Breast massage could have several health benefits, such as stimulating blood flow and helping with nursing. The technique varies depending on the intended use.

In this article, we discuss some possible benefits of breast massage. We also describe techniques for self-massage and look into risks.

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The breasts contain mammary glands that produce milk, as well as a complex network of lobes, ducts, blood vessels, fatty and fibrous tissues, and lymphatic tubes.

Massage may help keep the breasts healthy. The potential benefits involve:

Breast cancer

Breast massages may help detect breast cancer, possibly as a form of self-examination.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that 71% of breast cancer cases in women under 50 are found during breast self-examinations.

Cancer may feel like a hard lump or thickened tissue in the breast and may change the breast’s size or shape.

Early diagnosis of breast cancer can lead to a better outcome — it provides more opportunity for treatment before the cancer spreads far. When breast cancer is localized, most people have a 99% Trusted Sourcechance of living for at least 5 years after the initial diagnosis.

It is also important to keep in mind that breast lumps are unlikely to be breast cancer. In most cases, the cause of these lumps is relatively benign, such as a cyst or infection.

Nursing

Breast massage may improve a person’s ability to nurse and reduce pain and stress.

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) states that gently massaging the breasts can help with the let-down reflex. The let-down reflex, or milk ejection reflex, refers to a bodily response that makes the milk flow.

A 2019 systematic reviewTrusted Source of six studies found that different types of breast massage were effective at reducing immediate pain in those having difficulty chestfeeding or breastfeeding.

The authors note that the studies lacked a detailed explanation of how to perform the massage, and more research and longer follow-up times are necessary to understand if massaging the breasts affects the duration of nursing.

A 2021 experimental studyTrusted Source found that Oketani massage can improve nursing in those who have undergone cesarean sections. Oketani is a method that focuses on the tissues connecting the chest muscles to the breast.

A 2023 clinical trial studyTrusted Source reported that breast massage training helped to reduce stress scores and increase self-efficacy scores in those who had given birth for the first time. Self-efficacy, in this case, refers to a person’s belief in their ability to nurse.

Toxins

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that collect and filter excess fluid waste around the body. These vessels in the breasts carry fluids to the lymph nodes near the breastbone, collarbone, or underarm.

Damage to the lymphatic system can cause fluid and waste to build up. This buildup can lead to swelling, called lymphedema.

Breast massage may help stimulate the lymph vessels and increaseTrusted Source lymph flow.

A 2017 studyTrusted Source found some evidence that manual stimulation was effective. It used MRI scans to show that the stimulation helped move excess lymph fluid.

Breast massage techniques vary, depending on their intended use:

Lactation

When massaging the breast to help express milk, it is important to remember that the massage should feel comfortable. If a person experiences pain, they should stop massaging and speak with a medical professional.

A person can perform the following steps:

  1. Using a hand action that allows the knuckles to roll down the breast, apply gentle pressure download over the breast.
  2. Stroke the area under the nipple and areola with flat hands in an upward motion.
  3. To stimulate the nipple, either roll it gently between the thumb and forefinger or gently move the palm of the hand back and forth over the tip of the nipple.

There are many different breast massaging techniques. A professional will be able to provide specific instructions on how to perform an Oketani breast massage.

Cancer detection

To check for breast cancer, a person can perform a breast massage while standing up or lying down. It may be most comfortable to do so in the shower.

A person can perform the following steps:

  • Stand in front of a mirror and look for any changes in the color, shape, size, or texture of the breast.
  • Place one hand behind the head, so that the elbow points out to the side.
  • Massage the breast using the first three fingers of the opposite hand.
  • Apply gentle pressure and massage in a circular motion.
  • Make sure to massage the entire breast — from the collarbone to the top of the abdomen and toward the armpit.
  • Repeat on the other breast.

See a doctor if there are any possible indications of cancer, such as:

  • new lumps or bumps on or around the breasts
  • swelling
  • skin changes, including skin color changes, dimpling, or flaking
  • discharge other than breast milk
  • swollen lymph nodes under the arm or collarbone

Lymph node drainage

A trained professional, such as a massage or physical therapist can provide instructions on how to perform a lymphatic massage.

A person should make sure the therapist has a certified manual lymphatic drainage therapist certificate.

Breast massages are generally safe. However, anyone who has breast cancer or who has had recent surgery should take care when massaging near a lump or scar.

A doctor can provide guidance, which may be especially helpful for people undergoing treatment for a breast-related health condition.

The doctor may recommend working with a licensed massage therapist to reduce the risk of harm.

Some people believe that breast massage increases breast size, firmness, or skin elasticity. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence behind these claims.

Breast massage may help detect breast cancer, support lymphatic drainage, and relieve pain from nursing. Various massage techniques can have different effects.

Some people should be cautious about trying breast massage, such as people undergoing cancer treatment. It may be a good idea to consult a doctor, a licensed massage therapist, or both.