Several Crucial Reasons to Try a Lymphatic Breast Massage
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers some frightening statistics about breast cancer. Over 264,000 cases are reported in women in the US every year. Further disturbing statistics include that there are 40,000 deaths per year as a result of this disease.
On the plus side, however, there can be an overall 90% five-year survival rate due to early detection. With this in mind, there’s never been a better time for women to have a lymphatic breast massage due to its multiple advantages. In this article, we’ll explore what it is, what benefits you can expect from it, how you know you need it, and more. Let’s dive right in.
What is a lymphatic breast massage?
Before we delve into what a lymphatic breast massage is, let’s quickly explore the lymphatic system. Think of it like a network of streets and roads in your body. When these pathways are congested, there’s lymph build-up and this can have numerous negative health consequences. However, when the “road system” is smooth and clear, your body will be able to maintain its fluid levels, absorb fats, protect your body from “foreign invaders” such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, as well as “transports” and removes waste products from the lymph.
Although there are numerous types of lymphatic massages, a lymphatic breast massage is specifically aimed at reducing fluid and lymph build-up in the breasts. How is this done? Through lymphatic circulation of the breast tissue. When a gentle (note: not deep and muscular) pressure is applied to the breasts starting inward and working outward toward the lymph nodes near the breast, such as in the armpits and the throat, excess fluid build-up is carried to these nodes and it is better able to be reabsorbed by the body or removed as waste.
However, when it comes to breast cancer, it is said that the lymphatic system can play a concerning role in its spread. This is because the lymphatic vessels can spread cancerous cells to other parts of the body, also known as the process of metastasis. On the other hand, a lymphatic breast massage is said to promote and maintain good breast health as a preventative step.
What are the benefits of lymphatic breast massage?
Apart from its cancer-prevention effects through self-detection, there are numerous other benefits of a lymphatic breast massage. Here is a non-exhaustive list of some of them:
- It facilitates less painful and sensitive breastfeeding, according to a 2015 study carried out on 42 women. It can also improve milk supply and flow.
- It can relieve tension and muscle tension under the breasts through manipulating the area containing stagnant breast tissue.
- It stimulates the lymphatic system and helps to address accumulated toxins in the breast area, helping toxins exit the system faster.
- It helps with reducing the risk and addressing the side-effects of lymphedema, which is a type of swelling of lymph.
- It decreases excess fluid retention and swelling while relieving pain.
- It can accelerate recovery from injury and/or surgery by draining swollen tissue, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing.
- It can reduce edema from the upper limbs, chest, and back after a mastectomy.
- It can improve the overall functioning of the immune system.
- It can improve your bowel system and movements.
- It can alleviate discomfort and stiffness from fibromyalgia.
Who should not do a lymphatic massage?
Despite all of these perks of having this type of breast massage done, there are some cases when it is not advisable. For example, it is not recommended for women who have breast cancer or who have recently had surgery. In fact, extra caution and care should be taken when massaging near a lump or a scar.
Other conditions which you might have and which are not suitable for this type of massage include those with:
- A heart condition
- Kidney failure
- Blood clots
- Infections
How do I know if I need lymphatic drainage?
You may now be wondering if a lymphatic breast massage will be good for you. The answer is that unless you have some of the conditions mentioned above, this type of massage is an excellent way to help you promote your breast health. In particular, some of the symptoms which immediately signal a poorly functioning lymphatic system and consequently, affected lymph nodes near the breasts include the following:
- Headaches
- Swollen lymph nodes or edema
- Increased susceptibility to colds and flu
- Sinus infections
- Lymphedema
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Allergies and/or food sensitivity
- Digestive problems
- Parasites
- Bloating and swelling in your fingers
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- “Brain fog” or feeling groggy, confused, or lethargic
- Feeling stiff and sore in the mornings
- Chronic/persistent fatigue and/or insomnia
- Constipation
- Skin problems such as dry/itchy skin
- Cold hands and feet
- Depression and stress
You can exhibit symptoms of one or some of these conditions and these are usually caused by a clogged lymphatic system. It’s advisable to go for a lymphatic massage for the breasts as opposed to a traditional soft-tissue massage. This is because the former type of massage can help “drain” the excess fluid build-up and eliminate toxins from your body. This way, you can help to strengthen your overall immune system and be healthier overall.
Other examples of cases when you may wish to opt for such a massage and enjoy all its benefits include if you:
- Are an athlete or have “tired” legs or tight muscles and are looking for recovery
- Have recently had an injury with major swelling
- Have recently had surgery and are looking for post-surgery recovery
- Have recently had a mastectomy
- Have recently given birth
- Are classified as obese
- Have chronic vascular issues, or
- Have lymphatic congestion.
Concluding thoughts
Overall, a lymphatic breast massage is an excellent way of promoting breast health and preventing breast cancer through early detection. Because it is much gentler than a deep-tissue muscle massage and because the massage encourages a flow of the built-up fluid to the lymph nodes, which will then transport the toxins away from your body, you are much more likely to have a stronger immune system and be less susceptible to colds and flu, sinus issues, headaches, swelling and more.
Apart from this, the lymphatic system is directly connected to your gut health. So, by having a lymphatic massage done on your breasts, you are not only targeting your breasts’ health but your overall digestive system, too.
Other important benefits include the reduction of chronic fatigue, constipation, and a whole lot more. In closing, whether you choose to do a lymph breast massage yourself or have it done by a professional, the benefits are absolutely worth it and can save you from much more serious health problems further down the road.
Resources:
https://protectyourbreasts.com/protect-your-breasts-2/lymph-drainage-massage/#:~:text=It%20is%20different%20than%20just,return%20to%20it’s%20normal%20position.
https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/lymphatic-drainage-of-the-breast
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/anatomyvideos/000084.htm#:~:text=Lymphatic%20circulation%20in%20breast%20tissue,other%20parts%20of%20the%20body.
https://bebodywise.com/blog/breast-massage/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21768-lymphatic-drainage-massage
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/breast-massage#how-to-do-it
