Improving Breast Health Naturally
In honor of breast cancer awareness month - we want to explain the benefits of acupuncture for optimal breast health.
First, it’s important to know the acupoint known as dabao SP-21 - located on the meridian of the spleen. This is one of several meridians that are potentially involved in breast cancer development.
The spleen is part of the lymphatic system which helps fight infection and keeps body fluids in balance. Some symptoms of a deficient spleen include:
Breast lump
Fatigue
Pale appearance
Lack of energy
Shortness of breath
Slightly loose stools
With acupuncture, these symptoms can be cured or eased significantly by strengthening the spleen, softening the hardness of bumps, and dispersing lymph nodules. 1
How the lymph system functions to detoxify the breast
The lymph system is the body’s drainage system and is a vital component of our immune system. The system is made up of millions of nodes that work to detoxify and kill pathogens. Maintaining a healthy lymph system consists of the usual exercise, water, and herbal supplements. But, to protect your breast/lymph health even further consider the following:
Massaging the lymphatic drainage points
Dry brushing your skin to create friction, which will drain the lymph and stimulate blood circulation
Using the sauna to sweat out toxins through your skin - the largest elimination organ of the body 2
Herbal treatment options for breast health
Ginseng or Ren Shen: Works to facilitate the transformation and transportation functions of the spleen
Codonopsis or Dang Shen: Protects against the side effects of chemotherapy
Atractylodis or Bai Zhu: Strengthens the spleen and improves appetite
Poria or Fu Ling: Stops nausea and vomiting, strengthens the spleen and helps with anxiety 3
Chemotherapy Support
Acupuncture can be very helpful to cancer patients at all stages of their journey, especially chemotherapy. Seeing an acupuncturist as a complementary treatment to chemotherapy can substantially reduce the side effects of nausea, vomiting, pain from tumors, digestion, and stress. 4
If you or someone you know is suffering from breast cancer, refer them to an acupuncturist for alternative treatment options.
1 BREAST CANCER, MAMMARY GLAND CARCINOMA. (n.d.). Retrieved October 11, 2020, from https://www.americandragon.com/conditions/BreastCancer.html
2 The Lymph System and Your Breast Health. (n.d.). Retrieved October 11, 2020, from http://breastresearchawareness.com/breast-health/the-lymph-system/
3 BREAST CANCER, MAMMARY GLAND CARCINOMA. (n.d.). Retrieved October 11, 2020, from https://www.americandragon.com/conditions/BreastCancer.html
4 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. (n.d.). Top 5 Benefits of Acupuncture in Cancer Care. Retrieved October 11, 2020, from https://www.uwhealth.org/alternative-medicine/top-5-benefits-of-acupuncture-in-cancer-care/38546