By Vrinda Devani, MD

The breasts have been used in symbolism since time immemorial.1 They have represented love and fertility, as well as sex and pleasure. But in the deep recesses of our mind, for men and women alike, dream interpretation theories show that breasts symbolize something even more integral-our primal need for motherly love, support, security, care and nourishment, because their function as an organ is to give just that. They also symbolize a woman’s innate desire to be beautiful and desired and, therefore, can have profound impacts on a woman’s self image.2

Thus, the breasts not only serve physical needs of sexual intimacy and breastfeeding, but also our energetic needs. Likewise, the state of our breasts and changes in them are huge clues as to what emotions are being processed or need processing. In this way, caring for our breasts is to care for our soul. A beautiful statement by Susan Weed in her book, Breast Cancer? Breast Health!, sums this idea up: “We cannot nurture others fully, unless we nurture ourselves.”

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About the author
As an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Vrinda Devani, MD has a passion for women’s health and empowering women towards vibrant health and living. She is a believer in unfolding the human body’s potential through a blend of complementary and allopathic medicine. She has been extremely fortunate to study Ayurveda extensively under Dr. Vasant Lad and further her studies in Ayurvedic women’s health with travels in Nepal with Dr. Sarita Shrestha. In addition to being a physician and certified Ayurvedic practitioner, she also has a love for yoga and is a certified AyurYoga teacher. She has been married for just about ten years to an incredibly supportive husband and is surrounded by family who are also Ayurveda enthusiasts.