Breast Health: Massage & Self-care
Breast Massage and Breast Health Sessions
Washington State now allows Licensed Massage Therapists to provide breast massage once we have completed 16 hours of specialized breast massage instruction. I was fortunate to train under one of the teachers who lobbied extensively to make it legal, and have continued to train with her beyond the minimum requirements. I see breast massage as an important offering, falling under two main categories: sessions specific to breast health, and breast work as a component of a regular wellness massage.
Sessions focused on breast health can provide:
Breast massage incorporated into a wellness massage can provide:
Washington State now allows Licensed Massage Therapists to provide breast massage once we have completed 16 hours of specialized breast massage instruction. I was fortunate to train under one of the teachers who lobbied extensively to make it legal, and have continued to train with her beyond the minimum requirements. I see breast massage as an important offering, falling under two main categories: sessions specific to breast health, and breast work as a component of a regular wellness massage.
Sessions focused on breast health can provide:
- treatment for breast tenderness
- increased circulation/lymph flow for optimal breast health
- post-surgical scar tissue remediation
- prenatal preparation for breastfeeding
- lactation support to address blocked ducts & supply issues
- instruction in breast self-massage, breast self-check and lifestyle practices for breast health
Breast massage incorporated into a wellness massage can provide:
- a more thorough full-body massage
- specific treatment for muscular/myofascial issues related to restrictions in the shoulder, chest and/or rib cage
- normalization of non-sexual touch
- facilitation of more integrated & holistic body awareness
