Mother’s Day is this Sunday and in honour of all of us, I thought I’d post a little valuable information to also honour that which defined many of our early days and nights in those weeks, months, and, in some cases, years when we first became mothers: our breasts!   OK… so they may not have defined us exactly, but I know my boobs were being sucked, fondled, bitten, pinched and slapped for more years than I care to think about… and then I had kids!!

Seriously… in the spirit of keeping the jugs healthy, particularly with 1 in 20 women dealing with breast cancer, either in treatment or as survivors, here are some asanas to promote breast care, not to mention just helping the girls feel good day to day!

Breast health is sustained by the body’s lymphatic system.  A high functioning lymphatic system cleanses toxins and ensures a clean flow of blood to the breast cells and tissues.  Yoga, maintaining coordination between breathing and movements, can help in the circulation of blood and supplying vital energy throughout the lymphatic system.

Diagonal Stretch. Jump start the lymphatic system with some energetic movement and powerful breathing.  How to:  Sit in a comfortable position and place your thumbs on the palms of the hands, right at the base of your little fingers.

Be sure to rest your fingers in straight line. Now, slowly pull your arms to the sides, making sure they are parallel to the ground. Your palms should face downwards.
Now raise your right arm and bring down the left arm.  Breathe in as the right arm goes up and breathe out as the right arm goes down. Continue this exercise for 1 to 2 minutes.

Haiyyyyyy-yah!! This asana feels a little like a martial arts exercise.  The ‘snapping back’ movement in the asana helps in activating the lymph and breast tissues.  How to: On your mat, sit comfortably on your heels and take the pressure off your knee joints by placing a firm pillow in between your buttocks and legs.  Make a fist by tucking the thumb inside. Bring your fists to the level of your chests by pulling your elbows back.  Extend one arms fully and forcefully forward as you inhale powerfully. Open your fingers as though you were about to grasp something. Then close them again as you snap the arm back to starting position as you exhale. Do the same with the other arm and continue, alternating arms, for 2 to 3 minutes.

I love it. I hate it. I love it. I hate it. I love it.  Standing Forward Bend-ish. This asana enhances the flow of energy to all parts of the body.  How to:  Stand in a comfortable position and place your heels together. Now squat down comfortably and keep your heels off the ground.  Reach with your finger tips, stretching to the ground and straightening your spine as much as possible.  Inhale and straighten the legs and bring the head close to the knees. The finger tips should continue to touch the ground.  Exhale and return to the squatting position.  Perform this asana for one minute comfortably, and gradually increase the minutes.

Happy boobies… Happy Mother’s Day!!