When I first learned about uterus alignments from my teacher DeAnna Batdorff almost five years ago, I was mystified that moving a uterus was a possibility. At that point, I hardly knew where my uterus was, let alone that it could be moved.

Throughout my early 20s, I struggled with period cramps and hip pain in various forms. As a teenager, I had injured my left hip repeatedly playing competitive soccer, leaving me with what my doctor described as “crooked hips”. This is quite common amongst my clients and women in general. We’re told we have uneven hips or a crooked spine, without any idea that it could be connected to our uterus.

When my teacher DeAnna adjusted my uterus, I was mind-blown. My womb had been tucked underneath my left hip bone, probably since my days of playing high school soccer. With some gentle massage, we were able to move my uterus back to center and my abdomen felt forever changed. My hips felt more even, my cramps became less intense, and energetically I felt more grounded and centered.

Since that day, I have been a passionate advocate for uterus care. So many of us exist with out-of-place uteruses- due to injuries, childbirth, sexual trauma, or just the way we were born. Surgeries, c-sections, and injuries can create an added layer of scar tissue or adhesions that bind the uterus out of place. This can contribute to so many different imbalances in our pelvic floor and bodies- from painful periods, to infertility to Psoas/low back pain, to bowel or bladder issues.

Since having my own uterus moved, I dove into learning how to help other women bring their wombs back to center. I studied with DeAnna, who learned in the lineage of Ms. Beatrice Waight from Belize. I traveled to Casa Curativa in Lago Atitalan, Guatemala to learn Mayan Abdominal Massage from local midwives. I took every course available to me in women’s pelvic floor anatomy, hormonal health, and scar tissue release.

Through this process, I’ve learned that ultimately the uterus wants to be in center, we just have to create the conditions for her to find her way home.

In my practice, I combine abdominal massage with scar tissue release and uterus alignments to help bring the womb back to center. It is generally a gentle process whereby we identify the position of the uterus and then support the surrounding muscles, lymph, fascia and ligaments to release.

I use massage, castor packs, gua sha, cupping, and salt scrubs to soften the womb space, release any scar tissue and create space for the uterus to return.

Offering this care has been nothing short of life-changing. My clients have shared extraordinary stories with me from just one or two sessions. They have noticed dramatic shifts in their bladder health and less incontinence, less period cramps and more regular cycles, they have been able to conceive after stretches of infertility, and most importantly, they feel more at home in their bodies.

One of my favorite parts of this work is helping women come back to themselves. We live in a world that forces us in a million directions and often separates us from our true selves. Our womb is our creative center and our deepest source of guidance. When our uterus is back in center and we can connect to that energy, I believe we are that much more powerful.

I know that personally, having my uterus in center has helped me to birth the business of my dreams, provide care to so many other women in my life, and feel more aligned in my purpose.

If any of this resonates with you, please reach out to me or another abdominal massage practitioner in your area. I would be delighted to support you in your journey back home.

With love,

Abbey Joy

Additional Resources

If you would like additional care from me or another practitioner, please reach out to hello@abbeyjoyhealing.com or check out my website www.abbeyjoyhealing.com

You can stay up-to-date on my breast & womb care offerings through my Instagram, Substack, Podcast, and new YouTube Channel

For more information and to find practitioners near you, I recommend checking out my teacher DeAnna Batdorff’s website dhyana Essentials and looking at the practitioner referral list.

Disclaimer:

Information provided in this communication is for educational purposes only. The information is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or as a prescription, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice from your physician or primary healthcare provider. If you have a medical condition, please consult your physician.

Some of my favorite topics we covered in this episode were:

• How to connect with and cultivate innate pleasure

• How to build healthy libido

• Sexual and sensual practices for overall wellbeing

• The concept of the “multi-orgasm”

• And so much more!

PLUS an exciting update! I just released my new website and store! Check it out at www.abbeyjoyhealing.com

Listen on Spotify Here

You can listen to the past episodes with Sinéad on Creativity and Beauty here.

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If you would like to learn more with Sinéad here are some amazing opportunities coming up:

*FREE MASTERCLASS: MONDAY, 9/7/26 7:30pm EST

save your spot: https://app.arketa.co/innerbodydata/checkout/q7ZrhqbV8akmo05vMXAx

Join Dr. Sinéad Corrigan for a FREE SNEAK PEAK of practices covered in “DESIRE” - my upcoming 6-week online qigong course for men this Fall 2026. Learn practices for how to “channel desire” into creativity, productivity, and purpose. Understand the steps for achieving non-ejaculatory orgasm and full-body orgasm. Transform your relationship with sex, porn, cravings, over-working, struggles with intimacy, and sexual shame.

*ON DEMAND COURSES: https://www.innerbodydata.com/courses/qigong-for-men

-Sex & Power 4 week course to transform your relationship with sex. Overcome addiction to porn, sex, and overworking. Understand the connection between sex & emotions.

-Desire & Transformation - 9 week course for men, women, and couples for a deep dive into “channeling sexual energy”. Includes bonus content to support your daily practice. Can be used like a retreat, or as a self-paced course.

*ON DEMAND MEMBERSHIP: https://www.innerbodydata.com/membership

-Join the Inner Body Data™ On Demand Membership to enjoy a growing library of 150+ practice videos of qigong, yin yoga, kundalini yoga, pranayama (breathwork). Great for building a daily practice, learning the basics of qigong, and deepening embodiment. Includes the 100-day qigong challenge, 5-10minute lessons daily to help you create a new habit.

*PRIVATE INSTRUCTION/SUPPORT THE CAUSE: https://www.patreon.com/c/Dance4Plants/membership

-Join DANCE_4_PLANTS Patreon Member - Become a top-tier member for a $200 discount on 1-on-1 qigong for channeling sexual energy instruction, plus access to a library of sensual movement classes + performances. This is the deep dive to totally transform your sex life, ability to experience pleasure, physical and sexual vitality, improve concentration, productivity, & creativity, and feel empowered rather than drained by your desires. All proceeds go towards supporting Albi Garden LLC - learn more: www.albigarden.com

*IN PERSON SERVICES (acupuncture in Miami, Kauai, and Chapel Hill www.innerbodydata.com ; www.calendly.com/bodydata

The Bitter Truth Podcast is hosted by Abbey Cmiel of Abbey Joy Healing. Abbey offers holistic Women’s Health Care based in Sebastopol, Petaluma and Mill Valley, California. See her website to book a session for holistic breast, womb or hormone care.

https://www.abbeyjoyhealing.com/

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Are you curious about different sensations in your breasts and what they may be telling you?

Join me for an online workshop to learn all about the basics of breast health!

Workshop Details: Wednesday, August 26th at 3:30 pm PT/6:30 pm EST

If you aren’t able to make it live, the workshop will be recorded and sent out within a week!

Register Here

During this 90 minute workshop we’ll cover:

• The basics of breast anatomy

• Helpful herbs and supplements to support your breast health

• Daily practices for breast and hormonal health

• A simple breast massage that you can do at home

• How to use a gua sha, castor pack, and other helpful tools

Early Bird pricing of $45 ends tomorrow, August 20th!

Invite a friend and come learn together!

After August 20th, the price will go up to $60

Register Here

If you’d like to learn with me in-person, join me for a Breast Health workshop at the Luma Center in Petaluma on September 13th! You can find all the details here.

Want to book a session with me for lymphatic breast & womb care in Sebastopol, CA? Check out my online scheduler or send me an email at hello@abbeyjoyhealing.com .

For more online tutorials and resources, check out my YouTube Channel and Podcast.

xoxo, Abbey Joy

If you want to learn more about the lymphatic system and breast health, join me for an online workshop August 26, 2026 at 3:30 pm PT/6:30 pm EST

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What is the Lymph?

In Ayurveda, the Lymphatic System is considered the first (and potentially the most important) of the tissues. The lymph is known as the “River of Life” because it nourishes all of the other tissues, organs, glands, and systems. Before addressing any other imbalances, a good practitioner knows that you must begin with the lymph. Without lymphatic flow, nothing else can flow.

So, what is the lymph? We are made of 70% water, the majority of which is lymphatic fluid. In fact, we have three times as much lymph in our bodies than blood. The lymph is our “fluid garbage system” and is tasked with identifying and eliminating toxins, pathogens, harmful bacteria, parasites, and mold.

Our highly sensitive and trained B & T cells (amongst other lymph cells) have the miraculous ability to identify harmful cells, break them down, and then transport them out of the body through liver detox, poop, and sweat. Any time you feel yourself getting sick and the lymph nodes in your neck or armpits swell up, that’s your lymph hard at work.

Lymphatic fluid can also help transport hormones, nutrients, and hydration to the cells. Thus, it’s very important that we keep lymphatic fluid flowing to get all of these vital components where they need to go.

Because the Lymph has so many functions in the body, it can be hard to pinpoint which symptoms are connected to lymphatic stagnation. Here are some of the most common ones I see in my practice:

• Swelling and edema (especially in areas with lots of lymph- neck, groin, abdomen, knees, ankles)

• Fatigue and achiness

• Frequently getting sick

• PMS and Post-Partum Depression (because of the importance of lymph in transporting hormones)

• Swollen and tender breasts (especially around menstruation)

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How to Move the Lymph

Lymphatic fluid primarily flows through interconnected networks of lymph nodes. In the lymph nodes, immune cells can help break down and eliminate pathogens. The Lymphatic system also includes the spleen, bone marrow, tonsils, and thymus, which all support in lymph production and detoxification.

Interestingly, the lymphatic system doesn’t have it’s own pump. Unlike the cardiovascular system which has the heart, and the respiratory system which has the lungs to pump blood or air through the body, the lymphatic system requires manual movement.

Gratefully, most lymph nodes are located in areas that we move frequently- the armpits, groin, knees, neck, and other joints. However, it’s also concentrated in zones that we don’t touch very frequently in modern life: the chest, breasts, and abdomen (50% of the lymph in our bodies is in our small intestines!) This means we need to give our bodies extra attention to make sure that our lymphatic fluid is flowing.

Some of the simplest things we can do to support lymphatic flow include:

• Hydration!! (add electrolytes to your water)

• Going for a walk

• Swimming

• Taking a warm bath

• Doing “Legs up the Wall”

• Jumping on a Trampoline (Rebounding)

• Deep Breathing

• Lymphatic Massage or Self Massage - here is a video of my lymphatic self-massage practice and my 5 minute breast massage video

Once you have these basics down, you can incorporate some helpful self-care techniques to help move the lymph in your body.

My Favorite Techniques for Supporting Lymph Flow

Over the past four years of being an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Body Worker, these are the most effective and enjoyable practices I’ve learned for supporting the lymph. I included my top four techniques, how to do them, and what they are helpful for.

I also highly recommend receiving body work/massage from someone trained in the lymphatic system as frequently as possible! You can find more about my practice at www.abbeyjoyhealing.com

• Abhyanga: Ayurvedic Body Oiling

  • What is it good for? Nervous system replenishment, anxiety, warming the body, sleep, nourishment, cellular detox

  • How to do it: Get your favorite oil and rub yourself head to toe. Use circular motions to rub in the oil and spend extra time where there’s tenderness. Wait as long as you have time for before showering off in warm water to soak in the oils.

  • Pro Tips: Use a hand towel that you don’t mind getting oily to dry off. If possible find a sunny spot to dry. Have cozy natural fiber clothes or a robe ready to put on afterwards. Use a little scrubby in the shower to work all the oil in.

  • Best Oils:

    • Vata: Sesame, Almond

    • Pitta: Coconut, Sunflower

    • Kapha: Sunflower, Sesame

• Dry Brushing

  • What is it good for? Improving Circulation, Cellular Detox, Depression, decreasing scar tissue and cellulite, improving metabolism and digestion

  • How to do it: Use the dry brush to slough off dead skin cells and stimulate the lymph/blood/muscles. Start at the chest and belly and then stroke up the arms and legs to bring blood/lymph flow back to the heart.

  • Pro Tips: Shower afterwards and bonus points if you apply oil afterwards as well! This benefits in the detoxification and nourishing properties.

• Salt Scrub

  • What is it good for? Warming, Nourishing, Detoxifying, Scar Tissue, Congested Lymph

  • How to make: Mix 8 oz of sea salt, ½ C of oil, and 20 drops of your favorite essential oils. For oil recommendations, see Abhyanga. For essentials oils: Vata: Benzoin, Vetiver, Cardamom Pitta: Lavender, Tulsi, Mint Kapha: Ground Mustard Seed, Eucalyptus

  • How to do it: Hop in the shower and scrub yourself all over in the salt scrub. I recommend turning off the shower midway so you can maximize time with the salt before it washes away. Take extra time in areas with lymphatic congestion (chest, armpits, groin, behind the knees)

  • Pro Tips: Use a hand towel that you don’t mind getting oily to dry off. If possible find a sunny spot to dry. Be sure to wash the shower well afterwards to make sure there isn’t slippery oil leftover.

    

• Gua Sha - for tutorial videos, check out my YouTube Channel

  • What is it good for? Detoxifying, Scar Tissue, Lymphatic Congestion, Muscle Adhesions, Lactic Acid

  • How to do it: Start by scrubbing the subclavian drain (chest underneath the clavicle), then work the neck, face, and head. Then move to the breast/chest, armpits, arms, belly, groin, and legs. Generally imagine moving the lymph towards the heart.

  • Pro Tips: It’s okay if there’s redness that comes to the surface. That is the blood moving and old adhesions/lactic acid coming to the surface. May leave marks for up to a week depending on how much lactic acid you have. Great the day after a workout.

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Additional Resources

If you would like additional care from me or another practitioner, please reach out to hello@abbeyjoyhealing.com or check out my website www.abbeyjoyhealing.com

You can stay up-to-date on my breast & womb care offerings through my Instagram, Substack, Podcast, and new YouTube Channel

For more information and to find practitioners near you, I recommend checking out my teacher DeAnna Batdorff’s website dhyana Essentials and looking at the practitioner referral list.

Disclaimer:

Information provided in this communication is for educational purposes only. The information is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or as a prescription, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice from your physician or primary healthcare provider. If you have a medical condition, please consult your physician.

Rather than promoting another 10-day cleanse, Mary Sheila shares with us how we can build our metabolism and vitality through simple daily practices. Her deep knowledge of both ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern Western research helps draw an incredible map of practices to support overall health. I was so grateful to learn the basics of how blood sugar and metabolism work so I can support my body from the foundation.

Get the Free Protein Cheat Sheet here

Some of the top tips we talk about include:

• How to build your meals for feelings of satiety

• The basics of fasting and meal spacing for metabolic health

• The best ways to regulate your blood sugar to set a foundation of insulin and digestive health

• Essential hydration tips to support your lymphatic health and beyond

• How to help your body metabolize food with exercise, walking, bitters, and more

We also talked about some of the most “bitter truth” topics around metabolism and weight loss including her thoughts on GLP-1 drugs, how our metabolism changes with our cycles and menopause, and whether you should try a Continuous Glucose Monitor

The Bitter of the Day:

This episode featured my very own “Love Buzz Bitters” featuring Spilanthes flower, Rose, Damiana, and Cacao. My bitters will be available online soon and can currently be purchased at my studio at 369 S Main Street Sebastopol

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More About Mary Sheila:

Mary Sheila Gonnella, BCHN is a nutritionist, summit host, and metabolic health mentor who

blends functional nutrition with Ayurveda. She has been practicing for over 20 years, working both in Sonoma County and virtually with clients around the world.

Mary Sheila is the founder of Occidental Nutrition and creator of her online membership, The Vitality Club, where she supports health-conscious women and men in navigating midlife and beyond, helping them build lasting vitality through nutrition, lifestyle, and rhythm. With expertise in blood sugar balance, bone health, brain health, and autoimmunity, she offers online courses, live retreats, and meaningful ways to connect both in community and one-on-one.

Learn more at Occidental Nutrition or by emailing her at occidentalnutrition@gmail.com

Get the Free Protein Cheat Sheet here

This Episode of the Bitter Truth Podcast is hosted by Abbey Cmiel of Abbey Joy Healing. Abbey offers holistic Women’s Health Care based in Sebastopol, Petaluma and Mill Valley, California. See her website to book a session for holistic breast, womb or hormone care.

https://www.abbeyjoyhealing.com/

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If you have been wanting to learn more about your breast health and the simple things you can do to support your body, this is your chance!

Register for the Online Workshop

Register for the In-Person Workshop

Both workshops will include:

• Intro to the anatomy of the breasts/chest

• The basics of the lymphatic system and simple tools to support it

• My favorite herbs, foods, and lifestyle practices for breast health

• Everything your doctor never taught you about dense breasts, cysts, and other breast health imbalances

• A simple lymphatic breast massage routine that you can do at home (gua sha, castor pack, salt scrub)

• How to create a castor pack and salt scrub for your breasts

• How to break down scar tissue in your chest/breasts from surgery

This will be a very special opportunity to connect to your body and breasts in a whole new way. My goal is to help de-mystify common misunderstandings about breast health and help YOU be the most knowledgeable person about your body.

In both classes, there will be an opportunity to do self-massage. You can turn off your camera for the online class or do self-massage underneath/on top of your clothing. This is a very safe space to explore your body within your comfort zone.

Here are the details:

Early Bird Discount- Both workshops cost $45 if you register before August 15th.

After August 15th, both workshops cost $65

Online Workshop:

Wednesday, August 26th at 3:30 pm PT/6:30 pm EST on Google Meet

90 minutes - The first 45 minutes we’ll cover the basics of breast anatomy and recommendations. The Second 45 mins we’ll practice lymphatic self massage.

All genders/sexes are welcome to this workshop. I encourage you to invite a partner or friend to come to learn about lymphatic self massage. This can be a great skill for your partner to learn to support you!

This workshop will be recorded. So if you can’t make it live, I will send you the recording following the class.

Register here

In person Workshop:

Sunday, September 13th from 2-4:30 pm at the Luma Center in Petaluma, CA

2.5 hours - The first half we’ll drop in with a meditation to connect to the heart space, share tea, and then I’ll offer an introduction to breast anatomy and recommendations. The second half, we’ll practice lymphatic self massage with gua sha.

This class is designed for women and anyone who identifies with having a breast space.

Register here

I would love to see you there! Please reach out to hello@abbeyjoyhealing.com for more resources and information.

You can learn more about Abbey Joy at www.abbeyjoyhealing.com

Abbey Joy is an Ayurvedic Practitioner focusing on breast, womb, and hormonal health. She has studied herbalism, body work, energy work, and Ayurveda extensively, and is grateful to share that work with her clients in California, and around the world.

I created this guide of the top five things you can do for your breast health so that you can be empowered to care for your body. These simple tools help us to get in touch with our breast tissue and support our bodies from a root level.

I still highly recommend receiving care from a trusted provider for your breast health, but these are the best ways to be the most knowledgeable and supportive of your body possible.

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5 things I do to support my breast health

1. Massage

I am a big proponent for self-massage of your breasts as often as possible. It doesn’t have to be complicated- the more you massage your breasts the better! I encourage my clients to integrate it into your daily routine by massaging your breasts in or after the shower. This works well because the lymph moves the most easily when warm.

Here is a short video of a daily massage practice you can do at home

Here is a longer video with more information about breast health and in-depth self-massage.

2. Drink warm water with sea salt to start the day

The health of our lymphatic system is the basis of our breast health. The lymph helps to detoxify the breasts, transport hormones, and can soften dense tissue. One of the most important aspects of lymphatic health is our hydration (because the lymph is a fluid system). My favorite way to get hydrated is by drinking a warm glass of water in the morning. The warmth makes it easier for your body to absorb and also supports the digestive system. I add Atlantic Gray Sea Salt (about 1/4 - 1/2 tsp to taste) to add extra electrolytes.

If you have concerns about high blood pressure, please consult your doctor. But also know that sea salt is very different from table salt because it has a full spectrum of electrolytes that help to balance your blood pressure.

For more info about the lymphatic system, check out my article on The Basics of Breast Health

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3. Get morning sunshine

I recommend getting outside for at least 5-15 minutes as soon as possible after waking. This sets our circadian rhythm and helps regulate our hormones, especially as women.

Our hormonal health is one of the most important pillars of breast health because excess estrogen, adrenaline, and cortisol can lead to increased breast fibrousness, density, cysts, and other harmful growths. By starting your day with sunshine, you actually increase the production of serotonin, which then leads to increased melatonin at night. Better sleep helps our body detoxify and regulate hormones.

4. Eat lots of fiber rich foods

Fiber is crucial for the proper functioning of our digestive systems. When studying hormonal health, the first thing I learned is how essential it is to poop at least once every day (ideally twice!). Pooping is our primary pathway for detoxifying excess estrogen. Estrogen is our primary “growth” hormone, which left unchecked can wreak havoc on the breast tissue (and other reproductive organs).

The best way to get enough fiber is eat 8-10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. The best fruits and veggies for breast health are berries (high in antioxidants and enzymes), citrus (great for the lymph), and cruciferous vegetables (think broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale, etc.) Cruciferous veggies have a compound known as sulforaphane which supports methylation and detox in the liver. Liver health is also key for health hormonal and lymph balance.

An important note on fiber: if you have a dis-regulated gut microbiome or autoimmune condition (SIBO, ulcerative colitis, etc), proceed with caution with adding lots of fiber to your diet. Sometimes fiber can aggravate these conditions so it’s best to start slow.

5. Take Magnesium Glycinate

This is the top supplement I recommend for breast health because of all of the reasons above. Magnesium glycinate helps regulate your bowels, improve sleep, and reduce stress & inflammation. By improving the quality of your sleep and reducing stress, magnesium glycinate can help to regulate the hormones that affect the breast tissue.

As opposed to other forms of magnesium, magnesium glycinate is less likely to cause loose stools, drowsiness, and other negative side effects. I generally recommend starting with 300-350 mg per day.

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Other ways to support breast health

In general, the more you support your liver, lymph, and hormonal health, the healthier your breasts will be. A few other key ways to support these systems include:

• Exercising every day to support lymphatic flow

• Take bitters 15 minutes before your meals to encourage liver and digestive health

• Get 8-10 hours of quality sleep per night whenever possible

For more ideas about how to support your breasts, you can read my article on Dense Breast Tissue or listen to my Podcast episode about breast health.

Stay tuned for my upcoming blog post on the top 5 things I avoid for breast health!

Additional Care

If you would like additional care from me or another practitioner, please reach out to hello@abbeyjoyhealing.com or check out my website www.abbeyjoyhealing.com

You can stay up-to-date on my breast & womb care offerings through my Instagram, Substack, Podcast, and new YouTube Channel

I have a podcast episode on breast care that I highly recommend listening to for more information.

For more information and to find practitioners near you, I recommend checking out my teacher DeAnna Batdorff’s website dhyana Essentials and looking at the practitioner referral list.

Subscribe now

Disclaimer:

Information provided in this communication is for educational purposes only. The information is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or as a prescription, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice from your physician or primary healthcare provider. If you have a medical condition, please consult your physician.

In writing this article, I do not want to dissuade you from receiving mammograms or any other type of diagnostic treatment. But I do believe all women deserve to know what it means to have “dense” breasts and the simple things you can do to support your body.

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So, what are dense breasts?

Breasts are predominantly made from three types of tissues:

1. Fibrous Tissue: this includes muscles and fascia that hold the breasts in place and support their overall structure

2. Glandular Tissue: This includes the lymphatic system and milk ducts that hold and transport milk

3. Fatty Tissue: The fat tissue protects the other tissues and creates the shape and size of the breasts

Breasts are considered “dense” when they have relatively more fibrous and glandular tissue than fatty tissue. This generally means that you have more fascia surrounding your lymph nodes and milk ducts.

Having breasts with more fascia is not a bad or abnormal thing. However, it can make it more difficult for lymphatic fluid and blood to flow, which has the potential to create stagnation or inflammation. As a result, having dense breasts has been linked to higher rates of breast cancer and other imbalances like cysts or mastitis.

So, the best thing you can do if you have been told you have dense breasts (or really for anyone in general), is to help loosen the fascia and support lymphatic flow.

Understanding the Fascia

The most important tissue to understand to support dense breasts is the Fascia.

Fascia is a fascinating tissue in the body that is both connective and communicative. It connects and surrounds all aspects of the body including the organs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, veins, etc. Fascia is made from collagen and when healthy is stretchy and mobile. Trauma, injury, hormones and inflammation can cause the fascia to harden and become more dense.

Amazingly, fascia is also a tissue of communication. It is closely connected with the Interstitium, which is a fluid tissue that connects the whole body and sends signals faster than the nerves. (I highly recommend listening to this RadioLab podcast if you have the chance). This means that the fascia is highly responsive to stress and other emotional experiences.

How to Support Dense Breasts

So, one of the most important things to support fascia, and thereby dense breast tissue, is emotional and stress support. Integrating meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and other emotional wellbeing practices can help to reduce inflammation and thereby tissue density in the body.

More tangibly, breast massage is extremely helpful for softening fascia. I have multiple videos you can watch on how you can do breast massage at home to soften fascia in the breasts. by doing gentle massage on the breasts, you can help encourage lymphatic and blood flow, which reduces inflammation.

Tips for Breast Massage

When getting started with breast massage, I recommend seeing a practitioner near you to understand the different tissues in your breasts and how to support each of them. I currently see clients in Sonoma County, CA and Charlotte, NC so please reach out to hello@abbeyjoyhealing.com if you’d like to book a session.

If there isn’t someone near you, I made this in-depth video about at-home breast massage and also teach online classes. You can sign up for my newsletter at www.abbeyjoyhealing.com

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A few tips to get started at home:

• Find an oil or salve that you really like! I recommend doing breast massage with castor oil because it is very anti-inflammatory and can help soften fascia. Pour about a tablespoon into your hands after the shower and massage into your breasts. You can then place flannel over the castor oil or wear an old cotton t-shirt, and place a hot water bottle over the fabric to allow the castor oil to soak in. If you don’t have time to do the whole castor oil treatment, I love using sesame oil or sweet almond oil. If you’re local in Sonoma County, I sell a breast and belly balm (coming to my online store soon!)

• Get a Gua Sha. Gua Shas can be a very helpful tool for moving stuck lymph and tight fascia in the breasts. You can watch one of my youtube videos for more in-depth tutorials on the Gua Sha, or listen to my podcast episode with step-by-step instructions.

• Kala Namak: Kala Namak is a black sulfur salt from the Himalayas that is extraordinary for softening fascia. I like to mix about 1 tsp of Kala Namak with 2 tbsp of Castor oil and gently rub it into my breasts and armpits like a salt scrub. You can then shower it off afterwards. Sulfur is incredible for methylation and liver detox, as well as reducing inflammation in the breasts.

• Massage in the Shower: If you don’t have time to do a full breast massage, take a few minutes in the shower to massage your breasts. breathe and notice any sensations that you feel. It’s common to feel tenderness and maybe even pain, and those are good indications that your lymph/fascia need more support. Please see a practitioner or your doctor to get more information about what you may be feeling, but it is okay to massage and see if the tissue shifts.

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Closing Notes

There is also important distinction to make between breast cancer prevention and detection. Mammograms, Thermography, MRI’s etc can be lifesaving in their ability to identify breast cancer and other harmful imbalances in your breasts. I absolutely recommend that you find a detection method that feels the most supportive for you.

However, none of these forms of detection help to prevent root cause imbalances. In fact, it is very difficult to differentiate between fascia and cancerous growths on mammograms, because both show up as white in the black and white images.

That’s why its so important to do breast massage, eat healthfully, and decrease stress to reduce inflammation in your body. Here is an article with more ways to support your breast health at a root cause level. Getting additional screening from places like QT imaging, and receiving care from experienced practitioners who can assess breast tissue provide helpful additional support.

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Additional Research and Resources:

https://www.bcrf.org/blog/4-important-things-to-know-about-dense-breasts/

https://radiolab.org/podcast/interstitium

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23251-fascia

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photo by Fiona McNichols

Most people have never had their breasts touched therapeutically and have never learned the basics of breast/chest anatomy. Within just a short time of intentional education and care, their whole outlook on their breast space changes. Rather than feeling fear, dread, anxiety, and pain, they often come away feeling empowered and inspired to care for their bodies.

I say all of this to share how meaningful it can be to learn about your breast health. This is an opportunity to take back some of the power that has been stripped of us to care for our own bodies. Most of my clients are terrified of touching their breasts for fear that they may find something amiss. The reality is that UNLESS we touch our breasts, the likelihood of inflammation and stagnation in our breasts increases.

Breast Care as Preventative Care

I do not share this article to encourage you to stop going to the doctor, or getting mammograms, or to do any other care that feels helpful to you. But instead, to add on a layer of preventative care through self care. Mammograms, thermography, and other detection tools will do just that- help you detect cancer. And that is certainly a lifesaving tool. However, they won’t address the underlying sources of inflammation and stagnation that can cause a host of imbalances, from cysts, to lymphedema, to painful breasts.

The intention of lymphatic breast care is to help you become acquainted with your breast tissue so that when there are shifts in sensation or texture, you are the first one to know.

It is also essential care for our lymphatic system, which is centered in the breast/chest/heart space. When the lymphatic system is flowing, you are far less likely to have hormonal imbalance, breast pain, lymphatic stagnation, illness and more.

The Lymphatic System

So, let’s start there. What is the lymph? The lymphatic system is an interconnected system of lymph nodes and channels that has the primary goal of keeping us healthy. It is our immune system and our detoxification system. Lymph cells will identify foreign invaders in the body (viruses, bacteria, mold, parasites, etc) and help to remove them through the digestive system, the sweat, and other eliminatory pathways. This miraculous system, primarily made of lymphatic fluid, is able to determine which cells are our own and which are potentially hazardous, and eliminate them.

So why is the lymph so important for breast health?

All of the lymph in the body is cycled through the “subclavian drain” which is the drain underneath the collar bone where the “lymph river” meets the “blood stream”. Therefore, the chest is one of the most important lymphatic zones of the body. If this area is open and flowing, then our immune system can function optimally. If not, we run into trouble.

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How it Connects to the Breast and Chest

When I am working with clients or doing my own lymphatic self care, we always want to start with opening the “subclavian drain”, so that any lymph we get flowing has a place to go to. This simply means massaging or using a Gua Sha to massage underneath the collar bone. You may notice some bumpiness, which is often dry or stagnant lymph nodes. If you’d like to watch a video on how to do this type of self massage you can watch here.

In a follow up article, we’ll get more into the different types of lymph nodes and how to support them, but for now, it’s just important to notice different textures and sensations. Are there areas that feel more bumpy, crunchy, tender or painful? These are all messages from your body about what may be going on under the surface.

The breasts are made up of many different tissues including lymph nodes, mammary glands, fascia, muscle, and fat. You may be feeling any number of these tissues and that’s why it’s great to see a practitioner or watch one of my videos to get more of a sense of what you’re feeling. But the most important thing is to get it all flowing.

The lymphatic system doesn’t have its own pump (like the cardiovascular system has the heart and lungs) so it only moves with touch and movement. Pretty much any movement is great for the lymph! After you’ve massaged underneath your collar bone, you can then massage underneath the armpits and all around the breasts and chest. I generally use medium pressure and brush/massage towards the heart where the lymph will drain. In many ways, you can’t do it wrong. Just getting the tissues flowing is the first step towards breast health.

Simple Add-Ons for Breast Massage

As you’re doing breast massage you may notice tenderness, swelling, or pain. These are all quite common, and are messages from your body. This is when it’s really helpful to see a practitioner because they can help you decode the messages your body may be sending. Sharp pain may be connected to a cyst. Dense tissue may allude to more fascia. Once you know what you’re feeling, you can more easily identify what’s going on and what can help you address it.

As a starter, I love working with Castor Oil on my breasts. Castor oil is very anti-inflammatory and has been used for centuries to decrease pain in the body. I recommend using a few tablespoons and rubbing it into the breasts. You can then use a Gua Sha or your hands to massage. Afterwards, I recommend showering or putting a piece of flannel and warm water bottle on top to allow the castor oil to soak in.

Here is a 5 minute video you can watch on how to do self-massage at home.

If you don’t like using castor oil (it can be very sticky), you can use pretty much any organic oil or salve that you have at home. I often use sesame or sunflower oil. (Always patch test a small amount of oil on your wrist to make sure you’re not allergic).

Frankincense Essential Oil is one of my favorite tools for stagnant and potentially cystic breast tissue. It is also very anti-inflammatory and great to mix a few drops into your massage oil to help with breast pain.

Takeaways

The main thing I hope you take away from this article is how important it is to touch your breast/chest area. It is the center of our lymphatic system, and thereby the heart of our immunity. By massaging your breasts/chest, you can help all of the lymph in your body to flow.

Additionally, caring for your breasts and chest can help you to be the expert in your own body and know when you need to seek additional support. Having a relationship with your breasts is one of the most transformative relationships you may build in your life. They are a center of our emotional and creative bodies, and with care they can feel like a tender and comforting part of ourselves.

I hope that through self breast massage, you can feel less fear and more confidence in caring for your body.

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Additional Care

If you would like additional care from me or another practitioner, please reach out to hello@abbeyjoyhealing.com or check out my website www.abbeyjoyhealing.com

You can stay up-to-date on my breast & womb care offerings through my Instagram, Substack, Podcast, and new YouTube Channel

I have a podcast episode on breast care that I highly recommend listening to for more information.

For more information and to find practitioners near you, I recommend checking out my teacher DeAnna Batdorff’s website dhyana Essentials and looking at the practitioner referral list.

Additional Information:

https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/complementary-therapy/types/massage

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/breast-massage

Disclaimer:

Information provided in this communication is for educational purposes only. The information is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or as a prescription, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice from your physician or primary healthcare provider. If you have a medical condition, please consult your physician.

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We also share stories from our doula training at Casa Curativa in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala and our shared journey to Spirit Weavers in Southern Oregon, and what each taught us about building care and community as women.

This is SUCH a juicy episode and I know you will love learning about all the incredible recipes Rachel shares. My mouth was watering pretty much the whole time as she shared ideas for Herbal Chicken Soup, Golden M

ilk Lattes, Bison Three Sisters Stew and more. And I’m sure you’ll be inspired by her ideas for postpartum care, like freezer stocking parties and bone broth recipes.

A bit more about Rachel:

Rachel Musquiz is a holistic chef, culinary herbalist, and postpartum doula devoted to blending sacred traditions with a science-backed nutrition. She believes holistic nourishment is every woman’s birthright, and most potent during postpartum recovery.

Rachel is the founder of Doula Kitchen, a space rooted in community and the timeless culinary traditions that have nurtured mothers for generations. Serving the Austin community while dreaming of a global impact, Doula Kitchen celebrates the art of nourishment and the power of connection, carrying forward a vision to support women everywhere.

To learn more and get all the recipes, check out her website https://www.doulakitchen.com/

Learn more about the Doula Chef Training (http://doulakitche.com/training) 

Download the Guide To Sacred Nourishment for rituals & recipes including Bone Broth, Golden Milk, Congee: https://doulakitchen.myflodesk.com/sacrednourishmentguide

Instagram @doula.kitchen

Substack doulakitchen.substack.com

This Episode of the Bitter Truth Podcast is hosted by Abbey Cmiel of Abbey Joy Healing. Abbey offers holistic Women’s Health Care based in Sebastopol, Petaluma and Mill Valley, California. See her website to book a session for holistic breast, womb or hormone care.

Photos by Malea Sue at Casa Curativa - I couldn’t recommend their courses more!

I sat down with Dr. Sinéad Corrigan, a licensed acupuncturist and Doctor of Chinese Medicine to draw inspiration from a deeper well of wisdom about beauty. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers us a more holistic and profound perspective on why we want to be beautiful to begin with, and how we can actually feel beautiful.

More about Sinéad:

Dr. Sinéad Corrigan is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Board Certified Herbalist, and Licensed Acupuncturist in both North Carolina and Hawaii.

Her private practice is focused on Preventative Medicine, Reproductive Health, and Natural Beauty + Skincare. Sinéad weaves “movement as medicine” into every treatment.

She is a 4x certified yoga instructor and been teaching yoga since 2009, and qigong since 2016. As a Senior HealingTao USA Qigong Instructor, Sinéad certifies others to teach the beautiful practice of Qigong.

Keep Learning with Sinéad:

*GLOW FROM WITHIN 5-week natural beauty masterclass series www.innerbodydata.com/natural-beauty-courses (drop in or sign up for the full series; discounted over 50% until Jun 15; lifetime access to recordings; sign up anytime!);

*ON DEMAND qigong, yin yoga, kundalini, and pranayama classes and courses class(www.innerbodydata.com/membership)

IG @innerbodydata tiktok @peonyflowers

Sinéad’s Top Practices for Beauty:

• Start with a morning routine- qi gong for a regulated nervous system

• Face massage: rosehip oil, sweet almond oil

• Fascia facelift, face massage

• Spend time in nature

• Sleeping enough, early

• Community support, friendship & co-regulation

• Put your feet on the ground for connection with the Earth

• Feel gratitude for the Earth, the Universe, and your physical body

Thank you to Farmacopia for donating the amazing Bitters Formulas for this season! Here is my current favorite, GB Bitters.

You can find more information about your host, Abbey Cmiel at abbeyjoyhealing.com or on Instagram @abbeyjoyhealing or @bittertruthpod

Ash Aether is a ceremonialist, high priestess, mama wolf, artist, creatrix, and so much more. She holds ceremonies including full moon gatherings, women’s circles, ritual hair cuts, and weddings. Ash is the founder of Rüted Rituals and Unions as well as the co-founder of the Woven Wheel program and podcast. You can listen to the first episode of the podcast here- I couldn’t recommend more highly! She also co-directs a wedding company, Love & Wolves Co. with her partner.

You can join us for our next day-long retreat in Occidental on August 23rd! Send me an email at hello@abbeyjoyhealing.com and I’ll send you the details as soon as they’re ready. The theme of this retreat will be “Healing the Blood” and include wisdom from Ayurveda about how to nourish our blood for deeper health.

It was so fun to feature Farmacopia’s Salad Bitters on this episode of the podcast! Salad Bitters has a really yummy, green flavor that really does taste like a bitter salad. It’s perfect for the spring time because it’s packed with herbs that support liver detox and lymphatic drainage. Some of my favorite herbs in the blend are artichoke, milk thistle, and dandelion leaf! And I LOVE that Farmacopia is just down the road from me in Santa Rosa. They have an amazing tincture bar, and stock pretty much all of my favorite herbal products. Definitely check them out!

Some of my favorite takeaways from the pod:

• The more we connect with the cycles of our bodies, the more we can honor and support the cycles of the Earth. And vice versa.

• Ritual comes back to Intention & Acknowledgment of things way bigger than us and way smaller than us

• How to re-create ritual in your life: gratitude for food, drinking water with intention, full moon gatherings, breathing

• Watch the sunrise and sunset as often as you can to set your circadian rhythm

• Connect with the cycles of the feminine archetype: Maiden, Mother, Queen and Crone to channel the wisdom you need for each moment.

Thank you so much Ash for sharing your wisdom with us! More to come <3

*If you would like to make a donation to my friend Monica’s mutual aid project in Minneapolis, MN to support families affected by ICE, you can send a venmo to @abbeycmiel on Venmo and write “mutual aid” in the note.

La Sabiduría del Cuerpo | The Wisdom of the Body

In this episode we explore the quiet intelligence of the body and the small rituals that help us return to balance. Through bitter foods, medicinal plants, and simple daily practices, we remember that healing is not always complicated.

En este episodio exploramos la inteligencia profunda del cuerpo y los pequeños rituales que nos ayudan a volver al equilibrio. A través de alimentos amargos, plantas medicinales y prácticas simples del día a día, recordamos que la sanación no siempre es complicada. smos.

Bitter of the Day

Amargo del Día

Artichoke | Alcachofa

Bitter foods awaken digestion and support the liver. The artichoke is a beautiful example of how bitterness nourishes the body and stimulates the natural intelligence of our digestive system.

Los alimentos amargos despiertan la digestión y apoyan el hígado. La alcachofa es un ejemplo hermoso de cómo el sabor amargo nutre el cuerpo y estimula la inteligencia natural de nuestro sistema digestivo.

Simple Ways to Support Your Body

Formas sencillas de apoyar tu cuerpo

• Begin the day with a nourishing breakfast rich in protein — for example, three eggs with spinach, broccoli, or peas.
• Comienza el día con un desayuno nutritivo y rico en proteína — por ejemplo, tres huevos con espinaca, brócoli o chícharos.

• Eat without phones or distractions so your body can fully receive nourishment.
• Comer sin teléfonos ni distracciones para que el cuerpo pueda recibir el alimento plenamente.

• Give yourself a hug. Offer tenderness to your body.
• Date un abrazo. Ofrece ternura a tu cuerpo.

• Spend time in nature every day.
• Pasar tiempo en la naturaleza todos los días.

A Truth to Remember

Una verdad para recordar

“Love is the perfect medicine to heal everything.”

“El amor es la medicina perfecta para curarlo todo.”

Medicinal Plants

Plantas Medicinales

Nutmeg Milk | Leche con nuez moscada
Warm milk with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to support deep rest and sleep.

Leche tibia con una pizca de nuez moscada rallada para apoyar el descanso y el sueño.

Chamomile Tea | Té de manzanilla
A gentle and comforting tea that can bring warmth and light during the winter months.

Un té suave y reconfortante que puede traer calor y un poco de sol durante el invierno.

Lavender | Lavanda
Simply breathing the aroma of lavender can calm the nervous system and invite relaxation.

Simplemente respirar el aroma de la lavanda puede calmar el sistema nervioso e invitar a la relajación.

Herbs & Spices for Digestion

Hierbas y especias para la digestión

Cumin, cilantro, and ginger are beautiful digestive spices to include in daily cooking.

El comino, el cilantro y el jengibre son especias maravillosas para apoyar la digestión en la cocina diaria.

Digestive Tea | Té digestivo
Ginger and cinnamon tea to warm the body and support digestion.

Té de jengibre y canela para calentar el cuerpo y apoyar la digestión.

Nourishing Chai

Chai reconfortante

Cardamom
Cinnamon
Ginger
Turmeric
Nutmeg
Coconut milk
Honey

Cardamomo
Canela
Jengibre
Cúrcuma
Nuez moscada
Leche de coco
Miel de abeja

Morning Ritual

Ritual de la mañana

Warm water with lemon and grey salt or sea salt to gently awaken digestion.

Agua caliente con limón y sal gris o sal de mar para despertar suavemente la digestión.

We talked about how connecting to rest and pleasure can help cultivate kidney energy and support you in following your life’s destiny. Sínead shared about how to support your body’s kidney energy, especially in the winter months, through nourishing foods, sleep, and listening to your body. I loved learning about the simple practices that can transform our lives and allow us to live more in alignment with our greatest pleasure and soul path. Thank you Sínead for sharing this rich wisdom!

More about Dr. Sínead Corrigan:

Dr. Sinéad Corrigan is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Board Certified Herbalist, and Licensed Acupuncturist in both North Carolina and Hawaii.

Her private practice is focused on Preventative Medicine, Reproductive Health, and Natural Beauty + Skincare. Sinéad weaves “movement as medicine” into every treatment.

She is a 4x certified yoga instructor and been teaching yoga since 2009, and qigong since 2016. As a Senior HealingTao USA Qigong Instructor, Sinéad certifies others to teach the beautiful practice of Qigong.

To learn more, email info@innerbodydata.com or visit www.innerbodydata.com/classes . Sinéad is also available for telemedicine consultations for those interested in herbalism, supplements, private online qigong+yoga instruction, and coaching-style support.

Here are some of the amazing ways you can work more with Sínead:

• On Demand Qigong & Yoga Membership: www.innerbodydata.com/membership

• Qigong Courses for working with sexual energy (both can be found by going to the membership site and scrolling down to COURSES):

  • Sex & Power (4 week course for men)

  • Desire & Transformation (9 week course for man, woman, or couples)

• Dance_4_Plants Membership (sensual movement, pelvic floor awareness, flexibility, & “healing the wounds of repressed creativity”): https://app.fanfix.io/@dance4plants

• In person acupuncture (kauai, NC, and soon Miami!): www.innerbodydata.com/acupuncture

• SOCIALS: @innerbodydata on IG @peonyflowers on TikTok (chinese herbal medicine education), @sineadpatience on IG & @dance_4_plants on tiktok for dance & sensuality related offerings

• YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/innerbodydatawithsinead

• Here are the bitters Sínead mentioned- so yummy!

You can find more information about your host, Abbey Cmiel at abbeyjoyhealing.com or on Instagram @abbeyjoyhealing or @bittertruthpod

• What is Fertility Awareness Method?

• How can it help to prevent or encourage conception?

• How to support your body to prevent PMS, clotting, cramping, acne and other cyclical challenges

• Understanding Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone and their effects in our bodies

We tasted some delicious “Love Potion” Bitters from Audrey Rees of Your Village Midwife, featuring Damiana, Kava Kava, and Cacao. Yum!

For more information about Caitlin, check out cyclewiselove.com or follow her on Instagram @cycle.wise

You can also access her free intro to charting class here.

I’d also like to thank our amazing sponsor for this episode, Lucid Brand Alchemy. Check out Fiona’s website for packages on developing your business, brand, photography, and website.

For more information about your host Abbey Cmiel of Abbey Joy Healing and to book a session, check out www.abbeyjoyhealing.com or @abbeyjoyhealing on instagram.

Thank you to the amazing Joseph Campbell of Durham, NC for making my groovy intro and outro beats.

Join us as we dive into the cycles of life reflected in our hormonal cycles, the seasons of the Earth, and the cycles of the moon and stars. We share our experiences of the current astrology: Jupiter returning to Cancer, Saturn returning to Aries, and a Pluto Cazimi (if you’ve never even heard of these, you’re not alone!)

RAD also shares potent life experiences of connecting to one’s reproductive cycle with a queer lens, the initiation of perimenopause, chest/breast reduction surgery and hormone replacement therapy.

In this episode we celebrate the seasons of our life, the depths of winter, and the beauty of queerness. Listen in and share your thoughts with us!

Thank you to Matt Huges for the amazing Dreamscape Oracle

The Bitter Truth herbs of this episode:

• Rose (Rosa Californica)

• Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

You can find more about RAD at @radfolkmusic and @radicalqueerspodcast on Instagram!

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor www.yogawithjoyce.com for personalized yoga therapy sessions and yoga classes!

You can listen to Abbey’s episode on cyclical health with Caitlin McMurtry here and her episode on Chest/Breast Care here.

You can book a session with abbey at abbeyjoyhealing.com

Thank you for listening and please leave me a review wherever you stream! xoxo

That said, when we do have the opportunity to integrate the illnesses we experience, they can be extraordinary portals into uncovering deeper layers of ourselves. The rest and reflection illness often forces us into can be a pathway to self-understanding and finding purpose. In this episode, Bailey and I talk about the value of health challenges in our personal journeys to becoming the herbalists we are. May this episode bring you some solace and inspiration in these dark months!

Connect with Bailey McNeill of Bailey Interbeing:

• Instagram

• Integra Collective: https://www.integracollective.org/

Connect with Abbey Cmiel of Abbey Joy Healing

• Instagram

• Website

Bitter of the Day: Roble Sabana (Tabebuia rosea)

• Immune support

• Grounded nervous system support

• Anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial

• Glucose/blood sugar regulation

• Fights infection

• Reduce digestive challenges

Our teacher, Kealy Rudersdorf of KIS botanicals in Mastatal, Costa Rica

Grounding tools through health challenges:

• Relational practices of herbalism for connecting to herbal allies as friends

• Journaling

• Meditation

• Nature walks without your phone

Robin Rose Bennett: The Gift of Healing Herbs

Initiations in the female reproductive system:

• Menarch

• Menstruation

• Birthing

• Birth release

• Menopause

Top herbal support for the winter:

• Elderberry Rosehip infusion (steep the tea 8-12 hours overnight)

• Roble Sabana antiviral tincture

• Fire Cider (with garlic, onion, ginger, hot pepper, oregano, ACV, honey)

• St. John’s Wort for seasonal affective disorder* not to be combined with SSRI’s or other medications (ask your doctor)

Thank you to the amazing Joseph Campbell of Durham, NC for creating the fun intro and outro beats and producing this episode!

Kate Coletti is a Midwife, Holistic Pelvic Floor Practitioner, Mother, Teacher, and Healer based in Sonoma, CA. You can find more information about her offerings here:

Kate’s Website

Instagram: @wildwomanwellness

Enlightened Birth

Book A Session with Kate

Manual Medicine Mentorship

Holistic Pelvic Floor Trainings and Resources- Tami Lynn Kent

Wild Feminine Book

Wild Feminine Website

About your host:

Abbey Cmiel of Abbey Joy Healing is an Ayurvedic Practitioner, Body Worker, and Herbalist who specializes in Female Reproductive Care. Abbey offers lymphatic body work and Breast, Uterus, and hormonal care in Sonoma & Marin County, CA. You can book a session with her here.

You can follow along @abbeyjoyhealing and @bitter_truth_podcast on Instagram

Thank you to Curtis James of @muunjuun for the amazing intro and outro beats!

I was so happy to chat today about a topic that is incredibly near and dear to my heart: breast health and how you can tend to your breast space at home! This is a topic many of us were never taught about and is essential for our overall health. In this episode I share some of the basics of lymphatic self-massage, as well as food and herbs that can support your hormonal, liver, and lymphatic health.

For more information about my business Abbey Joy Healing and to book a reproductive care session for breast health, you can visit my website www.abbeyjoyhealing.com

Bitter of the Day: Vitex/Chaste Tree

• Helps to regulate hormones in our bodies

• Can increase progesterone levels over time

• Try taking for three months to regulate female reproductive hormones during reproductive years

The seven tissues in Ayurveda: Lymph, Blood, Muscle, Skin, Bones, Nerves, Reproductive

Listen to the Podcast Episode with DeAnna Batdorff

Liver support herbs: Dandelion, Burdock, Turmeric, Milk Thistle, Artichoke, Vitex

dhyana Essentials Practitioner Referrals list

More about the Lymph:

• Our body’s immune system

• All of the lymph flows through the subclavian drain (underneath the collarbone) back to the heart

• Almost half of our lymph nodes are in the gut (especially the small intestines)

How to move the lymph:

• Movement: Walking, dancing, laughter, breathing, jumping on a rebounder

• Self Massage

• Support liver detox: eat bitters every day (turmeric, dandelion greens, grapefruit

• Neti Pot, Dry Brushing, Gua Sha

• Poop 1-2x per day to detox: Flax, fiber, beans, magnesium glycinate

How to care for the breast/chest space:

• Listen to the emotions that are connected to your breast/chest and heart space

• Consider your relationship to nourishment

• Feel your breast/chest every day

• Get a gua sha for self massage

• Castor oil on the breasts with a warm compress or hot water bottle - very anti-inflammatory and detoxifying

• Add a few drops of Frankincense Essential oil to your massage oil of choice for breast cysts or inflammation

• Decrease inflammatory foods: chocolate, nuts, red wine, gluten, processed sugar, alcohol, conventionally raised meats

• Avoid antiperspirant deodorant

• Spend time bra-less

• Dental health is key! Floss, brush & care for your teeth! More info from Gaye Mason Walden of Holistic Breast Health

Foods for Breast Health:

• Eat lots of fiber for hormone detox: cruciferous veggies

• Essential Fatty Acids: Flax, Chia, Sardines, Mussels, Oysters

• Seaweeds for Iodine

• Sweet Potatoes for progesterone

Flow for self breast/chest massage:

1. Start beneath the clavicle and upper chest

2. Massage the armpits

3. Massage the outside of the breast

4. Make circular motions with your hands underneath the breast and up the sternum

5. Massage along the top of the breasts/chest

6. Work your hands closer to the center/the nipple

7. Take extra time underneath the breast if you have matted lymph due to wearing bras

As always, thank you to the amazing Curtis James of @muunjuun for making the very groovy, very fun intro and outro beats!

Connect with Katie

Meal Delivery, Ayurvedic Health Consults, Sensual Suppers, Post Partum Doula support

https://www.awakenwithkatie.com/

https://www.instagram.com/katiering_/

The elements of fall and how to support your body in these times:

• We are at the crux between summer (hot/dry) and winter (wet/cold)

• Need to balance the hot and cold, as well as wet and dry

• Fall is dominated by the Vata dosha (Air and Ether) so we need more grounding and nourishing

• Eat seasonally in the fall: squash, sweet potatoes, apples, pears, pomegranates, figs, feijoas (guava), prickly pear

• Integrate brassicas for cleansing and detox properties (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussel sprouts)

• Ayurveda meal balance: 60% building foods (grains, protein, healthy carbs, fats), 40% cleansing foods (brassicas, legumes)

• Integrate healthy fats: tahini, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, almonds, cashews, bay nuts (add on to oatmeal, chia pudding, yogurt)

• Incorporate seaweed in meals

• Increase citrus for vitamin C and bitters - add citrus peels to your meals

• Collect your veggie scraps to make a broth- add carrots, celery, onion, parsley, thyme, bay leaf, seaweed, coriander, apple cider vinegar

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium):

• Energetics: warming, slightly drying

• Drink ¼ C of chopped yarrow leaves/flower or dried yarrow stepped in hot water if you feel yourself getting sick- can add ginger and honey for taste

• Yarrow provides digestive and immune support

Food as pleasure:

• Practice sitting down to eat

• Take time to eat breakfast

• Eat with good company

• Sit outside and listen to nature rather than your phone or TV

• Practice eating in silence every so often

• Try eating blindfolded with loved ones

• Try eating with your hands

• Make an ancestor plate to nourish the past and future generations

Stay tuned for our perinatal offerings!

• Ayurvedic Body Work

• Post Partum doula care

• Fertility consultations

• Nourishment, Stress Reduction, Safety

Thank you thank you to Curtis James of @muunjuun for the amazing intro and outro beats!!