Maximize Health And Recovery Through The Breath

Maximize Health and Recovery 

The diaphragmatic breath is the most calming and therapeutic breath. When constant stress leads to restriction of connective and muscular tissue in the chest area; a decrease in ROM (Range of Motion) is experienced. This decrease is due in part to unconscious shallow breathing. The chest does not expand as much as it would with slower and deeper breaths. Deeper diaphragmatic breathing is efficient because of the greater amounts of oxygen being drawn in the blood which then flows in the lower lobes of the lungs. Breathe Consciously. “It is as simple as oxygen helping to nourish the body, the muscles, and organs which then provides relief from stress, fear and anxiety. Slow, deep, and relaxed breaths calm the autonomic nervous system, producing balanced stable energy.  Conscious breathing does improve the body’s immune function, and lower blood pressure. Make a conscious decision to start with 5 to 10 minutes a day of deep breathing. 

To learn yoga breathing techniques visit Breast Cancer Yoga and download our “Breast Cancer Yoga Breathing Techniques” E-book

Author & Founder: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

January 26, 2012

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Breast Cancer Yoga Breathing CD Trailer

Where There Is A Prop, There’s A Way

No pose is too big or too small, all you need is the right yoga props and a good attitute. Pick a restorative yoga practice of your choice that will offer an opportunity to explore different props and diffrent poses. Using flowing movements before coming into a sustain pose with props will help to warm up muscles, and offer the opportunity to settle down. Movement also provide the chance to shed restlessness and any agitation before settling into a place of surrender.

Props are to be use, so use them generously; blocks, pillows, bolsters, blankets, sandbags, eye pillows and belts. The more support that is felt, the deeper sense of relaxation and nurturance. Make sure when using the props that they feel “just right.”  A little adjustment here, or a little adjustment there, can make all the difference in the world. I mean that, so please explore the placements of the props. One inch can transform a supported pose; allowing you to  feel like you are in heaven. Here in lies your opportunity to tune inwards, and intuitively feel what is needed. For some, restorative poses may create a challenge for the mind to settle down and relax, so don’t be hard on yourself; just allow it to happen.  In time and with practice the feelings of comfort and healing will draw you into the present moment, where the real work is for peace and acceptance. The power of the props are not just to support the physical body through this time of healing but a time to find a quiet understanding. This is where questions are either answered or they lose their importance. 

Taking this valuable time for yourself to be supported with props is imperative. When in breast cancer recovery this maybe a time for emotional healing to be felt and absorbed. It will awaken an awareness inside, where we need not pretend; but realize we can become responsible for change. This awareness exists beyond words and props.

By: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

Founder: Breast Cancer Yoga

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FREE Preview "Standing Yoga Poses for Breast Cancer Recovery and Lymphedema Management" E-book

Breast Cancer Yoga has released Standing Yoga Poses E-book as apart of our "Healthy & Hopeful Lifestyle" E-book Series. Free preview of Standing Yoga Poses

Standing Yoga Poses E-book Contains

“Healthy & Hopeful Lifestyle” E-book Series contain specific restorative yoga poses that assist in breast cancer post-surgical recovery, fatigue and lymphedema management. Also included is a standing therapeutic breathing exercise which is an essential tool for reduction of stress, anxiety and depression. Complementary Therapies included in this E-book are herbal teas, massage oils, and aromatherapy to further enhance healing.

Benefits of Standing Yoga Poses

Standing Yoga Poses E-book introduces our first “upright” yoga series. Here the emphasis is placed on developing stamina, flexibility and strength. Balance is a key component in standing. The use of legs and arms builds the whole body. This provides a clearer understanding on how we control our physical and emotional direction by developing this sense of being grounded and being present.

Yoga Helps Overcome Obstacles During Recovery

Remember as you begin to practice yoga poses with awareness, you not only begin to feel better but you will also be able to feel; that is, you become sensitive to everything and everyone around you. As inner awareness expands and deepens both within and outside the body, we consciously begin to overcome obstacles of fear, pain, anxiety. You can practice yoga in such a way that the practice becomes a much “larger yoga.” Our true nature is revealed through this new sensitivity and awareness. We intuitively begin to discover how to overcome certain obstacles on this journey with breast cancer.

By: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

Founder: Breast Cancer Yoga

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Prevent Breast Cancer with Healthy Lifestyle Choices for 2012

Necessary Lifestyle Choices for Optimum Health

An anti-cancer lifestyle will include a variety of exercise, organic foods, clean pure water and air. There are a few easy steps to keep the body safe and healthy. It is important to cultivate an awareness of what feels and taste right going into your body. It is equally important to stop and take notice of bad choices. Ask yourself “Is this good or bad for me? “Will it make me feel better or worse?”  We all want to feel alive and vital.

Exercise – Yoga
Practicing restorative yoga has shown through studies to encourage and improve sleep and to enhance overall quality of life. (Reuters Health) – About one third of breast cancer survivors experience fatigue that affects their quality of life. A new study found that doing yoga might help restore some lost vitality. There are some simple suggestions to start exploring a change in vitality.

• Find a restorative yoga class  
• Buy a therapeutic yoga DVD
• Watch Breast Cancer Yoga on YouTube

Cancer Prevention Foods – Vegetarian/Vegan Diet
It is suggested to eat a plant base diet of fruits and vegetables: make your diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables that are full of micronutrients and bioflavonoids which are duly noted to help prevent breast cancer or other cancers. Here are some simple choices to select from to start improving your health.

• Order a vegetarian/vegan starter kit
• Start by adding healthy food choices to diet

Water Therapy – Alkaline Water
Alkaline water (referred to as ionized water) can neutralize or decrease the acidity of the body’s pH caused by stress, modern diet, and air pollution. We suggest trying this water and feeling the possible positive effects.

• Find a water store and get alkaline water by the gallon (it usually stays charged with negative ions for up to 48 hours)
• Purchase if possible a home alkaline water system that filters pollutants as well as charging the water with negative ions and anti oxidants
• Benefit from the many ways to use alkaline water like necessary hydration for the body’s cells

Manage Stress – Learn to Breathe
Deep breathing is vital in that it encourages the release of body toxins, rebuild healthy tissue which consequently increases overall energy. This true oxygen exchange stimulates digestion, assimilation and elimination. A very important function of breathing fully and slowly is that the body’s natural relaxation response is prompted. This relaxation response results in decreased tension, anxiety and fatigue. A great place to start is with our single down-loadable breathing exercises or you could do the following.

• Purchase a therapeutic breathing CD
• Read books on how to breathe correctly
• Explore breathing exercise e-books

Laugh Often – Emotional Balancing
It has been shown that even when manipulated to smile people in truth feel happier and joyful. Laughter can stop depression right in its tracks and boosts our immunity. We suggest the following to bring on happiness.

• Have a daily joke sent to your e-mail
• Watch funny YouTube videos
• Listen to the comedy channel on the radio
• Download comedians from iTunes

By : Diana Ross, E-RYT 500
Founder & Survivor: Breast Cancer Yoga

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Breast Cancer Yoga Welcomes A Healthy 2012

Breast Cancer Yoga wants to wish everyone a "Healthy & Hopeful" new year!