Aima Sense is proud to introduce our partner Ina Lennartsson, a nurse specializing in menopause, functional medicine, women's health, and more. Ina offers consultations both online and in person at her clinic.
We are now in October, a month dedicated to breast cancer awareness and pink ribbons. I would like to guide you through some simple ways to continue caring for your breasts. Don't be afraid to touch your breasts, get to know them, and give them a little massage.
They deserve a little extra attention and love!
My name is Ina Lennartsson, and I run Vhila Health Clinic. I have been a nurse for 25 years and have continued my education in functional medicine, hormonal health, and menopause. Among other things, I offer hormonal and menopause consultations, both in person and online.
Ideally, do this after your period, if you have a menstrual cycle, when your breast tissue is least affected by hormones. This helps you become familiar with your breasts while also giving them some well-deserved massage.
Place one hand behind your head. Using your fingertips, make gentle circular movements across your entire breast and towards your armpit. Feel free to use an oil! Aima Sense's own oil is perfect for moisturizing your breasts.
You will notice that your breasts have some natural lumps and uneven textures! They are made up of glandular tissue, fatty tissue, connective tissue, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and, of course, lymphatic vessels and lymph fluid. If you discover a new lump, you should have it examined by a doctor. Not all lumps are cancerous. (For more detailed instructions, visit 1177, the Swedish healthcare information service.)
By using your main breathing muscle, the diaphragm, you stimulate your lymphatic system! The lymphatic system is your body's cleansing system and part of your defense against viruses, bacteria, and other harmful particles. It helps remove damaged cells and other waste that your body needs to eliminate.
Breast tissue and the armpit area are rich in lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes. By breathing deeply, massaging, and dry brushing your body, we can help support the lymphatic system, including in the breasts.
Here's how to do it!
5 breaths – 5 seconds in – pause – 7 seconds out:
The easiest way to do this is lying down, with one hand on your stomach so you can really feel your breathing. Breathe in and out only through your nose.
Take five conscious, deep breaths, allowing your belly to expand as you inhale and feeling the breath reach all the way up into your rib cage.
Count to five as you inhale, then pause briefly. Slowly exhale until your belly feels empty and your navel moves inward towards your spine. Count to seven as you exhale.
You have now activated your entire diaphragm, stimulated your lymphatic system, and also reduced your stress levels.
Your breast tissue changes throughout your life. When we make improvements to our stress levels, diet, sleep, and low-grade inflammation in the body, it can have a positive impact on our overall health. An active lifestyle, a healthy diet, and reducing alcohol consumption are well-known factors that can make a positive difference.
You can also reduce your exposure to endocrine-disrupting substances by avoiding plastics in the kitchen, Teflon-coated frying pans, phthalates, fragrances, and parabens in hair and skincare products.
Take a look inside your cleaning cupboard and try to use products with fragrances that are as natural as possible. By making conscious choices, we can all reduce our use of products that may affect ourselves, our children, and the environment.
I work with women and their breast health using Thermalytix Breast Screening. It is an advanced AI-based method developed by a woman in India.
The method involves taking thermal images of your breasts using an infrared camera. It is a touch-free, painless, and radiation-free complement to mammography. It can be used to identify temperature changes in your breasts, allowing you to take a more proactive approach to your breast health.
The examination is particularly beneficial for women with dense breast tissue, where mammography is unfortunately less specific and accurate. According to the Swedish Breast Cancer Association, up to 50% of tumors may be missed in women with dense breast tissue.
With warmth,
Ina Lennartsson
Nurse and Hormonal Health Consultant
Vhila Health Clinic
https://www.vhila.se/
