How and Why You Should Do a Self Breast Massage

Here's why a self breast massage is an important part of any woman's self-care routine

Getting to know one's body is one of the most important things a man or woman can do. Being familiar with how it feels, what it does, and how it reacts to certain situations can make assessing health that much easier. For women who have yet to incorporate it into their self-care routines, breast massage is a powerful tool anyone can learn and use to become more acquainted with their bodies. There are multiple benefits to it too! From detecting early warnings of breast cancer to relieving stress, breast massages have become a great practice to incorporate into your monthly routine.

To benefit lactating women

Breast massages can help lactating mothers greatly! Studies have shown that breast massages can help regulate the quantity of milk a mother can produce and can also relieve pain caused by plugged milk ducts, mastitis, and breast engorgement.

Breast massage is also good for the baby as a 2004 study sees a higher quality of milk—with more solids, lipids, and casein concentration—from women who massaged their breasts.

To relieve soreness

A massage after a tense couple of weeks or an intense workout will often bring the most incredible feeling. For those who need a little relief, a breast massage—focusing on the chest muscles themselves—is key. For this, you or a massage therapist should focus on the pectorals, which rest underneath the breast. Massaging will loosen any tightness in the area, and will even bring relaxation to the back as well and not simply or exclusively to the pectorals.

To catch early warning signs of breast cancer

Breast cancer is a major concern for women around the world. One of the best ways to reduce cancer risk is early detection, and women can do so by incorporating breast checks every month. It's best to do it at regular intervals throughout the month so as to familiarise yourself with changes that may be normal during menstruation or ovulation. Though this kind of breast massage may be uncomfortable to those new to it, it's a very important part of any woman's routine.

For lymphatic drainage

You may be familiar with a lymph drain massage. It promises to remove toxins that may have built up in your lymph nodes. However, what some people don't realise is that breast tissue extends all the way under the armpit, where many important lymph nodes can be found. Those who have recently undergone surgery or treatment for breast cancer may benefit from a manual breast massage to help expel the build of waste fluids known as lymphedema.

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Here are the Benefits of Performing a Self Breast Massage

To benefit lactating women

To relieve soreness

To catch early warning signs of breast cancer

For lymphatic drainage