Breast Health and Breast Cancer Recovery

Breast Health and Breast Cancer Recovery

In the Words of Sheryl Crow…………..

Sheryl Crow learned a lot from her experience with breast cancer in 2006. “I’m always the last person I take care of,” Crow said on Larry King Live. “And it really demanded that I show up for myself. And a lot of the women that I have spoken with who have gone through the cancer experience say that there is a metaphysical aspect of nurturing that’s related to breasts. And a lot of women just are always giving out nourishment and nurturing, and not receiving it. And, so, this was my time to really learn that.”

The words of Sheryl Crow reconfirm the message I have been sharing with women in the late 90's when I was in my early 20's. "The more we love and care for ourselves, the greater the correlation to our good health." In addition, to nurture one's heart, be kind to oneself, heal negative emotions within, as a means of creating positive breast health. 

I have always believe there is an emotional component to the physical ailments the body, and especially in regards to breast health. Our heart lies behind the breast, lifestyle factor and stress can compromise the health of the breast. Toxins can accumulate and cause sluggish lymph. Lymphatic drainage techniques/ and self massage can be a wonderful complementary way to support and maintain breast health care.

What are the benefits of lymphatic breast care /massage for breast health?

Lymphatic Breast Care, when done correctly, can help in many ways. The following are benefits that can be achieved by regular breast massage:

• Prevention—while it cannot rule out all possibility of breast cancer, it is thought to be a preventative measure. It achieves this by removing toxins from the lymphatic system, as well as by improving lymph flow and increasing circulation and oxygen to breast tissue.

• Gravity-defying—another benefit is the stimulation given to the skin can help keep the ligaments of the breast and add resiliency to tissue, which can provide better natural support for aging and post natal. 

• Pain Relief—for women who have symptoms related to PMS, tenderness, and fibrocystic conditions, lymphatic breast care can help to relieve much of this discomfort and help to decrease benign lumpiness and cystic conditions. 

• Relaxation—as with all massages, relaxation is an added benefit, lymphatic breast care relieves tension to check 

• Reduction of swelling and tightness—lymphatic breast care can help ease tightness and swelling that may be present after a post op mastectomy, reconstruction or augmentation..

What can I expect from a lymphatic breast care session like?

When you request a lymphatic breast care session, your practitioner will have you fill out a breast health questionnaire form. She will then discuss your goals for the session. There are various options to draping, breasts do not have to be undraped. Your practitioner will work with your comfort level. 

How should the techniques feel?

The work comprises working peripheral areas first and breast area last. There are many lymph nodes surrounding the breast that are important to open and much of this can be done with a drape cover. The techniques are light to medium as the tissue in this area are very delicate. Utilizing the correct direction, both these techniques can help flush fluids from the breasts that hold toxins.

How long is a session? 

Sessions can last from 30, 45, when done solo or a 60, 75 or 90 min if combined with other modality. Frequency of work is beneficial especially for health maintenance or for post natal lactation conditions. Anywhere from 3-6 sessions can provide beneficial.

Self Breast Care Routine

If you will be performing breast massage therapy on your own, it is best to do so twice a week. You can refer to You Tube social media tab or the Media link to learn proper techniques to achieve maximum benefit. Oils are helpful with lymphatic breast care because it needs to be performed on bare skin to achieve the maximum benefits. Please check out our signature product Breast Caress body oil. You can also visit the Resource tab to download PDF for Breast Self Care Routine.

How can Lymphatic Drainage/massage support Breast Cancer Recovery?

Lymphatic Drainage/massage is a benefit for the woman who has been recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer, going through Chemo or radiation or recovery from surgery. Supportive Massage, Touch therapy and Lymphatic Drainage can help support you and provide a natural way of healing.

If you are newly diagnosed, having a massage prior to your surgery date can help you to relieve tension, embody self acceptance and an inner strength. If you are currently undergoing Chemo or radiation, with your doctor’s consent I can provide a gentle supportive touch of the head, feet, hands and body to comfort you and rejuvenate your energy. If you are in the post op stage,Breast Cancer surgery may cause physical discomforts including swelling, as well as contribute to sore, achy muscles. Women who have had axillary lymph node removal are At Risk for Lymphedema. As your practitioner I will provide education regarding how these services can offer a preventative approach and health maintenance in reducing your risk of developing Lymphedema. Resources and self care education also provided.

What are the benefits of Lymphatic Drainage/ massage for breast surgeries related to Breast Cancer Recovery?

  • Reduces stress, provide relaxation
  • Cultivate a healthy body image
  • Health maintenance for lymphedema prevention
  • Assist with physical and emotional aspects of chemotherapy and radiation
  • Ease sore, tight neck, shoulder and back muscles
  • Remove harmful toxins
  • Reduce swelling and edema
  • Prevent and reduce scar tissue
  • Increase range of motion and shoulder mobility
  • Boost Immunity
  • Increase blood, oxygen and lymph circulation
  • Maintain sense of well-being, inner strength and learn self massage for health
How to get started and what to expect from a session

Your practitioner will have an initial phone call with you to assess what your needs are. If the practitioner feels that it is essential to get written note from your doctor before proceeding, she will communicate that to you. A client intake form will then be filled out upon first visit. We will review your intake form to discuss treatment specific to your needs. 

Upon receiving bodywork your practitioner will discuss modalities being used, ask you your feedback on pressure, discuss draping options if working on chest area and other specifics to your session. Length of time depends on preference and/or from information received in intake. 45, 60, 75, 90 min sessions. 45 min session apply to women undergoing chemo or radiation if a shorter session is desired. Preferably with post op work, 60 – 90 min are suggested as Lymphatic Drainage techniques are used which are gentle, rhythmic and slow and repetitive.

It is important to come hydrated, have eaten a light meal within the past 2 hours, and make sure to fully hydrate after the session.

CONTACT

I am NOT taking new clients for lymphatic drainage at this time, nor will I offer a waitlist. I have a long list of clients to attend too first. 

I am only taking new clients for my Personal Development Life Coaching/Emotional Healing Sessions for Women of which I do via Skype/Phone/Zoom. I help women in Self Care and Self Love and helping you work on a deeper level in making changes that will positively affect your relationship to self, physical health, career transition and much. Please click here to learn more... Please find me on FB at Jenniferandrea, click here.

I have added a list of referrals for lymphatic drainage in the second block of home page to assist you in seeking out a therapist. Please also feel free to email me at jen@hoano.com and I can provide a referral I think would be best for you or just to ask questions or get resources. Please check back on my site periodically, as I will at some point be available for new clients.
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