse off the oil with warm water. No soap, leave a little oil on your skin
I encourage my daughter, who is just at the beginning of puberty to massage her breasts, even if they aren’t visible yet. I hope this will increase her awareness and ensures that no part of our body should be left out!
I highly recommend the book ‘Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Health’, by Dr. Claudia Welch, MSOM to every woman
For everyone living in the Den Haag Area and interested to experience a breast massage, get in touch with: Janine from Praktijk Manitou
Thank YOU, gorgeous!
I hope you got inspired about how to connect with your body and keep the energy flowing.
Remember, incorporate new routines and healthy lifestyle habits step by step, with ease and joy!
Your turn: What is your favourite morning routine? I'd love to hear how you support yourself first thing in the morning! Let me know in the comments below.
Stay healthy and keep shining,
Jenny
P.S. Wanna have a little support for free? Start your day the right way. Join my morning meditation. Get yours here.
This might be interesting for you:
Abhyanga - whole Body Massage