Okay, this is awkward. I want to talk about breast health. Growing up in a household with three sisters in a conservative part of New York–trust me, this was not a part of any conversation that I had with my doctor, mother, aunts, sisters or friends. I was neither familiar or comfortable with my breasts. My doctor growing up referred to them as “donuts”. I am not kidding, nor have I forgotten! I never thought of my breasts as a part of my body that deserved love and attention. I can’t ever remember wishing for my first bra or the attention that they would bring. I liked that mine were barely noticeable and with sports bras, I could run and move without care. The big ones of my friends called unnecessary attention from men and running was uncomfortable–no, not enviable I found myself thinking.
Fear
A life of rational and racing irrational fear has led me to step away from an appreciation for my body and has catapulted me into the larger negative thought form that something is wrong with my body and that I will find a lump (and I have)…or cancer. A friend just had a double mastectomy. I’ll admit that I didn’t even know the meaning of “mastectomy” until my thirties. And now I hear the word all to frequently. With all this heightened awareness of breast cancer, it certainly takes the fun out of having breasts at all. Too many women I know have had scares, have been through treatments or lost their life. So, how to come into a better relationship with my breasts? Is it any wonder I wish to help change the way I relate to my body and help others find a healthy balanced relationship with their body?
Like others, I gave over my breasts during intimacy and for nursing. My breasts did not feel like my own except they were attached to my body. Not even with the birth of my first child did I realize how incredibly lucky I was to have them, and now I appreciate the incredible gift that they were and are–providing my child’s first food and a part of my femininity to wear proudly! And now…a new relationship where they are becoming my friends (people actually buy new bras every year?) and my radar (alerting me to the repressed anger, fear, and resentment that I hold and carry within that shows up in stagnation in my chest area–the foods, like caffeine and chocolate, that aggravate them).
I guess I am not surprised that in my 50’s I am working to rename that shame, disgust and disconnect that I took on as a child. Now, this exploration has become a necessary and integral part of my healing path.
The Facts
This is what I have discovered about breasts–they are comprised of fat, glandular tissue and ligament support structures which are in a constant state of flux. They can be influenced by nutrition and exercise habits. They go through dramatic shifts and changes during our monthly cycles, pregnancy and lactation–more than doubling in size for some women.
As we age and move toward and through menopause, our breasts continue to change. Glandular tissue is replaced by collagen structures, and eventually by fatty tissue. Pain, tenderness or other discomforts, as well as benign conditions ranging from fibrous tissue to cysts can exist. Our breasts do not have the muscular contractions and movement options that other parts of our body have to move lymph fluid (which is important for our immune system) helping to detox and distribute immune cells. Our constrictive clothing and more sedentary lifestyles -screen time, driving etc.– makes it even more important than ever to include breast massage, yoga and stretching to increase circulatory flow and detoxification in the breast tissue and lymph system.
My Path to Breast Health
I originally sought out oils, herbs, and acupuncture to help with my periodic fibrous tissue conditions, hormones and stress as well as to help calm the fears dominating my headspace. Have you heard of ishnans? Cold or cold and hot alternating showers that encourage the body to create its own heat? or lymphatic massage? Regardless of what method I choose, the most important message I keep hearing for me is to keep things moving.
The body and breast oil I find most helpful is designed to help me relax and breathe in the loving connection of rose (an aromatic and sensual flower generally known for its association with love and self love), rosemary (a plant that helps us to remember our true self, and recognized for its ability to assist with memory) and violet (a deep green oil generally generally known for its ability to move and clean the blood by its action on the lymph system) with essential oils of neroli, frankincense and rose. The smell for me is reassuring and calming and supports me emotionally and energetically and I believe physically–the mere act of rubbing it on my body creates circulation (and no, it doesn’t make them bigger as is sometimes joked about when I share this with others). It may not keep me from getting cancer, but it would certainly aid my ability to meet any changes in a more helpful state of mind and support care of this temple which is of utmost importance.
To apply after showering, I put a drop or two in my hands and massage gently over the breasts in a circular motion–both directions. I also add a drop to my bath. Taking time to care for my breasts is a new but important part of my self care. With so many environmental toxins, bad habits, etc. it is time for me to regain a sense of awe and beauty and replace the fear with that wonder of how our bodies are really meant to look, feel and be for optimal health and balance.