The breasts are specialized structures located on the anterior chest wall. Underneath the skin above our chest muscles are the breasts’ mammary glands, which drain into the nipples via a network of ducts. It is important for women to understand the normal anatomy and function of their breasts so that any abnormalities can be detected and treated.
Female breasts are rarely symmetrical. In most cases, one breast is usually slightly larger or smaller, higher or lower, or different in shape compared to the other. When fully developed, the female adult breast comprises 15–20 lobes with milk-producing glands and a network of branching ducts inside them.
These lobes are separated by bands of connective tissue that radiate out from the nipple like spokes from the middle of a bicycle wheel. There is lots of fat tissue within the breast. The amount of fat determines the size of the breast. The fatty tissue gives the breast its soft consistency.
The breast contains modified sweat glands called tubuloalveolar glands. Each of these glands attaches to a lactiferous (milk-conveying”) duct (2–4 mm in diameter) that ends in a small opening into the nipple. Inside the tip of the nipple is a dilated area in each of the ducts called the lactiferous sinus, where milk can accumulate and lead to blockages that often cause painful symptoms in the nursing mother. The glands also contain specialized cells called myoepithelial cells that play an important role in contracting the milk ducts and secreting breast milk.
Lymph runs from the nipple, areola, and lobules into a network of ducts that drain into the axillary lymph nodes and parasternal and subclavicular nodes. It is important to support the drainage of lymph—a clear fluid that travels through the body’s arteries, circulates through tissues to help clean them, and then drains away through the lymphatic system—especially in cases of metastatic breast cancer.
Ayurvedic breast massage supports the flow of the lymph and helps unblock the ducts involved in lactation. It also supports the release of toxins stored in the fatty tissues of the breast and chest and helps balance deep-seated emotions stored in the heart chakra.
Giving yourself a weekly breast massage is a simple way to improve your physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
If you like, you can begin with a whole body abhyanga to ground yourself.
Start by grasping your hands at your heart in gratitude for all the gifts your body gives you.
Open your hands over your heart and breasts. Give yourself permission to let go. Calmly observe any thoughts and emotions that arise as you breathe.
Dip your fingers in a balm (such as Banyan Breast Balm, which is formulated with herbs that support breast health) or warm oil sesame oil.
Begin massaging in a circular motion, moving from around the nipple toward the outer part of your breasts.
Massage in the area of the armpit and the outer-most quadrant of the breast, extending your strokes to the shoulder joint.
Massage behind your collarbone moving from the outside toward your neck, using long strokes.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Cover your breastbone with your hands, observe how you feel, and breathe.
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Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease