Breast health has never been more relevant. According to Cancer Research, one in seven UK females will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and 23% of breast cancer cases in the UK are preventable.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) qi and blood run through channels in the body, much like the flow of rivers and lakes in nature. Healthy breasts occur when there are free flowing channels to the chest area. If the flow of qi or blood is hindered then stagnation can occur, leading to blockages causing tenderness, lumps, cysts, and occasionally tumours. Stagnation can be caused by both physical, and emotional factors.
In traditional Chinese medicine the Liver organ is responsible for the smooth flow of qi and blood, the Spleen is responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and the Kidney is responsible for the production of hormones and the regulation of water and electrolytes. When these organs are healthy, the breasts are also healthy.
There are many ways to maintain healthy breasts according to traditional Chinese medicine.
Managing Stress and Emotions
Ancient TCM practitioners documented emotional distress as being one of the most significant causes of breast disease. Repressed anger, resentment and frustration are believed to stagnate the flow of liver qi which directly affects the breasts.
Some ideas to reduce stress and manage emotions include:
- Scheduling time for yourself. This may be for rest, going for a walk, reading, or doing an activity that you enjoy.
- Identify and remove stressors from your life. This may be changing your job or restricting time with people that drain your energy or cause you stress.
- Access counselling or confide in a close friend.
- Create a process that helps you let go of frustration, anger, and worry. Speaking your mind, breathing exercises and journaling can be very effective.
- Meditation and Yoga are excellent ways of de-stressing. There are many free resources online if attending a group session is not possible.
- Meet up the friends/family regularly. Social isolation is consistently associated with increased breast cancer risk and mortality.
- Get organized. Spending a few hours at the weekend preparing for the week ahead will allow you to feel more in control.
- Regular sessions of acupuncture correct energetic imbalances, calm the nervous system, and improves Qi and blood circulation.
Move your Qi and Blood
Exercise
In traditional Chinese medicine, exercise is considered the most effective means of moving qi and blood and therefore prevents stagnation. Research in the West has also shown that regular exercise can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 20 percent.
There are also other proactive techniques for good breast health that stimulate and move qi and blood, and stimulate the lymphatic system.
Tapping
The exit point of the Liver channel is just below the breast; so simply begin by tapping with a light fist or hand to the underarm area, continuing down the side of the body to the waist, under the breast along the diaphragm, and around the abdomen.
*Avoid tapping directly over the breast tissue.

Body Brushing
Always use on dry skin with a natural bristled brush. Start from the feet/ankles and work your way upwards using long strokes on limbs and circular movements on the torso and back. With light pressure, move in an upward direction towards your heart and arm pits.
*Avoid any areas of broken skin or acute inflammation and consult your doctor if you have concerning health conditions that may be contraindicated, including serious kidney problems or congestive heart failure.

Gua Sha
With a Gua sha stone, work from the nipple outward in every direction around the breast. Then sweep around the breast toward the armpit. Use the edge to repeat this sweep around the breast towards the armpit. Pressure should be firm but not painful and applied much more gently over tender breasts.
Heat
Applying heat to the breast area can help to break up stagnation and invigorate qi and blood. This may be in the form of a warm shower held over the chest and breast area, or application of a heat pack or hot water bottle. This should be warm, not scalding. If it is too hot place a towel between the hot pack and your skin or apply over clothing.
Breast Massage
Self-massage of the breast area is an extremely powerful practice that can help detect lumps early on. In most cases lumps are non-cancerous and go away on their own while others need to be assessed as soon as possible.
With firm, yet gentle pressure, begin massaging circles with your fingertips in a spiral motion from the nipple outwards and into the arm pit areas.
*If you have had cancer, lymph nodes removed, are still receiving treatment, or suspect that you might have breast cancer, then please speak to your consultant before carrying out any of the practices above.

Rest
Resting the body and mind is extremely important for physical and mental wellness as it allows for repair and rebalance:
- Protect your breaks at work by turning off your phone and getting away from offices/computers.
- Have a cut off time for your work.
- Avoid screens 2 hours before bed.
- Avoid eating 2 hours before bedtime.
- Expose yourself to natural sunlight in the morning.
- Limit caffeine after lunchtime.
- Dim lights in your environment in the evenings.
Nutrition
In traditional Chinese medicine, heat is produced in the liver when there is over-consumption of hot, spicy, peppery, and fatty foods, and also red meat, alcohol, chocolate, and caffeine.
Foods that promote healthy breasts include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It is also important to avoid eating too much processed food, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
Stimulate the liver by using lemons, limes, grapefruit, beetroot and their juices or by adding bitter greens such as spinach and kale to your diet.
Take liver-supporting herbs such as dandelion root, milk thistle, burdock, artichoke, and turmeric.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Breast Health
- Maintain a healthy weight. Research has shown a link between obesity and breast cancer, even more so after menopause.
- Kick unhealthy habits such as smoking.
- Limit exposure to oestrogen and environmental toxins. Avoid exposure to pesticides by choosing organic produce when possible. Use glass containers instead of plastic containers or wrapping and avoid hormone-treated meat and dairy.
- Remain vigilant about early detection of breast cancer. Examine your breasts once a month, preferably the week after a period. If breast changes are detected, such as a lump or skin changes, contact your doctor.
Traditional Chinese medicine offers natural and effective ways to promote breast health. These include acupuncture, herbs, massage, and dietary changes. By following a healthy lifestyle and taking care of your overall health, you can help to keep your breasts healthy and prevent disease.