Breasts are amazing organs that receive little attention until there is a problem. What if we started including them as part of regular massage treatments and self-care? Perhaps we could improve circulation and drainage in the breasts, promoting health. Massage is well documented to reduce pain and swelling and promote circulation and relaxation. Conditions such as breast pain, congestion, pre-menstrual swelling, and fibrocystic breasts may all respond to massage treatment. Massaging the chest can also reduce tension while improving movement and posture in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
This is a sacred area to touch because of its proximity to the heart and the cultural taboo and sexualization of breasts. Having your full chest massaged with compassion can have a gentle but profound effect of normalizing and integrating your body as a whole while honoring its beauty and inherent innocence.
I have taken additional training on breast massage for lactation, which includes promoting milk supply and relieving clogged ducts. Please be sure to let me know about any breast or chest surgeries, especially any lymph node removal.
I can provide full chest and breast massage for clients who give their informed consent per Washington law, having fulfilled the specific training requirements. Whether draped or undraped, depending on your needs and comfort, I can massage to treat the tissues of the chest wall or massage the entire chest, including all areas of the breasts.
Self-care instruction on breast massage is also available as part of a treatment session.
“I specifically sought out Karen because she was one of the few therapists I could find near me who performs breast (and abdominal) massage along with the usual modalities. Karen is a consummate professional and I felt very safe and secure during all parts of the session, and appreciated her explanations and self-care education. She has outstanding therapeutic instincts and intuitive touch, and a very calming, caring demeanor. I honestly wish that more therapists of Karen’s caliber would offer breast massage, because in addition to getting the best, most comprehensive attention paid to the pectoral (and surrounding) muscles, it really provides that feeling of “wholeness/connectedness” in one’s body in a way I’m not sure how to describe. In addition to that, she was immediately able to hone in on the very specific problem spots in my low back, and did a fantastic job of tailoring the treatment to my wants and needs…. It’s clear that Karen is passionate about her work, and I can’t recommend her highly enough. Thank you!” ~ Laura F.