OK, so you don't actually have to be throwing your wired bra out the window, but I did get your attention, and that is what I was hoping to do!
For years, we've heard that wired bras were not good for us to wear, but what does that really mean?
I did try on wireless bras in the past, but I wasn't thrilled at how my B cup looked like a flat-chested 0-cup. Ugh. Nope, that was not going to work for me!
I didn't like the choices back then, so I happily kept wearing my wired bra!
However, I've recently discovered why wearing wired bras is not the best choice for our breasts.
It has to do with the Lymph nodes and Lymphatic system in and around the breast tissue and armpits.
Sneak Peek of What's Inside
- What is the Lymphatic system?
- Lymph and Breast Tissue
- Accumulated Toxins
- Free-flowing Drainage
- My Lymphatic Breast Massage Story
- Breast Massage Steps
- Loving the Girls ~ Breast Massage Oil
- Bottom Line
What is the Lymphatic system?
Our bodies have a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes, which are part of the body's immune system.
Just as veins collect and carry blood throughout the body, lymph vessels carry a watery yellow fluid called lymph.
Lymph flows through the lymphatic system and eventually drains into veins. This system helps to eliminate waste products from the body.
Bonus ~ Grab the Autoimmune Relief Bundle: 5 Simple Practices to Banish Pain, Balance the Mind, and Boost Energy as a gift for joining the Blooming Autoimmune Community. Go from being miserable with autoimmune dis-ease - to - Embrace Wellness and Enjoy Life Again. Start your wellness journey today!
Lymph and Breast Tissue
Your breast tissue goes up to your collarbone and armpit. The armpits have many lymph nodes, also known as lymph glands.
The inner mammary chain is a series of lymph nodes running up the center of your chest. It's vital to examine these areas regularly.
Accumulated Toxins
Blocking off lymphatic drainage while wearing a wired bra allows toxic chemicals to stay trapped in the breast tissue. As a result, it may aid in the growth of breast cancer.
Free-flowing Drainage
The body must regularly detoxify itself of waste products and other harmful or toxic substances from the industrialized world.
The amount and degree to which the lymphatic system can drain these toxins depends mainly on body movements to energize it.
A form-fitting wired bra blocks the flow.
Massaging the lymph in and around the breast is one of the best ways to keep the lymph flowing.
I have been doing breast massage for a while, and it has helped so much with breast tenderness, too!
My Lymphatic Breast Massage Story
In 2011, during a regular mammogram, they found a Fibroadenoma in my right breast. A fibroadenoma is a painless, unilateral, benign breast tumor.
They said it's pretty common and not something I need to do anything about. A mammogram was recommended the following year to monitor it.
If there were no changes in the Fibroadenoma, I'd go back to every two years. My last Mammogram was in 2018, pre-pandemic, with no changes.
My next mammogram was scheduled for Spring 2020 but was put on hold since everything was shut down and canceled.
In the spring of (2024), I had my first mammogram since 2018 and wondered if the lymphatic massage made any difference.
At my appointment, I had a sonogram and mammogram for a closer look, and the tech said she could not find any lymph nodes around my armpit and breast.
That was exciting news because the lymph nodes will be clear when the lymph is free to flow.
The test also showed the Fibroadenoma had shrunk from 11mm to 8mm. Yippee!!! 😍
I always felt that doing lymphatic breast massage self-care practice was improving my breasts, but now it had evidence.
Lymphatic Breast Massage Works!
This was exciting news, and it confirmed that even when we can not see the improvements within our bodies with our self-care practices, it doesn't mean they aren't happening!
Most self-care practices are simple. I encourage you to start a breast massage practice. It could be life-saving.
Lymphatic Breast Massage
Giving a lymphatic massage to your girls not only moves the lymph in and around your breast but can also be very healing. Here are a few benefits:
- Supports detoxification
- Stimulates the immune system
- Can reduce tenderness and pain
- Relieves PMS breast symptoms
Steps for Self-Breast Massage:
- At the hollow spot just above the collarbone, slide your fingers and gently pull the skin from the shoulder toward the center of the body two or three times; this opens the lymph passages and gets them moving.
- Now, put your fingers under the front side of your armpit and gently push the skin straight up into the armpit, gently pumping 8-10 times.
- Add 3 to 10 drops (depending on breast size) of Loving the Girls ~ Organic Breast Massage Oil or other breast oil to one breast.
- With one or both hands, gently move your entire breast toward the armpit with a push and release action 8-10 times.
- Then, gently move your breast towards the center of the body, and push and rerelease 8-10 times.
- Next, gently move the breast upward with a flat palm on the top of your breast as you push up and release 8-10 times.
- Lastly, gently bounce your breast in the palm of your hand while counting to 10.
- Repeat the steps with the other breast. (you can do both breasts at the same time, too!)
Moving the lymph in and around your breast is effortless and effective. It takes 3 min or less.
Disclaimer: Always check in with your instincts, higher self, and healthcare provider before starting new health practices. Understand we are not offering any medical advice. We do not attempt to diagnose, treat, or cure anything. We can't promise that any natural remedy will solve a particular health, skin, or mental issue. Any reliance on such information is strictly at your discretion.
Breast massage is easy to incorporate into your self-care practice.
The best times to massage are after bathing, before bed, and after removing your bra!
To get the best results, use a breast massage oil like this DIY Loving the Girls Breast Massage Oil!
Loving the Girls Organic Breast Massage Oil
1 oz. ~ 2% Blend
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links
Keep your girls healthy with breast massage! Loving the Girls Organic Breast Massage oil contains organic ingredients that work together to promote breast health and encourage lymphatic flow.
Supplies:
- 1oz Glass Bottle with Dropper cap
- Make a label
- Optional: Funnel
Ingredients: (EO = essential oil + * = organic)
20ml Jojoba Oil* (Simmondsia Chinensis) - Great texture for massage and is very moisturizing for the skin, contains powerful antioxidants
10ml Avocado Oil* (Laurus persea or Persea gratissima) - Highly penetrating, deeply nourishing, promotes new cell regeneration and can improve the skin's elasticity, a high percentage of Vitamin D
4 drops Geranium EO* (Pelargonium x asperum) - Has a gentle stimulating effect on the lymphatic system, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory
3 drops Sweet Orange EO* (Citrus sinensis) – Contains d-Limonene, which helps support the immune system, Antioxidant, Antibacterial
3 drops Thyme ct. linalool EO* (Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool) - Contains d-Limonene, which helps support the immune system, Antioxidant
Disclaimer: Understand we are not offering any medical advice. We do not attempt to diagnose, treat, or cure anything. We can't promise that any natural remedy will solve a particular health, skin, or mental issue. Any reliance on such information is at your discretion.
Application:
- Mix all ingredients in a 1 oz blue/brown glass dropper bottle.
- Shake well before each use.
- Apply 5 or 15 drops (depending on breast size) to each breast and massage three or more times a week!
Best times to massage:
After bathing, before bedtime, and after removing your bra!
Note ~ Before you start making DIY blends with Essential Oils, have a look at this popular post called:
How to Create Safe and Effective Healing Blends With Essential Oils
Bottom Line
We should not wear wired bras because we want to allow the lymph to flow so toxins won't get clogged up in and around the breast tissue and armpits.
"When I heard that, a light bulb turned on in my head, and I finally got it!"
That day, I started looking for a wireless bra. I encourage you to find one to help maintain your breast health, too!
There are so many beautiful wireless bras to choose from that give you cleavage and support.
Without the flat-chested look, Yes!
Wishing you and your girls the best of health!
Susie ∞
P.S. Please help spread the word about this vital subject by sharing on the social links below and help save the girls!
Before you go ~
Grab the Autoimmune Relief Bundle: 5 Simple Practices to Banish Pain, Balance the Mind, and Boost Energy as a gift for joining the Blooming Autoimmune Community. Go from being miserable with autoimmune dis-ease - to - Embrace Wellness and Enjoy Life Again. Start your wellness journey today!
Disclaimer: Always check in with your instincts, higher self, and healthcare provider before starting new health practices. Understand we are not offering any medical advice. We do not attempt to diagnose, treat, or cure anything. We can't promise that any natural remedy will solve a particular health, skin, or mental issue. Any reliance on such information is strictly at your discretion.
Disclosure: Bloom Autoimmune Mentoring LLC participates in a few affiliate programs. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for being supportive of small businesses.
Reference
Aromahead Institute
https://goop.com/wellness/health/could-there-possibly-be-a-link-between-underwire-bras-and-breast-cancer
https://www.cancer.org/
https://www.breastcancer.org/
https://healthy.net/2000/12/06/the-prevention-and-complementary-treatment-of-breast-cancer/
https://www.mariekeating.ie/cancer-information/breast-cancer/the-breasts-and-lymphatic-system/
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Quite scary the damage these bras can do, and to think, many people still don’t know.
Thank you for writing this. More people need to know (and, like me, be reminded).