Lymphatic Drainage for Breast Health

The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body’s ability to drain stagnant fluids, detoxify, regenerate tissues, filter out toxins and foreign substances, and maintain a healthy immune system. When applied to breast tissue, lymph drainage can help facilitate the efficient movement of the lymph fluids through the tissues resulting in greater breast comfort and health.

Lymphatic drainage is different from massage in that it follows the specific pathways of the lymphatic vessels, in an organized progression of movements. These gentle rhythmic drainage movements are easy to learn and can be done at home.

Always be gentle when doing this technique; the lymph vessels and nodes are fairly superficial and light pressure is most effective.

Here are five easy steps to doing your own lymph drainage.

Consult your physician if you have any diseases of the breast, lymphedema, active cancer, or if you have had lymph nodes surgically removed, before doing lymphatic drainage.

1) Place the fingers of your right hand in your left armpit so that the whole length of your fingers rests gently in the armpit. Pump inward and upward at the same time and then release. Do this seven to ten times. Keep the movements slow and rhythmic, about 3 seconds push and 3 seconds release. You should never feel pain with lymph drainage. If you do you’re applying more pressure than is necessary.

2) Using both hands, surround the entire left breast (Your left hand will cup the lower part and your right hand will be placed over your heart). If your breasts are large, this may take more than one hand position. In one motion, “sweep” the entire breast across the ribs toward the armpit and then release pressure. Do this ten times.

3) Holding your hands in the same position, stabilize your breast with your left hand and with your right hand pump the inner quadrant* of your breast up toward your neck. Do this five times. (*if your breast had a clock face on it your right hand would be covering 9 to 12).

4) Holding your hands in the same position, pump directly inward toward the chest wall. Do this 5 times. The idea here is to drain the back of the breast as well as the pectoralis muscle beneath it which also helps relax the muscle.

5) Repeat Step 1. This clears fluid from the lymph nodes inside the armpit.

Before moving to the right breast notice how your left breast feels. Perhaps it feels firmer and more comfortable. If there was initial tenderness it might be gone. Now you may apply the same movements to your right breast.

You need not worry about whether you are doing this “wrong”. The lymph vessels have one way valves so you cannot make the lymph flow “backward” by accident.

The Lymph Drainage Therapy is available in Friday Harbor
exclusively at Mirabella Skin Care.
Please call for more information 378-4250

If you have questions or would like a private consultation to help you understand this routine, please call for an appointment.