Our breasts require our special attention for two main reasons. First, in traditional Chinese medicine, breasts hold emotional stress and stagnant energy since it's right at the heart chakra. Because of this, they are prone to tenderness, lumps, inflammation, and tumors. Second, the skin in the decollete area is tender and sensitive and therefore more vulnerable to aggressive external factors. Given such fragility, breast care should be part of our daily routine.
Control Your Stress Level
In TCM, stress, anxiety, and depression cause Qi to slow down or stagnate. As a result, Qi cannot move smoothly along the energy meridians in the chest, accumulates and can lead to diseases such as mastitis, breast cancer, or fibroids. The relationship between stress and increased risk of breast cancer has also been scientifically proven. Therefore, even with a busy schedule, find time for meditation, yoga, or a simple walk in the park. Through any such relaxation, you release stress and with it bodily blocks, so that the Qi energy can move without resistance.
Let the Emotions Out
TCM closely links the Liver meridian and the health of our breasts. This meridian is responsible for the flow of Qi, the regulation of the reproductive system and the menstrual cycle. One of the main factors in its weakening is unresolved or restrained emotions. That is why it is important not to suppress our emotions (both positive and negative) but to find a way to release them. Do you want to cry? Don't hold back! Want to hug someone in a fit of joy? Do it! By giving yourself the right to emotions, you take care of your mental and physical health.
Practice Self-Massage
This simple, home-based practice has many benefits for breast health. Manual breast massage promotes healthy lymph circulation and reduces the risk of developing cancer-related lymphedema (accumulation of waste fluids). It is also a great way to improve blood circulation and Qi energy as well as prevent stretch marks on the skin of the chest. Most importantly, breast massage is one of the best ways to self-examine the mammary glands and detect breast cancer in the early stages, which greatly increases the chances of recovery. Finally, women's breasts hold emotional and spiritual energy in TCM as they are close to the heart. Massage helps to unblock stuck emotions and restore the flow of energy in the chest.
Try to Maintain a Healthy Weight
Scientists have found that being overweight and obese at times increases the risk of breast cancer. This is due to the fact that a large amount of adipose tissue increases the level of estrogen and insulin (hormones associated with the growth of cancer cells). Therefore, keep the Body Mass Index (BMI) within a healthy range.
Keep Physical Activity
Physically active women have a 25% lower risk of developing breast cancer. The American Cancer Society even recommends 150-300 minutes per week of gentle exercise or 75-150 minutes of vigorous exercise. In terms of TCM, moderate exercise such as yoga, Qigong, or Taichi prevent Qi from stagnating in the body (causing cancer) and promote its circulation. In addition, such exercises contribute to relaxation, calming the spirit, and getting rid of stress, which, as we know, also negatively affects the health of the breast.
Revisit the Shower Ritual
Dermatologists say that improper showering can damage the skin on your chest and even lead to breast eczema. Make sure the water in the shower is not hot and does not exceed 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot showers can dry out the skin and damage its surface, especially when it comes to sensitive skin on the chest. Also, avoid intense rubbing of the skin with a washcloth and towel. This can strip beneficial oils from the skin and lead to irritation.
Moisturize Decollete Skin
The delicate skin on your decolletage (neck, chest, and breasts) needs just as much if not more attention than your face. The skin in this area is also subject to negative external influences and, in addition, can be damaged by the same washcloths, towels, as well as linen and clothing. Research has shown that moisturizers can prevent water loss, reduce wrinkles, and keep skin smooth and soft. Also, moisturizers can relieve chronic skin conditions including dermatitis. In addition to deep moisturizing, our Décolletage Treatment promotes lymphatic circulation, repairs damage, and improves elasticity for your décolletage.
Use Sunscreen
Use a high SPF on any exposed skin, especially on the decolletage. UV radiation is one of the main factors in photoaging, since UV rays are a source of free radicals that damage our skin cells. But scarier still, the American Cancer Society claims that both UVA and UVB rays play a role in the development of most types of cancer. This is why the American Academy of Dermatology strongly recommends that we use sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 or more.
Sleep on Your Back
CNN claims that sleeping position affects the appearance of your breasts. So sleeping on your side or on your stomach can lead to deformation of the breast shape, since in the first case it stretches and in the second - it is pressed too hard against the mattress. Sleeping on your back, in turn, supports the weight of your breasts, reduces sagging, and keeps them firm.
Pick the Well-Fitting Bra
Scientists have found that 80 percent of women wear the wrong bra size, which often leads to pain in the chest and mammary glands. So a bra that is too tight or too small will compress your breasts and add to their sensitivity, while a stretched and large bra will make your breasts sway all day and cause soreness. Also, if your bra does not provide adequate support, your breasts may hurt during and after sports. Another study showed that wearing a sports bra that fits well and supports the breasts reduces pain in 60-70% of women.
Limit Your Alcohol Consumption
Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer by 30-50%. In addition, alcohol puts an undue burden on the liver and can cause Qi stagnation, which according to TCM, as we already know, leads to breast cancer. Therefore, the perfect scenario is to stop drinking alcoholic beverages, especially if you are at risk. A less definitive solution, according to the American Cancer Society Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention, is to drink no more than one drink a day for women.
Add Fiber to Your Diet
Harvard T.H. The Chan School of Public Health says that women who regularly consume fiber have a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Therefore, fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, legumes, and whole grains should be included in your diet. In terms of TCM, foods such as cabbage, turnips, broccoli, carrots, celery, beets, Jerusalem artichoke, grapefruit (all with fiber) are also effective in preventing breast cancer by supporting the flow of Qi in the Liver.
Learn the Composition of Deodorants/Antiperspirants
There is a theory that the use of deodorants/antiperspirants increases the risk of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society claims that this theory has not yet received residual evidence. However, they also say the biggest cause for concern is the parabens and aluminum in these products, as they may have estrogen-like properties (estrogen promotes the growth of cancerous and non-cancerous cells). The good news is that manufacturers are required to list aluminum and parabens in their ingredients. Therefore, for greater safety, read the label of deodorants and antiperspirants.
Be Mindful of Your Breast
Get familiar with how your breasts usually look or feel. Knowing what is normal for you will make it easier to spot unusual growths, changes, hardening, and sensations. Also, be sure to have a regular mammogram, as this can help you identify breast disease before any physical symptoms appear. Finally, if you have identified abnormalities on your own or with the power of medical screening, begin treatment immediately to prevent disease progress!
The condition and appearance of our breasts are a direct reflection of our care for them. As you can see, this care includes not only the correct selection of cosmetics, but also a revision of our emotional state, habits, and even diet. This reminds us one more time that everything in our body is interconnected and only an integrated approach will lead us to the desired result - healthy and beautiful breasts.
Décolletage Treatment
Nourish delicate skin on your neck, chest, and breasts with this luxuriant and revitalizing treatment balm. Formulated with potent medicinal plants to promote lymphatic circulation and prevent stagnation. Infused in nourishing botanical oils and butters to restore skin elasticity, repair free radical damage, and stretch marks. A daily ritual keeps your skin firm, radiant, and luscious.
Take a few minutes everyday to massage your breasts to help drain stagnant lymph fluid, stimulate blood flow, and connect to your inner goddess.
