October breast care month
OCTOBER BREAST CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH
This article is exclusively for WOMEN to appreciate the importance of regular breast care and checkup for any noticeable changes that may require further medical investigation to detect any unfortunate growth of cancer at an early stage before it is getting too late to treat.
Most women may consider BREAST SIZE, SHAPE & BEAUTY to be very important as a symbol of beauty, self-esteem, breastfeeding, sexual attraction, and arousal. Nevertheless, these factors including size have no bearing on her ability of WOMANHOOD?
Normally BREASTS may continue to develop fully only until pregnancy & lactation depending on genes, lifestyle, body weight, exercise, nutritional food, and massage. Once they fully develop then thereafter there is no likelihood of any significant change in their size and shape. Breasts are composed of fatty tissue and not muscle, chest exercises can mainly facilitate strengthening overall muscles around breasts enhancing their appearance and making them look better in shape to some extent.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-EXAMINATION & AWARENESS CANNOT BE OVERLOOKED.
TODAY’S MAIN CONCERN HAPPENS TO BE BREAST CANCER THAT HAS often remained undetected in many cases till the untreatable stage due to lack of care and awareness.
GENTLE BREAST MASSAGE AND SELF EXAMINATION
while exercising & regular breast examination can be helpful but A REGULAR GENTLE BREAST MASSAGE could also be very helpful providing multiple benefits in many ways like; alleviating muscle tension, activating energy, refreshing the breast skin; improving the inner circulatory system, flushes lymph system, increasing the lactation, observes abnormalities, boosts immunity, unblocks energy channels, reduces the risk of breast cancer and feeling more connected to the body.
Massage combined with self-examination can help to detect any lumps or abnormalities early in their development enabling immediate medical attention and timely treatment.
FLUSH LYMPH SYSTEM
AYURVEDA relies strongly on Breast massage as an effective preventive measure that allows movement of stagnant energy from vulnerable areas boosting the immune system and also helping to FLUSH LYMPH SYSTEM because that depends on movement, stretching, and light activity without having any pumping support like the heart.
EASY METHOD OF SELF MASSAGING;
1. Generally it is easy and there’s no right or wrong way excepting that you have to apply very gentle and light pressure, circular motions, and smooth strokes.
2. It’s best to use any basic heated oil like sesame or sunflower or others.
3. Cup your breast with your hand from underneath & massage gently from the outer breast to the nipple.
4. Continue in a circular motion/ slow clockwise circle, moving from the nipple toward the outside of the breasts and then to the armpits and breastbone as well.
5. Moving hands upward toward collarbone, shoulder joint and neck can help detoxify the lymph nodes and unclog any channels.
CAUTION:
It’s absolutely necessary to massage breasts carefully, softly & gently.
DISCLAIMER;
This is not a substitute for any professional advice or medical treatment. Massage can be harmful to persons having any health issues, complicated symptoms, or medical conditions & it is always advisable to consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.3% Yes
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15% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
The Story of Hine and Tāne Mahuta - Day 12
Long ago, Hine-te-Aroha, a daughter of the great chief Tāwhaki, was known for her beauty and devotion to the atua (gods). She was deeply connected to Tāne Mahuta, the atua of the forest and creator of humankind. In a past life, Hine had pledged herself to Tāne Mahuta, dedicating her aroha (love) and wairua (spirit) to him.
However, her father Tāwhaki disapproved of Tāne Mahuta. He saw Tāne as a humble being who spent his days nurturing the ngahere (forest) and the creatures of the world, living a simple life far from the wealth and prestige of a chief. Tāwhaki wanted his daughter to marry a great warrior or chief, someone who could uphold their mana (status). When Tāwhaki held a grand celebration to find a suitable match for Hine, Tāne Mahuta, knowing his humble lifestyle would draw scorn, chose not to attend.
Despite Tāne’s warning, Hine attended the celebration out of loyalty to her father. During the festivities, Tāwhaki openly ridiculed Tāne Mahuta, speaking of his simple ways and lack of riches. Hine, unable to bear the insults to her beloved, declared her undying love for Tāne and consigned herself to the ceremonial fire, joining the wairua realm.
Tāne Mahuta, upon learning of this, was overwhelmed with aroha and grief. He sent his mighty winds, led by Tāwhirimātea, to dismantle Tāwhaki’s gathering and humble the chief for his arrogance. Yet, Tāne’s love for Hine remained steadfast, and he vowed to bring her back. Hine was reborn as Hine-te-Waiora, the daughter of the sacred mountain ranges.
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The Test of Devotion
As she grew, Hine-te-Waiora remembered her bond with Tāne Mahuta and began her karakia (prayers) to him. She vowed to marry only Tāne, despite her father showing her many wealthy and powerful suitors. Her devotion turned into months of rigorous karakia and fasting atop a sacred maunga (mountain).
The ngahere (forest) around her became peaceful, the winds softened, and even the fiercest creatures of the wild grew tame in her presence. Seasons came and went, but her focus never wavered.
Meanwhile, Tāne Mahuta, still grieving his past loss, had vowed never to take another partner. However, the atua noticed the chaos spreading in the human world as malevolent forces thrived unchecked. It was prophesied that only a child born of Tāne Mahuta and Hine-te-Waiora could restore balance.
To test her aroha and devotion, Tāne disguised himself as an old koroua (elder) and visited her. Pretending to doubt Tāne’s worth, he mocked him, saying, “Why would you dedicate yourself to a humble atua who lives among trees and birds? You could marry a great chief who could provide wealth and status.”
Hine-te-Waiora, though respectful, became enraged. “You may be an elder, but your words dishonor the one I love. Tāne Mahuta is the kaitiaki (guardian) of all life, and his mana is unmatched. I will hear no more of your insults!”
At that moment, the koroua revealed himself as Tāne Mahuta. “You have proven your unwavering aroha and devotion,” he said with pride. He took her as his bride, and together they returned to the sacred ngahere to restore harmony to the world.
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Moral of the Story
This story teaches us that aroha (love) and pono (devotion) have the power to overcome all obstacles. When guided by sincerity and deep faith, even the greatest challenges can be transformed. Like Hine-te-Waiora, we are reminded to remain steadfast in our values and trust in the wairua to guide us. True love is not swayed by wealth or appearances but rooted in deep connection and understanding. Through aroha and devotion, balance and harmony can be restored to ourselves and the world around us.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
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