A recent study* of 4,700 women found that women who wore bras had an increased chance of acquiring breast cancer. It is very possible that the constant pressure that the bra puts on the breast is limiting the flow of toxins that need to be released, resulting in the increased cancer rate. Any more than a gentle amount of pressure can flatten the lymphatic vessel and stop the toxic flow from the breast.

The Study found the highest rate of breast cancer in those who wore bras 24 hours a day, and the lowest rate in those who never wore bras. The study suggested that women should wear their bra less than 12 hours a day.

* Singer, Sydney Ross. Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras, Garden City Park, NY: Avery Pub. Group, 1995

Self Care Breast Massage

Gentle breast massage will benefit all women and lessen the risk of breast cancer.
Gentle-to-moderate kneading, rubbing, and squeezing strokes with the hands are sufficient to induce increased lymph and blood flow to the breast.

How to do it?

The breast can be kneaded and squeezed by contracting the palm and fingers of the hand (somewhat like a handshake) or the breast can be rubbed and stroked using the palm and fingers of the hand using gentle-to-moderate pressure.
* Women's breasts vary considerably in texture and sensitivity to pressure. Therefore, gentle strokes should be for those who are sensitive or have softer breasts. Moderate pressure may be more effective for those with firmer-textured breasts.

 

This procedure should be done at least twice a week. It can be done on bare skin, but you may find that using some vegetable oil may be more comfortable (do not use mineral-based or scented oils).

 

• Step One: Use your fingers to gently smooth away from the nipple. These movements travel from the nipple and directly away using no more pressure than what you would apply to your eyelid. Any more pressure would flatten the lymphatic vessel and stop the flow of toxins and fluids. Also, make this stroke slow, not fast, for it to be effective.
• Step Two: Gently massage the breast with a kneading-like motion, using lifting and pressing movements.
• Step Three: Slowly and carefully use your hands to twist the breast in a clock-wise and counterclockwise direction, being careful not to put too much tension on the breast.
• Step Four: Use both hands as shown to apply several, moderate pressure compressions to move out more pressure fluids.

Health Note: If during self-massage any lumps are felt, these lumps should always be investigated thoroughly by informing and visiting a qualified physician.
If any lump is ever found, that area should NOT be massaged until a physician is consulted.