LET'S NOT FORGET TO TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES.

ABOUT OUR BREASTS:

Did you know that the natural rebounding action of your breasts is the main method of drainage for your breast tissue?

Our breasts hold their shape via delicate ligaments that act as support yet encourage movement at the same time.  A rich lymphatic network runs through your tissue that facilitates the transport of 75% of the lymph in your whole body!

Unlike other parts of our bodies, our breasts don’t have muscle pumps to assist the movement of fluid through them.  They are comprised of glands, ducts and adipose tissue (fat) and are designed for movement.  Congested or constricted breasts normally have obstacles impeding this natural drainage and circulation process.

Breast massage can help you maintain the health of your breasts, increase relaxation and create a general sense of well being, helping to improve circulation and health as well as providing a sense of holism in your regular massage treatment.  Your massage therapist can be a helpful part of your breast screening routine.

SELF-MASSAGE FOR BREASTS:

Now that you have a better understanding of your breasts, it is important that you apply this knowledge to your health. The four-step procedure shown below will give you a simple massage technique that can be done, by yourself, in the privacy of your own home. Although almost any gentle massage technique will be of benefit, these four techniques should be a part of your personal regimen.

The purpose of these techniques is to flush fluids from the breast, (both venous and intercellular), bring nutrition to the tissues and specifically remove the toxins via the lymphatic system. Also, these techniques will enhance the health and elasticity of the support ligaments, which will in turn provide you with better breast support.

More specifically, step One is a gentle draining motion designed to drain the breasts lymphatic system and is possibly the most important of the four steps. Steps number Two and Four are to assist in the movement of venous fluids. Feel free to experiment with these to movements and find what is comfortable for you. Step Three is simply to help keep your support ligaments in good health and assist in the fight against gravity.

This procedure should be done at least twice a week. It can be done on bare skin, but you may find that using some vegetable oil may be more comfortable. Stay away from mineral-based or scented oils.

Step One: Use your fingers to gently smooth away from the nipple. These movements travel from the nipple and directly away using no more pressure than what you would apply to your eyelid. Any more pressure would flatten the lymphatic vessel and stop the flow of toxins and fluids. Also, make this stroke slow, not fast, for it to be effective.

Step Two: Gently massage the breast with a kneading-like motion, using lifting and pressing movements.

Step Three: Slowly and carefully use your hands to twist the breast in a clock-wise and counterclockwise direction, being careful not to put too much tension on the breast.

Step Four: Use both hands as shown to apply several, moderate pressure, compressions to move out more pressure fluids.
 
Step Five: Repeat these steps on the other breast.

SELF-MASSAGE FOR BREAST IMPLANTS:

The technique shown below is one of the breast implant massage techniques known as displacement, which helps in postoperative augmentation by avoiding what is known as "Capsule Contracture". Capsule contracture can cause augmented breasts to become unnaturally hard and can also in some cases cause them to shift or look abnormal. Not only is breast massage important for the health of women with augmented breasts, but it is also important to maintain the appearance and feel of the augmented breasts as well.

Hold breast at bottom and squeeze bag from bottom to top to move through capsule and reduce adhesions. This technique should take 15 minutes tops to complete.

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