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Ultimate Breast Massage Guide: When, Why, And How To Do It

Linsey Gold • Jul 28, 2022

Our boobs look like bouncy fat-filled balls. But the truth is, their anatomy is more complicated than they look.


Underneath what seems like pouches of fatty tissues, our breasts are made up of an intricate network of muscles, lobules, lymph nodes, and blood vessels.


Not only that, our breasts are connected to the lymph nodes in our armpits, so it can widely affect the health of the different systems in our body.


For this reason, our breasts need to receive some loving too.


Enter the breast massage, which could be the solution our breasts need.


Don’t mistake it for a breast self-exam or a sensual massage. Instead, we’re talking about breast massage as an Ayurvedic practice that delivers many benefits.


With that said, it’s about time that we make breast massages a thing. Read on to find out the benefits of breast massage and when or how to do it.




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When, Why, and How to Massage Your Breasts



What Is a Breast Massage and How Does It Differ from Breast Self-Exam?


Contrary to popular belief, a breast massage differs from a breast self-exam.


Breast self-exam is crucial in breast health evaluation and breast cancer detection. When conducting this exam, you need to palpate the breast tissue and check your breast from all angles. In short, it’s not meant to be a relaxing experience.


On the other hand, breast massage is designed to be self-nurturing and soothing. It involves gentle massaging of the breast tissue using circular motions. Additionally, the practice is rooted in Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage.


While the massage is not medicinal, it can help promote physical, mental, and spiritual balance, leading to a wide array of health benefits.




When to Do a Breast Massage? (And When to Avoid It)



In general, breast massages are safe. Based on everything we’ve discussed, regular breast massage is also highly beneficial. That’s why it’s highly recommended that you perform a breast massage regularly—a few times a week or month.


But in addition to the benefits of breast massage, it’s also essential that you familiarize yourself with the few contraindications of breast massage.



Here are some of them:



  • Breast Cancer or Surgery


You must exercise extreme precaution when it comes to handling your scars, lumps, or any parts of your body that have received radiation therapy.


  • Mastitis


While breast massage can help ease breast soreness associated with mastitis, you must pay a visit to your medical practitioner first since you may need to take medications first to address the infection.




Why Do a Breast Massage? (And How to Do It)



A therapeutic breast massage is not just about relaxation or sexual-related activities. It can also bring a wide range of effects that can benefit all the things that make up the breast—muscles, lymph nodes, and many more. 



With that said, check out the top breast massage benefits below:



  • Better Lactation Experience


There are lots of ways lactating women can benefit from a breast massage. Here are some of them:


  • Improved Breast Milk Flow

Gentle breast massage can loosen the breast tissues and help eliminate the hardened milk in the nipples, which might impede good milk flow.


That’s not all. Massages are also known to stimulate the release of oxytocin. This is the hormone that triggers the let-down reflex and causes the milk-producing glands in your breasts to contract.


  • Less Breast Pain

In one study, a group of breastfeeding mothers was given breast massages twice a day 10 days after giving birth.


As per the results, these mothers experienced less breast pain while breastfeeding than the control group who hadn’t received the massage.


The circular motion employed during the massage helps loosen the plugged milk ducts, the number one cause of breast pain and soreness in breastfeeding mothers.


  • Better Breast Milk Quality

In addition to boosting the quantity of milk, breast massage also helps improve breast milk quality.


One study shows that the breast milk from mothers who have received a massage produces better milk quality in terms of the solids and lipids content, gross energy, and casein concentration.



How to Do Breast Massage for Pumping Milk:


Step 1. Place the four fingers of your right hand at the top portion of your breast and the four fingers in your other hand at the bottom. Make gentle circular motions simultaneously.

Step 2. Slowly move your fingers to the sides of your breasts.

Step 3. For best results, perform hand expression in conjunction with the massage.




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  • Early Breast Cancer Detection


Similar to a breast self-exam, a breast massage is also one good way to detect the presence of cancer.


Studies show that about 71% of breast cancer cases in women under the age of 50 are discovered during breast self-examinations.


Early detection of breast cancer can give you a better prognosis since it allows you to treat the cancer cells before it spreads. Because of this, breast cancer risk assessment through massage should be done regularly.



How to Do Breast Massage for Cancer Detection:


Step 1. Stand in front of a mirror and examine the appearance of your breasts. Check for changes in texture, color, size, or shape.

Step 2. Position one hand behind your end with your elbow pointing to the side.

Step 3. Using the first three fingers of your free hand, apply gentle pressure to one breast in a circular pattern. Do this on your whole breast—from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen to your armpit.


What exactly should you be looking for? Breast cancer may manifest as a hard lump in the breast or armpits. Also, be on the lookout for any thickening or swelling in any part of the breast.


You must also look out for other breast cancer symptoms.


Step 4. Repeat steps 2 to 4. This time, do it on your other breast.



  • Lymphatic System Stimulation


There are breast tissues in the area under your armpit as well. In addition to breast tissues, you can also find lots of lymph nodes in this area.


The nodes are a vital part of the lymphatic system, which is also made up of a network of vessels that facilitate the collection, filtering, and flushing of excess fluids and toxins in the body.


Surgeries may cause damage to the lymphatic system, which causes fluids and toxins to build up. Eventually, this will cause swelling, commonly known as breast cancer-related lymphedema.


A lymphatic breast massage or manual lymph drainage can help eliminate the build-up, stimulate blood flow, and get rid of swelling.



How to Do Breast Massage for Lymph Drainage:


Step 1. Place your hand at the top of the breast on the opposite side of the body. The fingertips should be in your armpit while your palm must be resting on your chest.

Step 2. Use pumping motion to squeeze your breast.

Step 3. With the same pumping motion, move your hands towards the nipple.

Step 4. Extend the massage to your breast's inner, outer, and bottom parts.

Step 5. Repeat the steps on the other breast.



  • Muscle Tension Relief


You might feel soreness in your breasts if you perform weightlifting exercises or pushups regularly. That’s because these exercises utilize your pectoralis muscles and a few minor ones located under your breast tissues.


The strokes involved in a breast massage can help eliminate the muscle tightness and soreness you’re experiencing. 



How to Do Breast Massage for Relieving Muscle Soreness:


For muscle tension relief, you must focus on your pectoral muscles as well as your back, shoulders, and chest muscles. To achieve the best results, get a massage from a professional.



  • Better Breast Appearance


Honestly, there is little scientific evidence about the effects of breast massages on breast appearance.


However, one study conducted in 2012 concluded that a 15-minute breast massage with bitter almond oil could diminish the appearance of stretch marks.


And since breast massage can increase blood flow, it may also help improve skin elasticity and breast tightness. On the other hand, further studies are needed to determine the effects of breast massage for firming saggy breasts.


Unfortunately, no studies prove that you can use breast massage to increase size.



How to Do Breast Massage for Tightening:


Step 1. Apply a few drops of almond oil into your hand.

Step 2. Massage breasts using gentle circular motions.



  • Self-Love and Pleasure


Since breasts are involved, this massage can also be a form of sensual self-care practice. The body exposure during the massage creates a healthy connection between you and your breasts and promotes a more positive body image.


The simple skin-to-skin contact also stimulates the release of hormones like oxytocins and dopamine, referred to as love hormones.


Last and definitely not least, the massage lets you know your sexual desires better. It allows you to discover what kind of touch is pleasurable to you and what types of motions or movements should be avoided.



How to Do Breast Massage for Pleasure:


There’s no actual guide for this. However, you can massage your breasts in any way you wish so you can determine which motions work the best for you.




Final Words



With all its excellent benefits, you should make Ayurvedic breast massage a part of your self-care routine. The good news is you can perform this massage on your own in the comforts of your home.


But if you’re not confident in doing the massage, it would be best that you seek the help of a licensed massage therapist or any wellness professional. If you also have any of the contraindications we’ve mentioned, it would be best to seek the go signal of your medical care team before proceeding with your session.




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Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and it can occur in any part of the breast. There are many different breast cancer types, but all of them start with abnormal cells that grow out of control. These abnormal cells can invade and damage nearby breast tissue, including the lymph nodes under your arm, which is why it’s important to get regular mammograms and checkups. Early detection is key to successful treatment. In this article, we'll discuss the eight different breast cancer types. We hope this information will help you become more aware of the various types of breast cancer and their potential risks. RELATED: Breast Cancer And Exercise: The Role Of Physical Activity In Women With Breast Cancer 8 Breast Cancer Types Ductal or Lobular Carcinoma The most common type of breast cancer, ductal or lobular carcinoma, begins in the breast ducts or the lobules. This type of cancer can be invasive or non-invasive, and it's usually treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) or Intraductal Carcinoma or Stage 0 Breast Cancer Ductal carcinoma in situ is a pre-invasive or non-invasive breast cancer. This means that there are abnormal cells in the lining of the milk duct, and they haven't spread outside of the duct. In most cases, DCIS is found through a mammogram before it can be seen or felt. While DCIS isn't life-threatening, it's still considered cancer and should be treated as such. Left untreated, DCIS may develop into an invasive breast cancer, which can be much more serious. This is why many doctors recommend treatment for DCIS even though it's a noninvasive cancer. Surgery is the most common treatment for DCIS. The type of surgery depends on the size of the tumor and how far it has spread within the ducts. Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining breast cancer cells. Invasive Breast Cancer or Infiltrating Breast Cancer Invasive breast cancer is a more serious type because it has spread outside the milk ducts or lobules into surrounding breast tissue. Once the invasive breast tumors spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lungs, they become metastatic breast cancer. While early-stage invasive breast cancer may not cause any symptoms, advanced stages of the disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including: a lump or thickening in the breast bloody discharge from the nipple changes in the size or shape of the breast skin dimpling pain Treatment options for invasive breast cancer typically involve surgery to remove the cancerous breast tissue, as well as radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. In some cases, a combination of these treatments is necessary to achieve the best possible outcome. With early detection and proper treatment, most women with invasive breast cancer can go on to lead long, healthy lives. The two most common types of invasive breast cancer are: a. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma or Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) Invasive ductal carcinomas are the most common breast cancer type, accounting for about 80% of all diagnosed cases. It begins in the milk ducts, but quickly spreads beyond ducts and into the surrounding breast tissue. Although ductal carcinoma can occur in any part of the breast, it most commonly affects the upper outer quadrant. It can occur in any age group, but is more often diagnosed in post-menopausal women. Invasive ductal carcinoma is also the most common type of male breast cancer. b. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) ILC is a type of invasive breast cancer that accounts for approximately 10-15% of all invasive breast cancers. Unlike other breast cancer types, which typically first form in the milk ducts, lobular carcinoma begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) Invasive lobular breast cancer is often harder to detect on mammograms than other breast cancer types, so it's important for women to be aware of the signs and symptoms. While it can occur in women of any age, ILC is most commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 50. Apart from these two most common types, there are other rare breast cancers that are sub-types of invasive breast cancer. These breast cancers have cells with unique characteristics: Medullary carcinoma: This type is characterized by the presence of large cancer cells and is more likely to occur in women with a family history of breast cancer. Tubular carcinoma: Under a microscope, breast cancer cells from a tubular carcinoma look like tubes. This type makes up about 2% of all breast cancers. Mucinous (or colloid) carcinoma: This cancer looks very different from other types of breast cancer because it contains a large amount of mucin. Mucin is a jelly-like substance that's normally found in small amounts in mucous membranes, such as the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Papillary carcinoma: This is characterized by long and thin tumors, similar in appearance to finger-like growths. It's usually found in older women. Adenoid cystic carcinoma: This is a type of cancer that typically affects the salivary glands. However, it can also occur in other tissues, such as the breast. It's characterized by the presence of two different types of cells--luminal and basaloid. Low-grade adenosquamous carcinoma: This is a rare variant of metaplastic breast cancer that's characterized by both glandular and squamous differentiation. Some subtypes of breast cancer have the same or even worse prognoses than invasive carcinoma, including: Mixed carcinoma: The prognosis of mixed carcinoma of the breast is quite good, with an average of eight-year disease-free survival. Metaplastic breast cancer: The five-year survival rate for this type is around 63%. Micropapillary carcinoma: This type is usually associated with a poorer prognosis than other types of breast cancer, but can be successfully treated in some cases. HER2-Positive Breast Cancer This is a type of breast cancer that's characterized by an overgrowth of the HER2 protein. This protein is found on the surface of healthy cells, and it helps to regulate cell growth. However, in HER2-positive breast cancer, the protein is produced in excess, causing the cells to grow and divide at an abnormally fast rate. Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) TNBC is an aggressive type of invasive breast cancer that's named "triple negative" because it's characterized by the lack of receptors commonly found in breast cancer: estrogen receptor progesterone receptor human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) This means that the tumor cells aren't sensitive to hormone therapy, making it difficult to treat. They also tend to grow and spread more quickly than other types of breast cancer. Women with triple negative breast cancers are typically diagnosed at a younger age and have a higher risk of recurrence . RELATED: How To Improve Breast Health Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of locally advanced breast cancer, meaning that it has already progressed locally but has not yet spread through the lymph nodes or outside the breast. IBC accounts for only 1-5% of all breast cancer cases and typically occurs in younger women and in African American women. Symptoms can include: redness swelling warmth in the affected breast inverted nipple discharge from the nipple IBC is often mistaken for a breast infection, which can delay treatment and result in the cancer spreading. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Less Common Types of Breast Cancers Some types of breast cancer are less common than others. This doesn't mean they're any less serious, but it does mean that they may not be as well-known. Here are three less common types of breast cancer: Paget's Disease of the Breast Paget disease is a rare form of cancer that affects the nipple and areola (the dark area of skin around the nipple). The disease gets its name from Sir James Paget, the doctor who first described it in 1874. Common symptoms include:  a rash or crusting around the nipple itching burning pain Angiosarcoma Angiosarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of blood vessels or lymph vessels. It can occur anywhere in the body, but it most commonly develops in the skin, breast, or liver. Angiosarcoma is rare, and it's often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The prognosis for angiosarcoma is generally poor, but it varies depending on the location and stage of the cancer. With early diagnosis and treatment, some patients are able to achieve long-term remission. Phyllodes Tumor A phyllodes tumor is a rare type of breast tumor that arises from the breast's connective tissue, specifically the stroma. Its name comes from the Greek word "phyllodes," meaning "leaf-like." Phyllodes tumors tend to be large and bulky, and they can grow quickly. They're usually benign (non-cancerous), but in some cases, they can be malignant (cancerous). Phyllodes tumors are relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast tumors. Final Thoughts Breast cancer comes in many different forms and can affect people of any age, gender, or race. Understanding its different types is key to getting an accurate diagnosis and finding the best treatment plan. While breast cancer can be a serious illness, it's important to remember that it can also be successfully treated with early detection and advanced treatments. If you're ever concerned about a potential breast cancer symptom, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if it's something to be concerned about and make sure you get the care you need. Most importantly, remember to take your health into your own hands as much as possible—schedule regular check-ups with your doctor, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and stay up-to-date on breast health screenings. Doing this could save your life! Remember, early diagnosis is key for successful treatment of any type of breast cancer. Up Next: How To Take Care Of Your Breast Prostheses What Is A Mastectomy? | Everything You Need To Know The Best Bras After Breast Surgery
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