When it comes to health matters concerning your breasts, always remember that the ultimate decision is yours…not your doctor’s or anyone else’s. Breasts may be the most important part of a woman’s body and, unfortunately, often the most neglected.

Sadly, many women feel that their breasts exist for the pleasure and benefit of someone other than themselves. Caroline Myss notes, “The major emotion behind breast lumps and breast cancer is hurt, sorrow and unfinished emotional business generally related to nurturance.”

As far back as the 1800s, medical literature has noted associations between breast cancer and loneliness, sorrow, rage and anger. Women with breast cancer frequently have a tendency toward self-sacrifice, inhibited sexuality, hiding anger, hostility or an unresolved conflict. Suppressed feelings—especially anger over many years—can cause adverse changes in the immune system.

Women can learn to nurture their breasts with enjoyable experiences such as a warm bath or shower as they explore and caress. A warm bath with gentle movement of the breast is wonderful for reducing pain and tenderness. Breathing from the diaphragm with deep breaths may be the best lymph mover and is so easy to do while relaxing in a warm shower or bath.

It may be a good idea to notice how breasts are different in shape and size from each other. Look at your neck, armpits, collarbone, breastbone and rib cage. Bend forward and allow the breasts to hang out. Gently move them up and down and side to side to “phluff” them—a technique developed by Cheryl Chapman that stands for Personal Hand Lymphatic Undulation Flow Facilitation. Another massage technique is to gently make finger presses in circles around each breast and nipple. Press your flat hand on the nipple area and then move your hand up and down three times or more. Stroke up into your armpits and down the sides of your rib cage another three times.

Add a few drops of breast oil to your hands and do a loving breast massage. The more pleasurable it feels, the more healthful the exercise. Certain essential oils formulated into a breast oil complement a self-breast massage by stimulating the immune system, improving lymphatic circulation, nourishing, detoxifying and bringing balance for optimum breast health. This simple routine every morning or evening is the first step in taking control of breast health.

In addition, breasts love exercise, running, dancing, walking, laughing, singing, showers, body brushing, bouncing on trampolines and any form of movement to keep the lymph fluid flowing. The breasts also love hugs.♥

The most important point to remember is that everyone has the innate ability to take matters into their own hands when it comes to breast health. Asking for and receiving support and guidance from family, friends and professionals helps people make a more informed decision. Once people have a better understanding of how to care for themselves, they will emerge from the transforming lessons of life with greater strength and more confidence.

Joyce Sobotta has a BS in education and certifications in holistic aromatherapy and reflexology.  She is the founder/owner of Healthy Girls Breast Oil, a home-based international business. She is available for presentations, consultations and essential oil classes. For more information, visit AromaTherapyNaturesWay.com.