Breast care

For some of us, the breast is a matter of pride, for others it is embarrassment or dissatisfaction, while this tender area of ​​the body is an important organ for feeding a newborn baby, as well as maintaining the balance of the female reproductive system.

According to statistics, most women find out too late about neoplasms and changes in the mammary gland. At the same time, proper care and prevention can be an excellent marker and promptly inform about any need to visit a specialist.

Weight change, aging, gravity, childbirth, breastfeeding, hormonal surges - all this makes the breast vulnerable and prone to deformation. Therefore, the sooner you start taking care of yourself, the longer this zone will delight you.

I will share the basic simple rules of care:

Underwear: choose your bra according to your exact size

It should perform a supportive function, but not squeeze and provide freedom of movement. The larger the chest, the wider the straps. Wear a sports top or bra to help protect and support your breasts properly when playing sports.
I choose a bra without underwire, with wide straps and a bottom elastic that does not constrict, but is wide enough. For me, the main check point is that I take off my underwear after at least 1 hour of being in it - and there should be no marks and redness on my body.

Medical check and awareness

From about 16-22 years old, girls are recommended to be examined by a mammalogist 2-3 times a year and to do an ultrasound check of the mammary glands at least once a year. After 40 years, women should visit a doctor and do an ultrasound every year, and after 50 years, it is worth adding mammography 2 times a year, this does not mutually exclude ultrasound, but rather goes as add on.
If you know that by heredity there are cases of breast cancer, ovarian cancer or any other pathology among relatives already at a young age, you need to follow closely after consulting a specialist. Medical examinations give great precision in research, this cannot be neglected.

Issues prevention

Every month, on the 5-9th day of the cycle it is recommended to conduct a breast self-examination. The breasts are at their softest this time, so it will be much easier to identify lumps in the breasts.
The examination is carried out in various positions: vertically (it is possible in the shower) with arms raised and lowered, as well as in a horizontal position.

Breast massage 

A distinction should be made between the types of massage. Self-check can already be considered a diagnostic breast massage. There is also massage to increase skin elasticity, as well as massage while breastfeeding. There are various complexes of massage movements. The main rule is to choose one and follow it regularly. Our fingers well "remember" the structure of tissues, so at the slightest change, they will point you to these changes. The goal of any massage is to improve internal circulation by targeting areas of the skin to help maintain elasticity.

The technique of performance is a weak rhythmic tapping with the edge of the palm or fingers. This leads to a decrease in the lymph fluid in the tissues. Soft squeezes are very good, especially by a partner during intercourse, gentle ones with elements of rotational movements. If you do this technique yourself, then add rotational movements (10 times to each side), first clockwise and then counterclockwise, you will provide increased circulation.

The pressure is soft, gentle. The first round is diagnostic, the second is soft, the third is slightly more intense, without painful effects and ends with light soothing strokes.

The article was written by Elena Sdobnikova, yoga therapist, founder of the "Sports Section" movement.