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Danielle Pilarinos

What is Lymphatic Breast Massage?

It's important to learn about breast health in a way that goes beyond the usual check-ups and self-exams. And sometimes, the best care starts with your own hands. Lymphatic breast massage is a gentle self-care practice that supports healthy lymph flow and increases breast awareness, making it easier to notice any changes early on. Itā€™s simple and easy to work into your weekly routineā€”no fancy tools required.


Why Try Lymphatic Breast Massage?

A woman performing lymphatic breast massage.

So, why make lymphatic breast massage part of your routine? Because it's the original breast health BOGO: with just one 5-minute massage, youā€™re getting multiple benefits:

  1. Supports Lymph Flow Lymphatic massage gives your bodyā€™s natural detox system a little boost. Gentle movements encourage lymph fluid to flow, reducing stagnation and helping clear out toxins, keeping your breast tissue balanced and healthy. This article dives deeply into the connection between healthy lymph and healthy breasts.

  2. Encourages Breast Awareness The more regularly you massage and examine your breasts, the more familiar you become with their natural shape and feel. Observing them at different times of the month also helps you notice how your breast tissue changes with your hormone cycle, so if something feels different, youā€™ll pick up on it quickly.

  3. Aids in Early Detection Many women report that discovering a lump on their own was what led to a diagnosis of breast cancer. In fact, studies show that about 25% of breast cancers are first detected at home. Increasing your breast awareness through regular lymphatic breast massage makes it easier to recognize when something feels off.


How to Do Lymphatic Breast Massage

Lymphatic breast massage is different from typical massage techniques. The lymphatic system has both deep and surface-level vessels, with breast lymph vessels located close to the skin and easily compressed. However, the lymph nodes that help drain this area sit deeper, under the armpits and beneath the collarbone, aka the clavicle. Thatā€™s why starting with ā€œprimingā€ these deeper lymph nodes is essential before massaging the breast. Once you get things moving in the lymph nodes, itā€™s easier to clear lymph from the more superficial vessels in the breast. This massage can be done a few times a week, and while showering is convenient since soap and water make it easy for your hands to glide over the skin.


Step-by-Step Guide to Lymphatic Breast Massage

Priming the Lymph Nodes

Diagram of how to pump the lymph nodes in the armpit.
Start by priming the lymph nodes around the breast.
  • Begin by gently massaging the lymph nodes in your armpits. Place your fingers inside the armpit and press inward and upward. Go deep enough to feel the lymph nodes. Push up, then release. Repeat this movement about ten to twenty times.

  • Move to the area just below the middle of the collarbone. Press upward to pump this area using slow, firm pressure, repeating ten to twenty times.


Tip:Ā You may notice some tenderness in these areas, especially if youā€™re new to lymphatic massage. This should ease up as you continue with regular massage.


Lift and Gently Squeeze

Diagram of gently lifting and squeezing the breast to increase lymph flow.
Gently lift and squeeze the breast.
  • Support the entire breast with both hands, lifting it gently toward the armpit as you apply light pressure. Allow the breast to relax back to its natural position, and repeat this action five times.

  • Next, hold the breast again and softly press it inward toward the chest. Release and repeat five times. If you have larger breasts, feel free to adjust your hand position as needed to cover the area comfortably.








Diagram of lymphatic breast massage of the upper quadrants of the breast.
Slowly move up and towards the armpit and collarbone.

Massage Each Breast Quadrant

  • Upper Outer Quadrant: With one hand supporting the breast, use the other to apply gentle pressure and stroke from the nipple up toward the armpit, keeping your hand flat. Repeat five times.

  • Upper Inner Quadrant: Stroke from the nipple upward toward the collarbone, keeping your hand flat as you apply gentle pressure. Repeat five times.








Diagram of lymphatic breast massage of the lower quadrants of the breast.
Starting from under the breast, slowly move up and towards the armpit and collarbone.

  • Lower Inner Quadrant: Starting from under the breast, glide your hand up toward the collarbone, repeating five times.

  • Lower Outer Quadrant: Starting from the underside of the breast, glide your hand upward toward the armpit. Repeat five times for this area.









3 Tips for Better Lymphatic Breast Massage

  1. Choose Herb-Infused Oils A way to increase the benefits of lymphatic breast massage is by using a whole herb-infused oil. Look for oils infused with herbs like calendula, rose, ginger, red clover, violet leaf, and lavenderā€”all of which encourage healthy lymph flow and nourish your skin. To minimize toxin exposure, look for organic cold-pressed oils in glass bottles.

  2. Move Slowly and Mindfully For the best results, move your hands slowly over the breast. Think of it as gliding through something thick, like honey or molasses. This gentle, steady pace helps you be more aware of each area and encourages the lymph to flow without rushing.

  3. Make It Regular

    The more often you massage your breasts, the better. But letā€™s be real, I know how full our schedules are! Instead of feeling overwhelmed or thinking you have to do this daily, pick a routine that works for you and stick with it. Whether itā€™s once a month, once a week, or every other day, any amount of time you spend connecting with and caring for your breasts is better than none.


Lymphatic breast massage is a powerful way to support your breast health and increase breast awareness. Whether you have a daily practice with an herb-infused oil or are just starting out with occasional massages, every little bit counts. The goal isnā€™t perfection; itā€™s consistency and awareness. So, give yourself permission to start small and make this practice your own. And stay tuned because next up, weā€™ll be exploring detox practices to support breast health even more.

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