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Breast health is a subject often overlooked by women and their health care practitioners. Not surprisingly, the connection between our breast health and the lymphatic system isn’t widely understood.

As a certified breast massage therapist and licensed massage therapist specializing in lymphatic drainage massage, I am deeply interested in educating women about their breast health in connection with their lymph system.

Today, I want to dive a bit deeper and explore this topic and help you discover how it affects your health.

Breast Health & The Lymphatic System

Our bodies have an innate ability to protect us from stored toxins in areas of our body that it sees as nonvital.

These nonvital areas are typically comprised of fatty tissues. Naturally, one of the prime locations for this fatty tissue is breast tissue. Our breasts are highly susceptible to toxin buildup in our bodies, as a result.

On the other hand, we have our lymphatic system.

 It’s often called our silent sewer system because it is responsible for moving toxins out of your body and supporting the immune system. Unfortunately, your lymphatic system needs help to move throughout the body. Unlike our circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have a built-in pump.

If you’d like to learn more about improving your lymph system, please check out my “Top 10 Tips for a Healthy Lymphatic System”.

What Is The Lymphatic System & What Prevents it From Working?

Our lymphatic system is influenced by its environment, and two things stop the movement of lymph fluid. The first is a lack of movement, which decreases circulation. The second is tight clothing.

Most women wear items like underwire bras or bras that are simply too tight and don’t fit properly. This causes the flow of the lymph out of the breast tissue to be blocked where the wire ends. So, if your bra is too tight, the same thing happens.

Breast tissue requires healthy circulation to remove toxins. When breasts bounce, or when you do a self-breast massage, circulation improves throughout the breast. You can also see a certified breast massage therapist like me, to do the same.

The Connection Between Bras and Breast Cancer

Building on the last point, breast health is directly related to what we wear, including cancer. Some women find going without a bra uncomfortable.

However, there are multiple companies I recommend to my post-cancer care clients who design their bras specifically for these women. These companies make bras that are far more comfortable and don’t have underwires or other elements that prevent lymph fluid from circulating. Check out PrairieWear.com for the entire selection.

If you want to learn more about how what you wear is related to your breast health, check out a book called “Dressed to Kill, The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras”. You may find the book to be a bit controversial, but it is also thought-provoking. It covers a research project completed by a husband-and-wife duo after the wife developed a lump in her breast during pregnancy. Their research concluded that women who wear a bra more than 12 hours a day or 24/7 are more prone to develop breast cancer. Check out the book if you’d like to learn more.

Want help choosing the right bra?

  • No bra should leave red marks on your skin at the end of your day
  • It shouldn’t cause indentations on your shoulders
  • They should offer comfortable compression that makes it easy to move and wear
  • It shouldn’t feel overly tight or uncomfortable

Start Taking Care of Your Breast Health

Want to take better care of your breast health?

As a Certified Breast Massage Therapist, I teach my clients how to do their own breast massage. One of the easiest ways to do this is while taking a shower. There is a simple technique I teach clients that only takes about 2-5 minutes to do every day.

Other ways you can take care of your breast health include eating healthier. Even when we crave something sweet, we can reach for a healthier snack that supports our overall health and well-being. Check out my recommendations for healthy sweets.

Want more help? Schedule a 30-minute consultation over the phone to learn more. I charge $75 for a healthy breast consultation to help you ensure your breast health.

Schedule a 30-Minute Consultation