Tea Time with Jo|Holistic Breast Care

Breast tissue grows on us during our pubescent years; however, no one ever really teaches us how to care of them. Growing up, I only recall being told to avoid getting hit on the chest (not always up to us) and to wear supportive bras when engaging in sports or high impact activity. Other than that, some of us get told, by our medical providers, to give ourselves exams after menstruation to check for lumps/bumps and to expect to have a mammogram after a certain age. However, all of these suggestions feel to me like they are rooted in the fear that, either something bad will happen if we injure our breasts, or that we have to check them routinely to make sure nothing has.

 So how exactly, do we TAKE CARE of our breasts? What can we do, proactively, to make sure that our breast tissue remains healthy? Also, how can we connect to a part of our body that society has programmed us to believe belongs to our partners for their pleasure; or to our children for nourishment? 

Here are some ways to start you on the journey of Holistic Breast Health:

Switch to a Deodorant that is NOT an Anti-Perspirant

Do you know the difference between deodorant and anti-perspirant? A deodorant is a product that helps remove or reduce odor. An anti-perspirant is a product that keeps you from perspiring. The way they do that is by using certain types of aluminum to clog the sweat glands and stop sweat from breaking through. There are several studies that link the presence of aluminum to various health conditions. Sadly, what no one tells you is that it can be absorbed through the skin. Imagine applying a toxic product daily, for the majority of your lifetime….that’s a lot of exposure! Opt instead for an aluminum free deodorant that doesn’t inhibit sweating. Sweating is a natural process of our bodies that helps us maintain healthy body temperature and helps us to detoxify. Additionally, the underarms are an area where lymph nodes reside. Lymph nodes are glands that filter lymphatic fluid and are part of the immune system. While there is a lot of debate as to whether or not allowing the underarms to sweat is helpful for the process of lymphatic health, there is no debate that reducing exposure to aluminum is a good idea.  

When switching to a natural deodorant, it is also important to chose one that does not contain artificial fragrance or “parfum”. Manufacturers are not required to disclose the chemicals that they use to make their proprietary scents, therefore, they can contain lots of other toxic/carcinogenic ingredients such as parabens and phthalates. 

Ditch the Bra!

Breast tissue was not meant to be contained in bras. The constant support of bras weakens the ligaments that help maintain the shape and structure of breasts. In addition, tight bras inhibit the lymphatic movement that helps keep breast tissue healthy. Underwire bras are some of the worst offenders since they can compress such a large area of the breast tissue, especially the outer regions where lymphatic fluid is supposed to make its way out to the underarms. If you are someone that engages in a lot of high impact, physical activity and need some support of your breasts so as to prevent pain or injury, a supportive sports bra that doesn’t have underwire is perfectly fine to use as needed. 

Massage the Girls 

Breast tissue, prior to pregnancy, is mostly fat tissue, also called adipose tissue. Adipose tissue holds on to toxins more that any other tissue in the body because it receives less blood circulation to clear it out. Lymphatic fluid, however, circulates through the entire body. It isn’t contained in vessels the way blood is. The Lymphatic system is like the waste/sewer system of our bodies. As the lymphatic fluid circulates, it picks up all of the debris (toxins) that our tissues are trying to clear. Promoting this movement in our breasts helps to prevent this fluid from getting slow or stuck which can cause toxins to build up. This is why avoiding tight fitting bras is helpful because when breasts are not contained, they can move with the body allowing that movement of fluid. Especially since the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump (like the heart is the pump for our circulatory system), it relies on our daily movement to move the fluid. 

 Did you also know that manipulating the breasts can affect your menstrual cycles? Say whaaaaat! That’s right, the breast are connected to the menstrual cycle according to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. So much so, that you can even influence the flow of your periods by manipulating the breasts in a certain way. In addition, the idea that breast shape cannot be restored after pregnancy and breastfeeding, or changes in weight, that is actually a myth. Specific breast “rejuvenation” techniques can be done via self massage to improve their shape. I was absolutely mind blown when I learned that my breasts did so much for me and that I could do so much for them! 

There is a really beautiful course that I took a couple of years ago that introduced me to all of these concepts. I found it so eye opening and helpful that I wanted to share the course with you. The Ultimate Guide to Breast Rejuvenation Course from “The Way of Yin" (which I really recommend following) is available to anyone that wants to learn more and Kris, the creator, was so generous, she shared a special offer for my readers. If you use promo code SHARETHELOVE you get 15% off the course!

Treat Your Breasts to a Mask

The same way that you can apply a detox mask to your face, you can also apply it to your breasts and underarms. Clay masks, pull circulation towards the skin. Lymphatic fluid circulates under the skin so applying detox masks on the skin of the breasts help to draw a lot of the impurities into the lymphatic layer where the lymphatic system can better clear them out. Details on how to use a detox mask to benefit the breasts are also part of the Breast Rejuvenation Course. 

Consider Thermography

While a lot of diagnostic screening can be perceived as being rooted in fear, it may become necessary to have a more in-depth look at what is happening under the surface. While Mammograms are recommended by most doctors, it can be a very stressful procedure that produces a lot of discomfort and even trauma to the breast tissue. I am a fan of recommending Thermography instead. Thermography uses thermal imaging to display areas of concerns or “hot spots”. Thermography requires no radiation and no compression of the breast tissue making it safer and more comfortable than a mammogram. You can read more about Thermography from a local provider here.

That being said, Thermography might not be best when there is already an active concern in the breast tissue. If there is an existing lump or bump, a diagnostic ultrasound or MRI may offer more clarity, with less trauma to the breast tissue. 

Aren’t breasts amazing?! It goes without saying that a healthy diet and non-toxic lifestyle are also very beneficial for all parts of the body. My intention with this post is to present less obvious suggestions that I don’t see discussed often. If you found this information helpful, please share with someone who has breast tissue so that they can learn as well. 

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