Breast Practices: Pleasure, Health, and More

No matter if you have one, two, or none; big, small, gendered, with nipple hair or without, these boobs, tits, ta-tas, lady lumps, breasts- whatever you call them, should be treated with love like the magical things they are. Love them or loathe them, they desire and require attention, both in the bedroom and out. Breasts are a tool for nutrition, an asset, and something we need to care for. So, least talk about breast health and practices!

Breasts play a key role in the lives of those who have them, yet often they are overlooked entirely when it comes to self-care. Doing regular self-exams and seeing a doctor for a mammogram can literally save your life. 70% of cases of cancer in women younger than 50 are detected by women themselves.Touching yourself to check for lumps and abnormalities can be incorporated into your sex life and can even be very relaxing. Prefer to check them alone? Try to do it once a month and check out this list of 5 things you should be looking for. Want to have your partner help? That’s great too!

Breast Cancer.org recommends:

• Feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter.
• Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.
• Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you’ve reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.
• Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described as above.

Lymph nodes

The body’s lymphatic system is highly concentrated in the underarm and chest regions and stimulating these areas helps keep this key detox mechanism running smoothly. Even just by wearing a bra daily, it can hinder lymph circulation from draining easily out of the breast. So, by taking off your bra and massaging your breasts after each wear, you can help to drain the stagnant lymph fluid and bring in fresh blood supply.

There has been research which has shown massage can be effective in reducing lymph build-up in the body in post-op mastectomy breast cancer survivors. Additional research shows that message post pregnancy can help with engorgement and plugged ducts. Furthermore, for the average individual, massage can help with posture and restore range of motion in the upper body.

 

Don’t forget about the nipple

Nipple massage has also been linked to the production of oxytocin. It can cause contraction of the myoepithelial cells, relieving acinal gland distension and aiding the active elimination of carcinogenic fluid from the breast.

According to research, Oxytocin production upon nipple stimulation in the luteal phase of premenopausal, non-lactating women may be protective against the high rates of mitotic breast cell division noted at this time via the potential to block the effect of oestrogen. These systems in the brain are intricately linked to oestrogen and progesterone levels, and it is possible that these hormones may modify the secretory response both centrally and through an effect on the sensitivity of the breast. This stimulation with nipple care and in sex and lactation can help in the reduction of cycling ovarian hormones that occurs during pregnancy. It can also be an important preventative factor in the development of breast cancer in both pre and post-menopausal women.

When you incorporate breast play (sexual breast stimulation during sexual arousal and orgasm) it can also reduce the risk cervical cancer, endometrial cancer of the uterus, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer; to add to these substantial benefits, breast play also protects against sexual dysfunction and mental depression.

Breast sex is a unique aspect of sexuality that allows a connection which is different than penetration. The intimacy that breast sex creates is a common ground of sexual knowledge, allowing empathy, cooperation, commitment, and communication. It induces reciprocity and therefore happiness.

More than just health

Further, it’s also key to keep in mind that breasts are not just for others to draw pleasure from. They are not just to feed babies, be looked at, and be enjoyed by your partner(s)! Breasts/nipples are endogenous zones that can and should be incorporated into play if you are someone who derives pleasure from their stimulation. Research has shown that nipple stimulation can mimic the same action and chemical response in the brain that’s caused by genital stimulation.

Try rubbing, squeezing (but not too hard) and using oils to massage yourself or partner during foreplay or as a singular sexual act. We tend to rush into penetration and forget that our entire bodies can be used as for sexual play. Why not focus on the breasts and only the breasts for an activity? Sex is anything we can imagine and anything from which we gain pleasure.

Some tips you might want to try:

• First and foremost, if you are touching your partner’s chest- first check in with them and ask what they like and do not like. Some people like more pressure, some are very sensitive (this can also differ during different times of a menstrual cycle). If they don’t know what they like, or you’re doing it alone, take your time and start very slowly and gently. You can always add more.
• Focus on the entire chest area- don’t go straight for the areola. Ease into it and make it last.
• Try accessing the breasts from both the front and by going from behind the back.
• Use massage techniques you would in other areas, like the cit or even similarly to a back or neck massage.
• Friction can create warmth, but be careful not to go too fast to create a burn.
• Gently rub or flick the nipples.
• Use a circular motion on the entirity of the breasts, one at a time or simultaneously. Then try this as well for the areola.
• Ask if you can use your mouth if you are with a partner, the warmth of your mouth might be pleseant. You can also try gently blowing for a cooling effect. Temperature play can heighten the senses.
• Make it all about the breasts by using a light blindfold. Releasing control to focus on this one area can be rewarding.
• Using saliva or lubrication across the entire area can aid in movement and sensation, we recommend using a breast oil.

Using lubrication can be an amazing additive and can both an aid in relaxation and good health. Using breast oil is the perfect way to introduce breast massage and help with preventative care. Unless you like it cold- try warming the oil with your hands before use or even putting the entire bottle in a cup of hot water before you begin to massage. 

If you don’t know where to start and prefer not to use a lubricant typically used for toys or vaginal lubrication, we recommend trying Poppy and Someday’s Breast Massage Oil.

It’s made by sun-infusing red clover, Shatavari, pine, yarrow, lavender, and calendula into almond oil, along with St John’s Wort and blue chamomile. This herbal blend is made to soften your breast tissue and improve lymphatic circulation. We’ve outlined each of the amazing ingredients below, so you know exactly what you’re putting on yourself:

Almond Oil

• The Journal of Nutrition found that both whole almonds and almond oil effectively reduce harmful low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL, and increase protective high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or HDL, which may reduce cardiovascular risk. 
• High in vitamin E, almond oil can your body make red blood cells and properly use vitamin K. It’s also a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants are powerful substances that help protect your body from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage healthy cells.
• It can supply your body with vitamin K, which is a fat-soluble vitamin, which your body stores in fat tissues and your liver. It helps regulate proper blood flow and is crucial to effective blood clotting.
• Topical almond oil can slow the aging process and prevent structural damage caused by UV rays.

Shatavari

• Shatavari’s name gives reference to its traditional use as a rejuvenating tonic for the female reproductive system. It can support the reproductive system, particularly for females, and as a support for the digestive system, especially in cases of excess pitta.
• Using it can aid in the promotion of healthy levels of breast milk production, and support of already balanced female hormones.
• It can aid in healthy energy levels, strength and has natural antioxidant properties. 

Red Clover

• Red clover contains “isoflavones” which are changed in the body to “phytoestrogens” that are similar to the hormone estrogen.
• It has been used in women for symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes; for breast pain or tenderness (mastalgia); and for premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Pine

• Pine oil contains vitamin C which is an essential element of our immune system and can stimulate the production of white blood cells and has antioxidant qualities that help prevent chronic illness and diseases.
• Vitamin C is also a crucial component of collagen, which is necessary to create new cells, muscles, tissues, and blood vessels. Collagen can help to tighten skin and it’s connective tissue which can work to help firm breasts and potentially aid in lifting them as the skin ages. 

Lavender

• Research suggests that aromatherapy using lavender oil has beneficial effects on coronary circulation. It also lowers blood pressure and is often used for hypertension. Organs increase their levels of oxygenation, promoting muscle strength and health, and brain activity can have a noticeable boost. Skin remains bright and flushed with blood, and the body is protected from the risks of heart attack and atherosclerosis that is often associated with poor blood circulation.
• There is also lots of research connecting the inhalation of the oil and it’s helpful to reduce stress.

Calendula

• Coming from the marigolds plan, when used it can help to treat enlarged, sore lymph glands. 

Yarrow

• It can help to improve relaxation and relieving cramps associated with hormones making it great for tender breasts. 
• It’s important to note that it’s not the best to use during pregnancy because it could stimulate the uterus. The popular blogger Wellness Mamma uses it during post-labor tincture to help tone the uterus, reduce cramping and avoid hemorrhage. 

Blue Chamomile

• Has anti-inflammatory benefits, and has anti-depressant properties which can ease tension, anxiety, and induce sleep.
• The anti-microbial and anti-biotic properties can also be used wound healing.

St John’s Wort

• This supplement or oil can be used to aid in PMS and menopausal symptoms, which frequently affect breasts. 
• It’s important to note that though it can also help with depressive symptoms, it should not be used with certain antidepressants or other drugs that affect serotonin because it may lead to increased serotonin-related side effects. 

 

Now get to touching!

And as always, let us know if we can help in any way (apart from the actual touching, of course). Feel free to reach out by email or by leaving a comment. 🙂