Fibrocystic breast tissue is often termed a disease by the medical profession. It is more characteristic of the breast rather than a disease. Many women notice monthly cyclic patterns, with symptoms most severe during ovulation and just before menstruation. It can be uncomfortable, because the breasts develop those weird knobby cysts that feel like a breast cancer lump. But not all lumps are cancerous. Statistics show that 90 percent of breast lumps are benign. Benign breast lumps are common, usually move around when pressed and are not painful.  

Breasts are composed of fat and connective tissue, and over time the ratio changes to more connective tissue, which results in the breasts becoming more dense. Breasts lumps are very common in women in their 40s, when their hormones are changing. Breast cysts are fluid-filled, and often a physician suggests a local anesthetic to aspirate with a needle. Instead of this painful experience, women can learn to do a gentle breast self-massage daily.

Giving one’s breasts a loving lymphatic massage every day not only moves the lymph, but it is healing in every way. Women have found that this massage reduces breast pain, inflammation, lumps, cysts and fibrocystic breast tissue. Plus, it can relieve PMS breast symptoms and may reduce fear of complications. Use a light touch, moving the skin instead of massaging the muscles. This is a beautiful, fun way to “get to know your girls and take care of them.”  

The underlying cause of fibrocystic breast and other health concerns usually have the same origin. Consider these tips to nurture the breasts as well as improve the immune system: 

Tips to Nurture the Breasts

• Eat healthy. Reduce your body’s toxic burden by avoiding processed food, eating organic when possible and eliminating simple sugars and carbohydrates. Investigate any food sensitivities or allergies that may affect digestion. Good food choices will help a person keep a healthy weight. Look into probiotic supplements to help maintain a healthy ratio of intestinal flora.
• Drink plenty of purified or filtered water. One half a person’s body weight in ounces of water every day will help to carry oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Enough water will eliminate toxins and waste and will help the individual experience less fatigue and pain.
• Breathe deeply and slowly. Start deep in the diaphragm and inhale through the nose.  Deep breathing is one of the best ways to move lymph fluid throughout the body. A person’s breath goes directly to the lungs, stimulating the vagus nerve to rest and restore the nervous system.
• Stretch and get regular physical exercise. Jumping on a rebounder, walking, yoga, tai chi, Pilates and other moderate activities, such as dancing or swimming, all are helpful - especially when a person does them every day.
• Don’t be afraid to sweat. Sweating helps detoxify the body and supports lymphatic function. Avoid aluminum-based antiperspirants.
• Limit exposure to environmental toxins. Several studies indicate 95 percent of all cancer is due to diet and accumulation of toxins. Learn about harmful ingredients, read labels and choose safe personal care, beauty and household cleaning products.
• Avoid restrictive clothing. Any tight clothing can impede lymph flow. Try to go bra-free for at least 12 hours a day. Studies show tight clothing blocks lymphocytes, the white blood cells that destroy abnormal cells.
• Nurture and protect with quality essential oils. Pure essential oils help the immune system ward off infections, release toxins and relieve many emotional disturbances. Essential oils are probiotic, increase blood flow, release and remove metabolic waste, provide regeneration, increase oxygen and alleviate hormonal-related issues. 
• Examine any emotional issues. Learn techniques that calm anxiety and heal, such as EFT and meditation. Women need to give themselves permission to forgive themselves for all the things they thought they did wrong. No emotions are bad. They all have something to tell us. Everyone should be honest about their feelings and speak out what they feel.
• Get plenty of good sleep. Quality sleep may prevent hypertension, nervous anxiety, inflammation and improper glucose control. Sleeping in a room without light allows the body to repair many facets and keeps hormones healthy–especially melatonin.

Every woman needs to take charge of her breast health. It is not the responsibility of her doctor or anyone else. Women need to be mindful and aware of what is happening within their breasts and body. By using these tips, women will be better able to connect to their inner consciousness (intuition) and healing energy and learn to appreciate, love and celebrate their magnificence.

Joyce Sobotta is the founder/owner of Healthy Girls Breast Oil and is available for presentations, consultations and essential oil classes. To learn more, visit AromatherapyNaturesWay.com.