Self-Breast Massage

Self-Breast Massage

Self-Breast Massage

Guidelines for Health

By Dana Wyrick


Illustrations by Ted Garcia

Originally published in Massage & Bodywork magazine, June/July 2001.

Copyright 2003. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.


Step 1

Figure 1

Breast
massage is most effective when beginning with neighboring areas first.
With both hands, start at the top of the neck and stroke down into the
hollow of the neck, behind the collarbone (Fig. 1). Follow by opening
the terminal area of lymphatics behind the collarbone. With the first
three fingers of the right hand, lightly stretch the skin from the
shoulder toward the neck. Gentle pumping of the clavicle area also is
effective at stimulating regional lymph nodes. Another approach is to
begin at the sternum and outline the breast in a circular motion,
hitting the upper pectoral (pectoralis major), the crest of the armpit
and the lower breast bone (distal ribcage) in turn. Switch directions.


Step 2

Figure 2

Mobilizing
the shoulder and armpit area (axilla) also can stimulate lymph nodes.
Using either the palm of the hand or the broad underside of the
fingers, stretch the skin of the armpit upward, as illustrated in Fig.
2. (The armpit also may be massaged in circles.)


Step 3

Using a flat right hand, lightly stroke from the breast bone to the
armpit. Perform this above, over and below the breast. This movement
also can be done with one hand above the breast and one below,
simultaneously moving both toward the armpit (Fig. 3).

Figure 3

Intermittently,
massage the armpit as in Step 2. Particular attention should be paid to
the upper outer quadrant of the breast, 50% of all cancers develop
here. Another approach that can be used in combination is to lift the
breast and apply compressive movements, creating a pumping motion.
Slight kneading with the thumbs also can be done, as well as "jiggling"
with a shaking action while simultaneously positioning the hands around
the outer aspect of the breast.


Step 4

Lastly, drain the side of the body toward the armpit, again using the
flat of the hand. Lightly stroke from your waist up to your armpit.


*Remember to perform the self-massage with a lubricant (water, oil or lotion).


Stimulation Maintains Tissue Health

Stimulation of the breasts may be one of the easiest and most
successful means of maintaining healthy breasts and possibly even
preventing breast cancer disease. Increasing circulation and
stimulating lymph drainage through stroking can be effective in
removing toxins from cells, where they can then be transported to lymph
nodes and rendered harmless. How you approach breast massage is your
choice. However, it is advised it be performed 2-3 times per week for
about 5-15 minutes.

The
above routine is an amalgamation of techniques from Dana Wyrick,
director of the Wyrick Institute and Clinic, and Debra Curties, author
of Breast Massage. Modifications and/or adaptations may be made
according to preference. Repeat all strokes 5-10 times. Begin by
performing these strokes with the right hand on the left side of the
body. Note: When massaging the breast, it is advised to not overwork
with aggressive strokes. Also, deep touch may be uncomfortable and may
damage or bruise breast tissue.





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