Alternative Approach as Meditation and Stretching for Cyclic Mastalgia – A Narrative Review

Abstract

Cyclic mastalgia—breast pain linked to the menstrual cycle—is an extremely common yet often under-discussed health issue for women. While usually benign, its emotional and physical effects can be significant. Many women search for non-drug methods to manage their symptoms, especially when medications cause side effects or fail to give full relief. Meditation and stretching, both low- cost and accessible strategies, may help women reduce pain, improve posture, and regulate stress responses. This narrative review takes a closer, more human-centered look at these alternative approaches, synthesizing scientific research with clinical understanding to explore why meditation and stretching may work, how they can be applied, and what women can realistically expect. The review highlights promising evidence but emphasizes the need for better-targeted research in mastalgia specifically.