Last Sunday, we featured an article on the mechanics of the Hydro Body-Detoxification Foot-Spa System. As we continue to highlight the benefits of natural medicine, read, this week,  how advantageous it is for a woman to have a regular breast massage done.

Again, Guyanese Natural Therapist Liesl Dale Headley sat down with us to explain.
WHAT would happen to a city if its waste removal system stops working? Thinking of such consequences could help to underscore the importance for a woman to have a regular breast massage.
Because the body is subjected to ever increasing concentrations of toxins (an overload of poisons or chemicals) by what we eat and breathe every day, the lymphatic system must be assisted as much as possible. This system is the body’s primary waste removal mechanism.
Interestingly, the female breast is the area with the highest concentration of lymphatic flow and drainage in the body. Over 80 percent of all the lymph fluid in a woman’s body travels through the auxiliary region of the breast and underarm. Hence a breast massage may be invaluable in helping to avoid rapid build-up of toxins in women, especially those who operate in a chemically charged or polluted environment.
Since the breasts are soft tissue organs, they can be easily maintained or nursed back to a state of good health by effective massaging.

The procedure
This form of massage is not an erotic procedure, but a sequence of gentle yet specific massage techniques that are systematically applied to the breast tissues.
According to Liesl, this is done in an environment that safeguards both the dignity and personal preferences of her clients.
The practice involves purposefully anointing the breast tissue with rich, aromatic, natural oils applied with a combination of gentle strokes on the neck and subtle energy points on the chest and arm.
In administering breast massage, the therapist will use techniques that will follow the natural direction and pattern of lymph flow in the body. The entire breast will be worked, together with the stomach, the sides, and even the armpits.
“Once we do the massage, it stimulates the flow of the lymph that would have been sluggish, and pushes it into the area of the kidneys, which passes it into the bladder, and it subsequently comes out through the urine,” Liesl informed.
The pressure applied during a lymph massage tends to be very light to medium, and knowledgeable therapists do not use extreme pressure or other techniques that cause pain.
Says Liesl: “I first examine the breasts; and if I locate any suspicious areas, I alert the client. We start by draining main areas in the breasts, and then I drain underneath the armpit, which is another important area. Before we start the massage, we stimulate those areas to start the drainage work. Everything we sweep to this area. Most times, at the end of the massage, the breast is wilted; it would look a little soft, but that’s evidence of drainage.”
According to Liesl, if a person never had a breast massage, it may be a bit painful for two or three times. “But then they find the breasts very soft and pliable and painless.
Sometimes for months they experience better periods (menstruation) after a massage.”

When a breast massage is needed
Even though it is needed by all women, there are a few factors that may indicate a greater need for this form of massage. Large breasts, for example, entrap more toxins; and generally, women with larger breasts tend to wear tighter bras and more often.
While very small breasts do not have as much tissue to entrap toxins, they do not move as much as larger ones, thus do not circulate lymph as freely and naturally.
Family history and early fibrocystic breast changes would be another concern.
Having breast implants would also indicate a greater need for massages. Implants do not move very much, and require constant care.
The indications for a breast massage also include the following: hardening, discomforts of pregnancy, painful breasts, breastfeeding/weaning, recovery from diagnostic procedures and surgeries, and breast trauma (being hit on the breast).

Bras and aluminum
Significantly, contributing to the breasts becoming blocked or clogged with toxins are the use of brassieres and anti-perspirant deodorants.
“These make the breast area sluggish because they hinder the flow,” Liesl disclosed.
Most times, aluminum is a main toxin that is found in such deodorants. Hence caution is needed when purchasing any deodorant that is made with aluminum.
Many women feel a compulsion or need to wear bras which have also been shown to increase breast cancer risk by up to 21 times, depending on all bra-wearing factors such as tightness, frequency, and length of time worn, the material with which it is constructed, whether or not they are fitted with under wires and padding.
Therefore, according to Liesl, it is highly recommended that women try not to wear bras as often and as long as they probably do. It is also advisable that they remove the bra whenever they get a chance, if they have to wear one at all.

What do you gain?
Depending on the condition of the breasts and the degree of fibrocystic changes that exist, gentle to moderate massaging is sufficient to induce increased lymph and blood flow, and may greatly reduce risk factors for developing breast cancer.
Some women experience a degree of breast discomfort because their breasts become somewhat enlarged or firmer as a result of the pre-menstrual cycle. Such women may find that breast massage makes them feel much more comfortable, and is a pleasurable experience.
Pregnant or nursing women may find that the substantial changes in the quality and sensitivity of their breasts also cause some discomfort. For these women, a breast massage could improve their comfort level, give them pleasure, and make them feel better about their breasts.
Nursing mothers can also practice breast massage for stimulating milk production, and for breast care during nursing.
A breast massage can also assist with the following: prevent or reduce adhesions/scar tissues/hardening;
reduce pain and discoloration of the breast tissue; relieve physical and emotional discomforts that are associated with the monthly cycle; reduce the risk of stretch marks during pregnancy, breast feeding or weight gain; and improve the shape and tone of the breasts.
Because of the important nature of this treatment, Liesl tries her best to make it very affordable. Leisl doesn’t like to perform her services just for the money involved in it. She delights in helping people, and is greatly satisfied when she sees the positive results produced in her clients.

She has been exposed to natural medicine since 1996, but became certified in 2008. She can be reached at Lot 1 Station Street, Kitty, or by telephone numbers 231- 5500 and 622-6064.