Toxins are believed by many to be the local beginnings of cancerous tissue. It is imperative that these toxins be continually removed through the body's veins and lymphatic vessels. When these toxins are unable to exit the body properly, the possibility of cancer increases.

A recent study* of 4,700 women found that women who wore brassieres 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

The left side demonstrates the vascular system of arteries and veins. The right side shows the lymph nodes and direction of lymphatic flow away from the breast.

It is believed that the breasts can store many chemicals within the fatty tissue and because the breasts are largely constrained within a bra for many hours a day the body has no way of flushing out these toxins.

It is known that the breasts can store quite high levels of chemicals from our environment. Studies of human breast milk have shown a quite alarming tendency for traces of household cleaning products to be present for example. It is believed that there could be a very real connection with the onset of breast disease from these toxins.

The purpose of breast massage is to help flush out these toxins via the lymphatic system, and help bring nutrients to the tissues.

The magnitudes of filtration and absorption are not equal. The net filtration of fluid out of the capillaries into the interstitial compartment is greater than the net absorption of fluid back into the capillaries. The excess filtered fluid is returned to the blood stream via the lymphatic system. In addition to its roles in digestion and immunity, the lymphatic system functions to return filtered plasma back to the circulatory system. The smallest vessels of the lymphatic system are the lymphatic capillaries (shown in yellow). These porous, blind-ended ducts form a large network of vessels that infiltrate the capillary beds of most organs. Excess interstitial fluid enters the lymphatic capillaries to become lymph fluid.

Self Breast Care

Now that you have a better understanding of your breasts, it is important that you apply this knowledge to your health. The four-step procedure shown on this page will give you a simple massage technique that can be done, by yourself, in the privacy of your own home. Although almost any gentle massage technique will be of benefit, these four techniques should be a part of your personal regimen.

The purpose of these techniques is to flush fluids from the breast, (both venous and intercellular), bring nutrition to the tissues and specifically remove the toxins via the lymphatic system. Also, these techniques will enhance the health and elasticity of the support ligaments, which will in turn provide you with better breast support.

More specifically, step One is a gentle draining motion designed to drain the breasts lymphatic system and is possibly the most important of the four steps. Steps number Two and Four are to assist in the movement of venous fluids. Feel free to experiment with these to movements and find what is comfortable for you. Step Three is simply to help keep your support ligaments in good health and assist in the fight against gravity.

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. Stay away from 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.