Breast Care Through an Ayurvedic Lens
In many different cultures, breasts are symbols of motherhood, femininity, nurturing, and pleasure. And for as many different shapes, sizes and colours of breasts that exist, the nature of an individual’s relationship to their breasts can be just as varied, and often, complex.
Breasts change many times throughout development and as we age, and while most of these changes are completely normal, they can be distressing for a number of reasons. My last post explored breast health through different life stages, providing an overview of normal and potentially abnormal changes along with the technique for a self breast exam. This post examines breast health and self care through an Ayurvedic lens, as well as the relationship to the lymphatic system and how to encourage healthy flow.
The breasts, lymphatics, and cancer
The breasts and surrounding areas contain many lymph nodes and vessels that are important in circulating fluids to maintain balance, as well as filtering toxins and pathogens. Lymph is a dynamic part of the breast and chest area, with nodes in the axillary area beneath the breast, as well as drainage in the crevice between the collarbones.
Environmental toxicity accumulates in the body over time through the foods we eat, the air we breathe and the products we use. When these endocrine disrupting chemicals and heavy metals pile up, the lymphatic system can become overwhelmed and congested. As a vital part of the immune system, blocked lymphatics can lead or contribute to a host of diseases and dysfunction. In fact, it’s estimated that 90% of all cancers are caused by environmental factors.
Supporting healthy lymphatic flow and maintaining awareness and care for the breasts is critical in early detection of cancerous growths and other abnormalities. Daily lymphatic massage will encourage flow and proper drainage, supporting the elimination and detox processes. It’s also a good idea to avoid wearing tight or underwire bras to prevent restriction of the lymph vessels.
Ayurvedic wisdom
As well as the physical blockages, Ayurveda recognizes stuck energy and the ways it can manifest as symptoms. With the heart (and heart chakra) in close proximity to the breasts, there may be energetic blockages or stagnation impacting these tissues; emotions that are continually repressed rather than fully felt and acknowledged can become trapped in the body and lead to disharmony.
In Ayurveda, the accumulation of toxicity - both physical and mental - is known as ama. Self care practices that encourage lymph movement like dry brushing, yoga and self massage will help to keep these pathways open, while breath work and meditation will encourage healthy movement through the lungs, heart and mind.
Daily self breast massage
Performing a daily self breast massage is one of the most important things you can do for the health of your breasts and lymphatic system. Stagnation or accumulation of lymph can occur for a number of reasons (read my post on the lymphatic system here), and daily massage helps to keep lymph moving. This practice can become a sacred part of your morning ritual, creating an intentional connection with your body and offering yourself loving care.
Banyan Botanicals offers this beautiful Ayurvedic massage ritual that you can practice at home:
A Breast Massage Ritual
You may begin with a whole body self-massage, or abhyanga, to ground yourself. Use an oil that is appropriate for your doshic constitution.
Clasp your hands at your heart in gratitude for all that you and your body do and give on a daily basis.
Open your hands over your heart and breasts. Your hands have tremendous healing potential. Through your hands, send the energy that your heart center is supported and in a safe place to release and heal.
Give yourself permission to let go. Observe without judgment what thoughts and emotions naturally come up.
Breathe.
Dip your fingers into a balm or warm oil. (The author recommends) Breast Care Balm, which is infused with herbs to promote movement and cleansing and scents that nourish the heart chakra. Alternatively, Castor Oil is great for breast massage, along with the scent of rose.
Begin massaging one breast in a circular motion spiraling from the nipple toward the outside of the chest. Then begin at the nipple again and massage outward in linear strokes like the rays of the sun.
Massage the armpit and the outermost quadrant of the chest extending to the shoulder joint. This is an area where lymph nodes are very concentrated.
Massage above and behind your collarbone from the shoulder in toward your neck in long strokes.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Cover your breastbone with your hands, sending love, peace, and forgiveness.
Observe. Breathe.
Marma points
There are specific pockets of energy - known as marma points - around the chest and breasts that should be incorporated into your daily massage. When stimulated, these points can help to release stagnation and open healing channels in the lymphatics and the lungs. This massage will help to clear both physical and energetic blockages while connecting deeply to your heart.
Stanya Mula - at nipple-level on either side of the breast bone. This marma helps to promote lymph circulation and relieve congestion, as well as aiding with lactation
Stanya Parshva - beneath the armpits in the 7th intercostal space. This marma has benefits similar to Stanya Mula.
Hrid Marmami - in the 3rd, 4th and 5th intercostal spaces (on either side of the breastbone). This marma offers the same benefits as the previous two, with the added benefit of targeting the heart and lungs, as well as the heart chakra.
Hridayam - at the level of the 3rd intercostal space in the centre of the breastbone. This is the primary heart chakra marma.
Watch my video on Marma Points for Breast Health to learn more about these marma points and how to perform an Ayurvedic self breast massage.
The more we invest in and commit to caring for ourselves, the better attuned we are to the messages of the body. If you’re not already doing so, begin incorporating breast self care in your routine and start nurturing this important part of your body.