I’m writing this article in an attempt to help empower women in their bodies and educate our community about respecting and helping to fully care for a woman’s whole body. Statistics show that most women experience breast discomfort at some point in their lifetimes, and that the number of women that will report this pain to their primary care giver, or to anyone, is quite low…why? Perhaps because breasts don’t receive the proper attention as an important consideration in a woman’s overall care that they require. Breasts are often seen as a “taboo” topic, especially in our society where breasts are often sexualized rather than respected, which gives many women a decreased sense of confidence in voicing any concerns they may have about their breasts. I want to very gently remind you that your breasts matter, that you matter; every inch of your body matters and is deserving of care and attention.
Breasts are body tissues which are an incredibly important part of a woman’s anatomy. They feed and nurture life for our infants, have an extensive role in our lymphatic system and individualize our beautiful feminine bodies. When we look specifically at our breasts, they have a simple anatomical design and quite straightforward needs; however they are much too often neglected in the overall care of our bodies which can create pain, discomfort, lowered self-confidence and often fear.
Breasts don’t have muscles to facilitate movement; therefore they require aid to support ongoing circulation which helps to maintain tissue health and to prevent dis-ease and possible pain syndromes. Breasts are also susceptible to various changes including:
- The menstrual cycle
- The natural process of aging and associated changes
- Menopause
- Pregnancy (both during and after)
- Breastfeeding
- Dietary changes
- Environmental stressors
These changes can often create discomfort through a woman’s entire lifespan.
Breasts can also undergo various surgeries, diagnostic procedures, trauma, as well as the diagnosis of both benign and malignant conditions. We can’t ignore the fact that breast cancer is also becoming more and more common for women in our society. It is vitally important for us to respect the needs of our breasts and to become more comfortable in caring for them and touching them in a healthy and therapeutic way. This can help women to recognize as well as to understand changes in their early stages.
What can you, as a women, do for yourself? It is important to take ownership of this very important part of you and to incorporate some daily self-care techniques into your regime, as well as gain education about:
- Self-massage
- Drainage techniques
- Oils and creams to support your breast tissue
- Contrast showers and dry brushing
- Dietary support
- Yoga and stretching specifically for your breasts.
Your breasts are a part of your body, a life nourishing part, that are as deserving of care as every other part of you; it’s never too early or too late to establish healthy breast practices.
Tomorrow morning (March 10th) I’ll be speaking at the Women’s Health and Wellness Conference in Perth creating a safe space for women to come together to talk about breast health, later in April, on the 13th, I’ll be facilitating an afternoon workshop at our studio focusing on breast health and the interconnections with your whole body wellness. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Written by Amber Young ( Registered Massage Therapist, Yoga instructor and Breast Health Educator)
