“Breasts are the physical metaphor for giving and receiving,” according to Dr. Christiane Northrup. They are a very receptive and vulnerable amplifier of a woman’s experience in this world. They profoundly hold relationship with those we’re close to, manifesting in different ways based on many factors.
The major wound for women is the mastectomy scar from giving until her well runs dry, states Dr. Northrup, where for men, the major wound is the coronary artery bypass scar down the middle of their chests because many men need to learn how to open their hearts.
New York Times bestselling author Caroline Myss says, “The major emotions behind breast lumps and breast cancer is hurt, sorrow, and unfinished emotional business generally related to nurturance.”
Recently I wrote on my Facebook page:
“A neighbor just told me this morning that she had a double mastectomy in early August due to cancer, stage 0. And then she told me it was “Ductal carcinoma in situ”. I know many women who have reversed this by changing their diet and lifestyle. This is a touchy subject for many, but it breaks my heart to see women removing their breasts when there’s a chance they don’t have to.
If you are in the thick of this right now, trying to decide what to do, do your research. Get lots of opinions from integrative practitioners. Many don’t even consider this cancer.
And if you’ve had this done yourself, you made the right choice. Because whatever we decide for ourselves is right. Sending love out to all women who have had to make this decision.”
A woman’s risk for developing breast cancer increased by twelve times if she had suffered job loss, divorce or bereavement in the previous 5 years according to an important 1995 study. Medical literature as far back as the 1800s noted associations between breast cancer and sorrow, loneliness, anger and rage.
Dr. Northrup says that women with breast cancer frequently have a tendency toward inhibited sexuality, self-sacrifice, an inability to see themselves as supported by others, an inability to discharge anger or hostility, with a tendency to hide these behind a facade of pleasantness, and an unresolved hostile conflict with their mothers. In fact one study found that the suppression of anger over many years correlated with adverse changes in the immune system.
One of my clients was diagnosed with DCIS several years ago. She worked with one of my colleagues who specializes in cancer, Dr. Nalini Chilkov, and was able to completely heal naturally. I have met women who have recovered naturally from stage 4 breast cancer. It’s not an easy journey but it’s so possible.
These factors have a big impact on our beautiful breasts:
- The food you eat: inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory
- The quality and quantity of sleep
- The toxins you’re exposed to: environmental, body care and household products, poor quality foods, toxic people, toxic habits and more
- Your perception of stress and our ability to manage the stress in our lives
- Your thoughts
- And other lifestyle factors like exercise, relationships, your sense of community, etc.
- How you deal with your emotions – your ability to express yourself
- Your body’s nutrient status – especially Vitamin D3
- Your ability to restore, nourish and love yourself, i.e. learning how to receive
- The bras you wear – studies have shown that wearing a bra that’s too tight can restrict vital blood flow and can contribute to toxin build-up in your lymphatic system
Dr. Northrup shares these 3 steps in order to learn how to receive:
- Hold an intention to connect with your higher power and to be open to receiving whatever you are meant to receive. You don’t have to be religious. Don’t be afraid to ask your higher power for guidance.
- Release your expectations of what will happen when you do step 1.
- Wait for a response. Be open to noticing any changes in patterns in your life that relate to your original intention. Those changes may be something subtle, something physical in your body, or you may receive an overt sign.
Lovingly massage your breasts…in just 5 minutes a day using some coconut oil, massage your breasts in a circular motion. This is a great way to nourish yourself, and promote breast health. And go bra-less as much as you can!
Mushrooms reduce breast cancer by 64%. According to my good friend Ocean Robbins, mushrooms can significantly reduce breast cancer risk because of their special properties. Eating them 3 times a week, cooked, can have a significant impact on your health. Read more here.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But be aware! There are so many fundraisers for breast cancer research that we want to support for our beautiful sisters in need, but most all of it goes to drug companies that doesn’t fund prevention research, but rather funds research for new drug treatments. If you want to give money to support breast cancer research, find out where your money is going and how it will be spent. The focus is on dealing and managing disease rather than helping women prevent illness.
Instead, use this month to better understand about your beautiful breasts and how to lovingly support them.
