If you want to be up-to-date on specific topics such as breast health, chances are, you’ve read about the possible benefits of performing self-breast massages. For starters, some experts state that it can help with things like cancer detection, improve milk flow, give breastfeeding support, and improve lymphatic drainage. Still, how to massage your breasts to get the most out of the practice?
In this article, the expert team at Breast Care Center Miami understands that women who prioritize breast health want to know about every possible technique that may help them improve the health of their breasts. As such, we bring you the potential benefits of giving a breast massage and will also discuss how to perform it.
Possible Benefits of Breast Massages
Before discussing self-breast massages, you need to understand that breasts don’t only consist of fat tissue. The mammary glands are also responsible for milk production, along with a complex network of blood vessels, ducts, lobes, lymphatic tubes, and fibrous and fatty tissue.
As such, experts generally agree that self-breast massages may help the breast remain healthy and argue that the potential benefits may include:
Better Breast Cancer Detection
Breast massage benefits may potentially include better chances of detecting breast cancer, more or less in the form of self-examinations, according to a report from The ACOG (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists). Approximately 71% of breast malignancy cases in women under the age of 50 are first found during breast massages or self-examinations.
During these sessions, the malignant tumor may feel like thickened breast tissue or a standalone hard lump, even capable of altering the shape and size of the breast.
On that note, early breast cancer diagnosis is essential for treating the malignancy more effectively, as the cancer will be less likely to be able to spread far from the breast. As a matter of fact, patients who receive timely treatment for localized cases of breast cancer usually have a 99% of living for at least five years following the diagnosis.
On a more positive note, it’s important to remember that most breast lumps are usually not cancerous. In most instances, they are benign cysts or infections.
Breastfeeding
Breast massage has the potential to alleviate discomfort that may arise when there is milk buildup in the breast. For instance, a study conducted in 2015 involving 42 breastfeeding participants revealed that all of them experienced a reduction in both breast and nipple pain after undergoing therapeutic breast massage.
It’s worth noting that the effectiveness of breast massage can vary depending on the technique used. In a 2012 study, the effects of Oketani massage, a method targeting the tissues connecting chest muscles to the breast, were compared to those of regular breast massage among 47 breastfeeding women. The results showed that participants who received an Oketani massage reported experiencing less breast pain than those who received the standard massage.
Also, the possible benefits of breast massages may include preventing blockage formation in the milk ducts and potentially improving overall milk flow.
Flushing Toxins Out of The Breasts
The lymphatic system can be best described as a vessel system that collects and filters out excess fluid waste in the body. The lymphatic system is also present in the breasts, carrying fluid waste to the lymph nodes near the underarm, collarbone, or breastbone.
Damage to this vessel network may lead to waste buildup, causing lymphedema or swelling. According to some experts, breast massage may be able to stimulate the Bessel network and, as such, decrease the risk of swelling. Still, this effect isn’t confirmed as trials from 2013 and 2017 found conflicting results on the topic.
How to Massage The Breasts
The breast massage technique will more or less differ on what the intended use is. That said, women may use the following self-breast massage techniques:
Cancer Detection:
Breast cancer self-examination involves these steps:
- While in front of a mirror, carefully observe any changes in breast color, shape, size, or texture.
- Position one hand behind your head with the elbow pointing sideways.
- Use the first three fingers of the opposite hand to gently apply pressure while massaging the breast in a circular motion.
- Ensure comprehensive coverage by massaging the entire breast area, from the collarbone down to the upper abdomen and towards the armpit.
- Repeat these steps for the other breast.
- Breast self-examinations can be performed while standing or lying down, with the shower being a comfortable location for many.
If any potential signs of cancer are noticed, such as new lumps, swelling, skin alterations (like redness, dimpling, or flaking), unusual discharges other than breast milk, or swollen lymph nodes under the arm or collarbone, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Breast Massage for Lactation
- Put your fingers on the bottom and top of one of your breasts.
- While applying pressure gently, move the fingers of both of your hands in circular motions smoothly.
- Position your fingers on each side of the breast and continue using the circular patterns.
- Do the same with the other breast.
Draining Lymph Nodes
- One hand should be on the top of your breast on your body’s opposite side, with your fingertips reaching your armpit and your palm resting on your chest.
- Now, squeeze the hand over the breast using a pumping motion.
- With the same motion, move your hand slowly closer to the nipple.
- Once there, massage your breast’s inner, bottom, and outside areas.
- Repeat with the other breast.
Self-Breast Massage: Are There Any Risks?
Typically, massaging your breast is safe; still, whenever you detect something out of the ordinary, you should call your doctor. Also, take extra care when massaging your breasts near a scar or a lump that’s the result of previous cancer or surgery.
Consulting a doctor is advisable, especially if you are receiving treatment for a breast-related health issue. In such cases, a healthcare professional can offer valuable guidance.
Additionally, the doctor might suggest collaborating with a licensed massage therapist. This partnership can help minimize potential risks and ensure that the massage is conducted safely and in a way that aligns with your medical needs.
Self-Breast Massages and Breast Size
Certain individuals hold the belief that breast massage can enhance breast size, firmness, or skin elasticity. However, it’s important to note that there is a scarcity of scientific evidence supporting these claims.
Interestingly, one study did uncover a potential benefit of breast massage. Specifically, a 15-minute breast massage using bitter almond oil was found to reduce stretch marks in pregnant individuals potentially.
Putting it All Together
Breast massages and self-examinations can help you detect potential breast cancer, may improve drainage in the lymphatic system, and may ease breastfeeding discomfort, with various techniques potentially having various effects and benefits.
Still, some people are advised to take caution when performing breast massages, like patients who are currently undergoing cancer treatment. They should consider talking to a licensed massage therapist, a doctor, or even better, both.
On that note, you can always reach out to our practice and experts, who are ready to answer all your questions and concerns.
