The Benefits of Breast Massage and How to Do it
What if you could open your heart chakra and foster self-love with a simple practice? Breast massage and breast masks have the dual benefit of supporting our health and emotional state.
This sensitive area of our bodies contains a plethora of lymphatic tissue, that helps our immune system, nerve endings that can be pleasurable or painful and cover the heart center, the chakra of self-love, and spiritual power in the face of wounding.
Are you feeling lonely or isolated? Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed with anxiety or sadness. Are your breasts sore to the touch and tense? A breast massage may be just what you need.
WHAT IS BREAST MASSAGE?
Massaging the breasts and chest signals our nervous and energetic systems that we are loved and safe. It is best done with a soft touch at first and is less about working out sore muscles and more about encouraging a practice of self-love, body acceptance, and immune support. To mimic, graze the back of your hand with a featherlike touch. This is how you will start.
Breast massage includes massaging the breasts, chest, armpits, and right under the breasts in the diaphragm region. But ultimately, it is about what feels right for each person and often changes depending on how we are feeling, what losses we have experienced, and where we are at in our cycle, for example.
5 BENEFITS OF BREAST MASSAGE
Opening of the heart chakra: Leading to more acceptance, forgiveness, joy, and resiliency in times of stress. Our heart space is also linked to the womb and the sacral and root chakras.
Fostering self-love and body acceptance: This helps to make peace with our unique body type and tissue while also encouraging a deeper connection to self.
Reduction of breast tenderness and an increase of pleasurable breast sensation. Gentle massage releases tense tissue and unifies the tissue.
Supports the health of our menstrual cycle: It helps to regulate hormones, relaxes the body, and improves circulation (not to mention the psychospiritual support).
Immune System Support: The complicated network of lymphatic vessels are abundant in and around breast tissue which means it is a great area to work on to support the flow of lymphatic fluid and boost the immune system. Massaging the breasts promotes lymphatic drainage, which is the process of moving toxins through the system to be cleaned and removed and to reduce swelling and blockages.
For both types of massage, the first step is to make a safe, quiet, and comfortable space for yourself. The bathroom is a good place, you can do these in the shower if tight on time. Add music, candles, scents, and whatever invokes a sense of calm for you.
TYPE 1 - SELF-LOVE RITUAL
Set up an inviting and beautified space with whatever that means to you. It could be low lighting and candles, flowers, soft music, comfortable soft blankets, and/ or incense. Gather your oil (I recommend coconut oil but olive oil or almond oil also work well).
Cleanse and clear your space and yourself using what works for you (plants like sage, palo santo, crystals, or reiki, for example).
Prepare your intention. For example, it may be to have more self-love and acceptance for yourself or to experience more joy and love in your life.
After you have cleansed yourself and the space, place one hand over your belly, under your belly button, and one hand on your chest, over your heart. Breathe deeply into the energy. State your intention out loud and with authority.
Warm the oil in your hands and spread the oil by beginning to caress your chest, moving around your collarbones gently, and gradually around your breasts. As you massage, be present with yourself and feel into what arises.
You may notice something comes up that needs your attention, whether it’s a negative feeling or thought, a memory or an inclination towards the touch feeling uncomfortable or perhaps pleasurable. Allow whatever arises, and send love and forgiveness to that area while massaging the spot until you feel it melting away.
Continue massaging both breasts, underneath them, and around your whole chest until you feel it is complete.
End with one hand on your belly, under your belly button, and one over your heart. Send gratitude and love to your body and heart space.
TYPE 2 - LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
*Do not perform if you have lymphedema, breast cancer, renal failure, or cardiac edema. Always consult with your doctor*
Start by pumping the lymph nodes in the armpits by gently squeezing them like a pump. This area can be very tender, so go slow and repeat three times on each side. This opens the lymphatic system to help move the fluid through.
Use a small amount of oil (coconut oil works well) and spread lightly over all the areas you will massage.
Start at the center of your chest, and with that featherlike, gentle graze, move your hands up and out towards the armpit. Move slowly and with intention.
Move around the breasts, always working towards the armpit, completing both sides.
Bend over slightly and shake your breasts gently to encourage the flow of the fluid.
Pump the armpits again on both sides, and you’re done.
Now you can apply the mask! A mask will help draw out toxins, remove stagnation, and moisturize and tonifies the tissue.
BREAST MASK RECIPE
2 tbsp of kaolin clay, pink clay, bentonite clay, or charcoal
1 tsp of 1 of the these (optional add on): crushed dried rose petals, dried lavender, or calendula
Add water to texture. For easy application, it should be smooth and easy to spread but not drippy and runny. Adjust with more water or powder based on how much you need.
Apply all over the chest, breasts, and armpits and let dry. While drying (usually 10 minutes), take a moment to meditate, stretch your body, make a tea, journal, or relax.
Wash off with warm water or in the shower, pat dry and apply coconut oil, almond oil, or your favorite non-toxic, clean body lotion.
Repeat once per week at the most. I like to do mine on Sundays as part of a self-care morning before I shower.
Ashley Reimer is a shamanic womb coach, massage therapist, passionate yoni steamer, embodiment guide, and spirituality blogger. She works with people to elevate their wellness and connection to the divine and foster deep self-worth. If you want to learn more, visit her site and follow her on Instagram.
