Chinese Reflexology for Healthy Breasts: Learn How to Massage Your Feet for Natural Breast Health

If you’re looking for natural treatments and ways to keep your breasts healthy, learn how to clear energy blocks in your breasts by massaging your feet. When energy is blocked or not flowing smoothly, that’s when physical symptoms can appear. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, the seed of breast lumps and breast cancer begins with stagnant qi. To clear physical blocks, qi must flow smoothly and abundantly.

reflexology breast point, breast health, breast lumps, breast cancer

Inspiration

Recently, I made a decision to listen to the Universe for inspiration on what to write. A few weeks ago, I was giving away a pair of pink boxing gloves. I had bought them for a kickboxing class, but decided that I actually didn’t like being used as a human punching bag. Thus, I posted the gloves on Freecycle.

Many people were interested, but one stood out in particular. It was a woman who wanted to give the gloves to her friend who was recovering from breast cancer. While, I appreciated the symbolism and nobleness of her gesture, out of a desire to be eco-friendly, I ended up giving the gloves to another woman whom I knew would use them to box.

While I gave the gloves away to someone else, I did not forget the kind woman or her friend with breast cancer. Instead, I made a resolution that I would give her friend a better giftโ€”an article on how to clear the blocked Qi in her breasts to help support her recovery.

Within a week of making that decision, Angelina Jolie announced her double mastectomy. I knew that was the Universe’s way of saying to me, “You must write this article.”

Somewhere out there is a woman whose life could be completely transformed simply by reading this article. I know it. I can feel it. Thus, I kindly ask you to please share this article with all the women in your lifeโ€”mothers, daughters, wives, and girlfriends. Thank you!

Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective on Breast Cancer and Breast Lumps

As always, the ancient doctors and healers knew what they were talking about. In the book, Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Woman’s Guide to Healing from Breast Cancer, there’s a quote from the Wai Ke Zhang Zong, written in 1400 by Dr. Chen, a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

He states, “These [negative] emotions accumulate day by day and cause Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency and Liver Qi stagnation. These conditions will cause the body to create a lump. When Qi or energy stagnation accumulates in the meridians over time, a small seed can progress to a cancerous mass. Then the five major organs will spiral out of balance. This problem is called breast cancer.”

Of course, my first thought was, “How did he come up with the cancer label in 1400AD?”, but I’m guessing that this is probably a modern translation and/or interpretation of what was written in Chinese.

From a TCM perspective, cancer is a result of long-standing stagnant energy in the body. Qi is the life force energy that flows through the energy meridians in your body. It helps to think of a river to understand the energy meridian in the body. If a river is flowing smoothly, then the ecosystem is in optimal balance.

However, if the flow of water gets blocked, then sediment such as leaves, twigs, mud, etc. begins to accumulate. If left unchecked, the debris keeps building and plugs up the river, leading to problems upstream and downstream. Similarly, when the body’s Qi fails to flow smoothly, toxins and waste will start to accumulate. This energy block can lead to a physical block such as a lump or tumour.

Emotional Root of Breast Lumps and Breast Cancer

So, what causes the Qi (energy) to stop flowing smoothly? As Dr. Chen wrote, negative emotions are the root of the energy stagnation and Qi accumulation. Anger, hurt, worry and other negative emotions cause our Qi to stagnate.

As women, we often hold how we feel about others close to our bosoms and hearts. According to Louise Hay, author of You Can Heal Your Life, “The breasts represent the mothering principle. When there are problems with the breasts, it usually means we are ‘over mothering’ either a person, a place, or a thing, or an experience… If cancer is involved, then there is also deep resentment.”

I believe that breasts are also a reflection of how comfortable we feel about our femininity and sexuality. In today’s society, a woman’s value is still judged very much by her physical attractiveness. And, unfortunately, no matter what a woman’s breasts are like, there will always be someone out there who will denigrate them (e.g. too small, too big, too droopy, too fake, etc.). What makes it even sadder is that very often, other women will participate in the put downs, including the owner of the boobs up for discussion.

When we feel disempowered, denigrated and objectified as women, we often hold these negative emotions in our breasts and reproductive system. Thus, it’s no surprise that these feelings may manifest as breast lumps or cancer.

A Personal Story

I personally experienced the impact of emotions on breast health in my early twenties. I found a breast lump and had to get a biopsy. Fortunately, the lump was benign.

At the time, I was dating someone who was extremely volatile. I always felt like I was walking on eggshells during the relationship. He would go from hot to cold to completely ignoring me and I internalized a lot of the turmoil. When I found out that I had a breast lump, I remember thinking to myself, “I have a breast lump because of this relationship.”

This situation made me a textbook example of what Dr. Chen wrote about. I had a constant knot in my stomach which weakened my Stomach Qi. The stress from the relationship depleted my Spleen Qi and caused my Liver Qi to stagnate. It was no surprise that I had a breast lump. Actually I had two! The specialist found another one when I went to get the biopsy.

Fortunately, I eventually wisened up, became more confident in myself and I dumped the volatile boyfriend. And as I grew emotionally and spiritually, I realized that I did not have to hold onto these emotions. Now, I live my life as “flow-y” as possible so that I can release negative emotions and not allow them to stagnate within my body.

You can do this too!

Chinese Reflexology Points for Natural Breast Health

In addition to practicing emotional release, here are a couple of Chinese Reflexology points that you can practice to help your Qi flow smoothly. When you massage these Chinese reflexology points, it’s like youโ€™re balancing the flow of your river to clear blocked energy and to support your body in clearing accumulated “debris” as well.

Disclaimer

Before we begin, here’s an important disclaimer:

The information and materials contained here are intended for informational and educational purposes only, and are not in any way intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment or care. If you have a breast lump, see your doctor to have it checked out.

As well, if you are pregnant or have an acute heart condition, do not practice reflexology. If you are not sure whether it is appropriate for you to practice reflexology, consult your medical practitioner.

1) Chinese Reflexology Point for Breasts

Reflexology breast point for breast health, natural treatmentsThe Chinese reflexology point for the breasts isn’t a point. It’s actually a large area on the top of your foot. The breast reflexology point is a rectangle that extends from the base of your toes to slightly below your big toe knuckle.

To massage this area, make a fist. Then, use all of your knuckles to rub in an up and down motion. The key is to get the right amount of pressure. If it’s too hard, you can bruise the sensitive area on top of your feet, but if it’s too light, you’re not getting the full benefit of the massage. Don’t just skim the surface of your foot, but feel into the sides of the bones of your feet too.

Sensitive areas indicate energy blocks that may or may not have manifested in the physical body. When I was first introduced to Chinese Reflexology, my reflexologist knew simply from massaging my breast reflexology point that I had a breast lump. While I was squirming in pain, he suddenly asked, “Do you have a breast lump in your right breast?” That’s how accurately your feet reflect your body!

You should aim to massage this area for about 30 to 60 seconds per foot about twice a week.

2) Chinese Reflexology Point for Lymphatic Drainage

Chinese reflexology lymphatic system, breast reflexologyThe lymphatic system is an often-overlooked system in your body. It’s made up of lymphatic vessels, lymph fluid, lymph nodes, and it also includes the thymus and the spleen.

You can find lymph nodes throughout your body, but there are large groups of them located in the breasts, armpits and groin area.

The lymphatic system is responsible for quite a lot of stuff, including:

  • Draining excess fluid from surrounding tissues and returning it to the blood
  • Defending the body against infection by producing lymphocytes and filtering foreign substances and pathogens from lymph fluid

Both of these functions are a fancy way of saying that the lymphatic system helps to clear the gunk out of your body. Remember the river analogy where if things aren’t flowing, then debris starts collecting? Your lymphatic system plays an important role to keep your river flowing.

The reflexology point for lymphatic drainage is located on the top of both of your feet. Itโ€™s in the webbing between the big toe and the second toe and extends all the way down until the bottom of the “V” formed where your metatarsals (long bones in the foot just below the toes) meet each other.

Use the knuckle of your index finger to massage in a downward direction only (from base of toes towards bottom of the “V”). This follows the proper flow of lymph drainage in the body. To help the Qi flow through this area, do about 30 downward strokes per foot about twice a week.

P.S. The best way to get the Qi flowing in your lymphatic system is to exercise! Physical movement is the only way that lymph fluid gets moved through your body.

More Chinese Reflexology Points

Because breast lumps and breast cancer involve the whole body, it would be beneficial to massage additional points to support your body holistically. The root causes from an emotional perspective must be released and the underlying Qi disharmonies in the body must also be balanced. One point thatย I would highly recommend massaging is the Kidney point. The kidneys help to excrete waste from the body and from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, they are considered the root of life and thus, support the body as a whole.

If you’d like to learn how to locate and massage the Kidney point, I invite you to subscribe to my free newsletter as I’ll also send you a lesson on the Chinese Reflexology point for the Kidney.

Share the Love

If you found this article informative and useful, could I ask a small favour please? While I was writing, it felt like the words were flowing from a higher source than just me. I feel like they were given to me by the Universe to share as a gift.

Somewhere out there is a woman who is looking for this information. Please help her find it by sharing this article on Facebook, Pinterest, etc. It takes 2 seconds to click one of the buttons at the bottom of this page, but you could change someone’s life! Thank you so much.

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35 thoughts on “Chinese Reflexology for Healthy Breasts: Learn How to Massage Your Feet for Natural Breast Health”

  1. FABULOUS article Holly. I am a HUGE fan of relexology and used to have it regularly in the UK but it seems less common here? I also like acupuncture but would love to find a really good reflexologist. On another note, are there reflexology points for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? My 15 year old has just been disgnosed and she will not try acupuncture.

    1. Thank you for your kind words Louise! Yes, I’ve noticed that reflexology seems much more popular in the UK and not so much in the US. There is a reflexology point for the ovaries. I’m not that familiar with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I suspect there are other underlying energy disharmonies going on, but the ovary points would be a good place to start. Also Kidney points and probably Liver too.

  2. You are the answer! When I work with clients, I frequently get out my Louise Hay book. I also use it in my own healing. I get out pen & paper and write about the emotional stuff causing the physical pain. I have recently began to study Energy Medicine and have been thinking “I need to get a reflexology chart so I can understand the points in the feet.” So grateful that you have information you can send me! Thank you! My mother-in-law died from breast cancer before my husband and I started dating. I often wonder What beliefs she had about her body and what energy blocks contributed to her getting breast cancer. Very insightful article. Thank you for following your inspiration!

    1. Yes, I love Louise Hay’s insights. I’m glad the universe connected us so that you could get a reflexology chart :). Yes, I often wonder what is going on in people’s lives when illness manifests in their bodies. However, I don’t dwell on it much as I like to keep the energy flowing through myself so that I can stay healthy and thrive.

  3. This is a great article. My niece practices reflexology and not only do I enjoy the experience but believe in it!

  4. Hi Holly thank you for this wonderful article. I love your website!

    I have blocked milk ducts in my breast (I’m breastfeeding my son) and this has been a recurrent problem over the last few months. Strangely I seem to get it whenever my son gets a cold even though he still drinks and eats well!!

    Just a quick question.. when massaging the breast area with the knuckles it basically feels like I’m rubbing up and down the lymph drainage system (ie between all the bones). Is this right?

    Thank you!

    1. Hi Amu,

      Good observation. The breast point does overlap the lymph drainage point, but the lymph point is more focused in the webbing between the bones whereas the breast/chest point covers the top surface. It is similar to the body where because the lymph drainage point that you are referring to is for the lymph nodes in the breast and armpit region.

  5. Hi Holly. I know this is a fairly old blog post but I found it on your FB page and have shared on FB and Pinterest. I recently found your website and signed up for the free lessons. While massaging my feet tonight the tops of my feet were sore and I wondered that that was associated with – now I know.

    Regards
    Deborah

  6. Hi Holly, great tumble into your article. Both ultrasound and mammogram confirmed there was a breast lump, and my doctor was really pushy about the surgery even it was only about 1.2cm. But deep down inside, I know there’s got to be less invasive way. I have read many success stories and testimonials how alternative healing method have helped reverse and prevent further recurrence. I am not sure if you’re comfortable answering but did you get your lumps surgically removed or did the reflexology helped you when you had that lump?

    1. I actually still have the lump. It is painless and benign, so I have never felt motivated enough to clear it. That there is a lesson in itself. One must CHOOSE wholeheartedly to heal in order for healing to occur. Since I’m happy as a clam with the lump, then it will stay in my body until I choose otherwise.

  7. hie holly,
    thencs for the vital information but plz assist me, i tried the massage for breast and migrane headache, most of the feet area were soo very sensitive but unfortunately the next day aftr the massage i got my legs swollen up and over sensitive, what could this be?

    1. Massaging your reflexology points can help the body release long-held toxins in the body. If the rate at which the toxins are released is greater than the rate at which your body can clear them, then you may experience detox symptoms. Swollen legs is not a typical system, but may be related to a sluggish lymphatic system. If this is the case, your body will eventually clear out the toxins, but it may take a day or two. In the future, be much more gentle with massaging your points, and reduce the time. Start off with 15 seconds per point, and not more than 5 or 6 points per day. Then, see how you feel. If you are feeling good, you can gradually increase the time by 5 seconds per point per day.

      However, based on what you told me about the sensitivity of your points, I would recommend learning the complete system of reflexology so that you can help your body return to balance in a gentle manner through learning to massage a compendium of points for your whole body.

  8. Fantastic site and imfo THANKS I have an infection ongoing 4 years comes and goes anyway its come to a head and has been draining now 4 a week ,alot of pus coming out waiting 4 an ultra sound ,eating raw garlic and wondering what advice you might have .regards Anna

    1. Hi Anna,

      It sounds like your body is out of balance. You can help bring your body back into balance with Chinese reflexology, but a few points are not enough. A holistic approach is best. My book, Sole Guidance, covers over 20 powerful points to bring the body back into balance, as well as how to address the emotional roots of imbalance and dis-ease in the body. The book is scheduled to be released in 2016. I’m also planning to do a Chinese Reflexology Fundamentals Program in the new year. For now, focus on the mental clearing to welcome balance and serenity back into your life.

      Wishing you all the best,
      Holly

    1. I would recommend staying within the suggested times because it is possible to over-massage a point. For example, if someone had a lot of toxins held in their breast tissue, too much massage could release the toxins at a rate faster than the body can clear out. This would lead to detox symptoms. As well, the skin on the tops of the feet is more sensitive than the soul, so if someone irritated the skin, this would be counterproductive. Balance is the key to healing ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. Thanks for this Holly, I have lumps on my hands, though it seems to be hereditary I do wonder if something can be done about removing them? Will massaging the lymph node point help? Thanks

    1. It depends on what is causing the lumps. For things that are unknown or could be related to other things going on in the body, I recommend a more holistic approach (e.g. massaging the complete system of reflexology points, diet, exercise, lifestyle, and the addressing the mental/emotional roots of what is going on in the body)

  10. Hi holly! Thanks for the great article. Just wanted to share i use a small trampoline to move my lymphatic. . .i think jumping jacks does the same powerful movement of the lymph? Then i also learned to hand press my lymph node waste pumps (with or without the lymph massage). It makes sense that the breasts represent nurturing others and if we were nurturing someone bad for us we might get a lump or sign to.stop being so mothering and loving.

  11. Hi Holly
    I read Roselyine Pauls post. My feet also became swollen after massaging breast points and feet were very tender. All good now .

    1. Glad to hear all is good now. Feet can become swollen temporarily when someone has a sluggish lymphatic system. The massage stimulates circulation and thus helps the body detoxify. The wastes are flushed into the lymphatic vessels. But if the lymphatic system is sluggish, then the lymph will back up in the lower extremities due to gravity. As the lymph works its way through the system, the swelling goes down and the feet return to normal.

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