Can you agree that we live in a more stressful society than ever before? Your health is your most precious commodity, do you agree with that? I know a lot of wealthy people, but their wealth has never bought them their health. Would you agree that you can invest in your health today or your sickness tomorrow because either way can be expensive, but either way you’re going to pay a price? Did you know that there is a link between stress and breast cancer?
Twelve years ago, I probably would not have even thought about these questions. After all, I “thought” I was living a healthy lifestyle. But after my first child was born I found a lump in my left breast. My midwife sent me for a mammogram. I was scared, I felt helpless and alone, and I was thinking of the worst-case scenario – breast cancer. The “mass” looked suspicious so they sent me for a biopsy. At that point, my fears were overwhelming my every thought. I could not think straight, eat, or function. After a painful procedure (that still ails me 15 years later), we found out it was benign. Praise God.
In retrospect, would I have done things differently? Absolutely! Knowledge is power and my goal is to empower you with information to help you to naturally support your body. Welcome to my October 20/20 Freedom Series: Understanding the The Link Between Stress and Breast Cancer.
GET TO THE ROOTS
Stress is the leading cause of so many chronic diseases, even breast cancer. ! Yet stress often goes “undiagnosed” because isn’t considered a medical diagnosis. How? Stress increases the release of cortisol your body and disrupts its normal function. It also increasesinflammation and compromised your immune function and creates a breeding ground for disease.
What happens when people are stressed? Most people eat comfort foods that are processed and high in sugar, drink alcohol, smoke, or participate in a toxic activity that results in guilt. Not only are you stressing your body in these situations you have added another layer. With unhealthy lifestyle choices comes an unbalanced ph level in your body, which is just waiting for trouble.
WHAT CAN I DO?
There are many resources available for breast cancer awareness and prevention. Consider these three breast cancer prevention stress detox tips:
- Incorporate gratitude prayer into your morning and evening routine. What three things are you grateful for? Spend a few moments practicing gratitude by thanking God for three things. Start and end your day with gratitude.
- Take 2-3 mindful minutes throughout your day. Set aside 1-5 minutes to incorporate aromatherapy relaxation into your day. Add 1-2 drops of Young Living essential oil to the palm of your hand, close your eyes, cup your hands over your nose and mouth, breathe in, and exhale. Repeat.
- Massage the Ladies. You should get comfortable taking on a hands-on approach to protecting your breasts. In addition to your monthly self-check, consider adding breast massage to your nightly routine. Apply breast health Young Living essential oils with a carrier oil and gently massage breasts using lymphatic massage technique.
Young Living Essential Oil Spotlight
A few years ago, a local chiropractor asked me to lead a women’s health class focusing on the benefits of Young Living essential oils. I formulated two special blends to use with the lymphatic massage techniques (see link above). They help increase circulation and lymphatic function,soften fibrous tissue, and provides an aromatically pleasing experience. Let’s talk about one of the essential oils I used in the blend.
Lemongrass essential oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus) has a subtle, herbaceous-citrus aroma. Lemongrass is purifying, helps improve circulation, and promotes lymph flow. Add 1 drop of lemongrass to 4 drops of carrier oil and massage into your breasts (massage the ladies) using the lymphatic massage technique (see link above). Lemongrass also has many uses for detoxing your home and environment. Add a couple of drops to your diffuser and cleaning solutions for a relaxing, purifying experience.
WHAT NEXT?
Recognizing that stress is an underlying issue is the first step to becoming a healthier, more JOYful YOU. I provide individual J.O.Y. Strategy Sessions that focus on helping you overcome barriers to improve productivity, reduce stress, and empower you to live out your joyful purpose. Begin with an individual strategy session or a Young Living Premium Starter Kit for toxin-free living.
As a bonus, I will send you my Women’s Breast Health rollerball recipes so you can massage the ladies. I will also include the benefits of each of the essential oils in the blends. Upon completion, email joyfullinspirations@gmail.com and put LHL BREAST HEALTH in the subject line for your free essential oil recipes. For anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer or knows someone who has, you may find this additional resource, How to Create a Healing Space for Recovery Post-Surgery, helpful.
I the look forward to supporting you.
Blessings and joy,
Dr. Joy
Dr. Letticia Callies (a.k.a. Dr. Joy) is on a mission to spread joy around the world. She helps people who are stuck or overwhelmed by helping them get the results they need to live out their joyful purpose. She uses a combination of evidence-based strategies to help you bounce back when you fall, empower and encourage you in your faith, improve your overall wellness, and help you discover more time to do what you love. Her joyful demeanor and compassionate communication help motivate her clients to make positive changes that simply become second nature.
Dr. Callies is the wife of her best friend for over 20 years; she is a mom to four boys and two girls. She is the founder of JOYFull Inspirations, LLC, an author, homeschool educator, worship dancer, and joy-lettering journalist. She enjoys spending time with her family, sampling tea, leading joy-handlettering Bible studies, and creating healthy recipes in the kitchen.