While it is an enormous technological advance to have mammograms that screen for breast cancer, there are additional methods available to help prevent a mass from ever developing or staying. One perspective on this comes from the wisdom of Traditional Asian Medicine.
According to the ancient medical system of Traditional Asian Medicine, there are numerous pathways throughout the body, also known as meridians or channels that carry qi (energy), blood and other vital substances. Some of these channels go through the breast. When qi properly flows through the channels that go through the breast, as well as those channels that have a relationship to those channels, breast health is promoted. Similarly, limiting foods that promote the development of masses, such as dairy, cold and a diet low in antioxidants (vitality/qi) is also important for prevention.
For those with conditions like fibrocystic breast (lumpiness of breast tissue) and mastalgia (breast pain), research shows are not more likely to get breast cancer. Still, promoting proper circulation through the breast can be helpful and important. Some key things that can be done towards promoting breast health are:
- Maintain a diet high in antioxidant/qi vitality foods of fruits and fresh or lightly cooked vegetables, 7-9 servings daily.
- Exercise daily (Research shows that one hour a day of walking can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 14% with increased benefit for women whom have been consistently active throughout their lifetime and postmenopausal women who walk an hour a day).
- Limit negative stressors as much as possible and do regular stress management exercises, such as yoga and Qi Gong.
- Limit exposure to radiation from electronic devices such as with microwaves and computer monitors.
There are also supplements and herbal formulations that promote proper circulation through the breast and help to reduce pain and or masses like cysts, but an individual consultation is required. Take good care.
Love being a woman, Dr. Danett
