Myofascial Breast Awareness

Routine breast care, in addition to healthy eating and regular exercise, is the best way to keep you and your breasts healthy. The standards of care are self breast exams, clinical exams by a physician or nurse, and mammography.

As a Myofascial Release Therapist (and a woman!), I speak from experience. Just before I turned thirty, I took notice of some "changes" thickening in certain areas of my breasts. I was not alarmed, but began self treating the areas with Myofascial Release and Self Breast Massage. Within a very short period of time I took notice of the changes, for the better, but still had my physician "have a feel" at my yearly physical. It was suggested to go for my first mammography as a baseline. I agreed, if anything just to make sure.

By the time I had my mammography, my breasts had changed more, again for the better, with daily self care at home. The mammography and ultrasound all were fine and the doctor, highly skilled in her work, gave me the "all clear - see you in 5 years". Now I knew what I had been doing at home to treat my breasts, but I wanted to see what the doctor would suggest in terms of maintaining my breast health. The answer I got was expected...self exams, clinical exams, and mammography. I mentioned what I was doing above that and I got a smile and that was that.

I am not in any way trying to dismiss traditional medical standards for breast care. Thank goodness those methods are there and saving many, many lives...but what about prevention before the prevention? The time in between mammograms or leading up to first mammograms. I am sure self breast exams are performed by woman at home just as often as a trip to the dentist. Even with the handy reminder cards for the shower!

Here are many of the benefits of Myofascial Release and Self Breast Massage:

• Relieve congestion and edema (swelling) in the upper chest and breast tissue
• Ease tightness due to scar tissue formation from surgery
• Increase range of motion in upper body, shoulders, and neck
• Reduce and/or eliminate breast pain - BREAST PAIN IS NOT NORMAL!
  
• Honor and reconnect a woman's body
• Enhance milk flow and production for breastfeeding
• Release restrictions and tension in the diaphragm thus improving respiration
• Increase the flow of blood and lymph fluid to prevent stagnation
  
• Increase the elimination of toxins

I continue my daily self breast care - even if it is for a few minutes in the shower.  It is my hope that woman (and men) take even greater care of their breasts and bodies as I do.  A few steps above and beyond prevention is the key.  We are our best health advocate.  We deserve it!