Yoga Pose For Breast Cancer "Lazy Leg Twist & Flow"

Visit www.breastcanceryoga.com
Purpose of Twists
Twists can boost energy when feeling tired or fatigued. When we twist, we literally squeeze tension and toxins out from the body. In twisting poses, our muscles have an opportunity to squeeze and relax, and once finished, the area that released will then experience a rush of blood and nutrients.
Results of Twists
The intervertebral discs and ligaments stretch and lengthen which helps maintain spinal flexibility. The twists offered in this e-book promote improved digestion and elimination because twists aid in the cleansing and massaging of the internal organs. Twists have been known to produce much needed energy which can be used to carry out our daily routines. Using twisting poses to support and encourage a balancing of emotions helps decrease stress. Let's not forget that twists also improve respiratory function when there is stretching and compression.
When Doing Twists
A few things to remember before doing a twist is to lengthen the spine, yet soften the shoulders down to increase flexibility. If there isn't lengthening going on, the ROM (range of motion) will be limited in the rotation. Start the twist from the base of the spine rather than pushing into it. This will maintain safety for the spine and allow the twist to be right where it should be, and not past it.
When to do Seated Poses
Before you start anything new or return to your exercise routine, it is important to ask your health care provider to give you the go ahead to begin. Then if you feel that you can sit with supporting props for a certain amount of time and not feel too fatigued or physically uncomfortable, it is then time to try.
Twists and the Breath
When moving into a twisting action there may be a feeling of constriction in the lungs. Consequently, the lower lungs start working at their minimum capacity, thereby making the mid and upper lungs work harder and with less discomfort. The ability to develop and direct an even breath into the most open space in the body while in a twist, (not focusing on the compression) is beneficial for overcoming stress. When stress arises, our body may tense up which then may hamper the breath. It is here where the lack of directing the breath properly may be recognized. Learning to work with the breath while doing twists can be very therapeutic.

Arms Over Backbend Yoga Pose

Visit http://www.breastcanceryoga.com to learn more about yoga for breast cancer & lymphedema.

Introducing: Lorraine Aguilar, P.T., ERYT 500 Demonstrating Arms Over backbend. Lorraine is the director/founder of http://www.YogaFlowStudio.com .Lorraine has been a practicing Physical Therapist since 1991 and specializes in yoga therapeutics and orthopedic manual therapy. Lorraine has been practicing yoga since 1992 and teaching since 1995.

We wanted to introduce her style and enthusiasm of teaching this restorative yoga pose which we will call "Arms Over BackBend". This is great pose for those in recovery and for managing or preventing lymphedema.


Arm Over BackBend

BENEFITS
Quickly promotes inner calm
Elevates chest, and deepens breath
Promotes lymphatic drainage of breasts and pectoral muscles
Post surgical benefits of reducing fibrous adhesions and scar tissue

INSTRUCTIONS
1) Begin seated on the earth with your back to a large bolster and legs extended. A yoga  block can be used to support the head when in the full backbend.
2) Place a belt, shoulder distance around the forearms. Lengthen the spine and fold over the bolster. Lift and draws arms over head and feel yourself reaching and lengthening the side body,  and arms. The belt helps with the arms not separating out to side and creates a bit of resistance.
3) Feel your breath nice and full. Let your spine relax into the bolster so to enjoy this unfolding of the spine. If you wish  to go deeper you can remove the block but please do what is most comfortable.
4) When finished, rise up and come into a soft forward bend.

Visit our family operated website http://www.breastcanceryoga.com to learn more.

Cancer Stories: Yoga Reduces Cancer Related Fatigue

Cancer Stories: Yoga Reduces Cancer Related Fatigue:

Yoga Reduces Cancer Related Fatigue

Reduce Cancer-Related Fatigue, (CRF)
Fatigue is very common in breast cancer patients. Fatigue can prevent you from functioning normally and impacts the quality of life. Poor oxygenation due to improper breathing contributes also to low energy that causes listlessness and depression. Consider the following to reduce fatigue:

• Practicing specific flowing poses
• Breathing properly
• Eating well
• Getting enough rest will ultimately allow for energy to return

Breast Cancer Yoga has created a new yoga DVD that can be used for cancer related fatigue. This DVD contains unique restorative yoga poses that are gentle, flowing and meditative. The DVD's focus is on building strength, flexibility and potential for breast cancer recovery. Breast Cancer Yoga is designed to repair breast tissue, improve circulation of lymph and blood flow. It encourages feelings of safety and support through the use of props. Synchronized movement and breath create a mood of meditation, and relaxation. All combined there is increased vitality and hope. ​

Cancer Stories: Breast Cancer Yoga Therapeutic Products

Cancer Stories: Breast Cancer Yoga Therapeutic Products: Breast Cancer Yoga products offer true love and support for the receiver.

Breast Cancer Yoga Therapeutic Products

Breast Cancer Yoga products offer true love and support for the receiver.

1. Start with the "Gentle Restorative Yoga" DVD practice, and the yoga is just that; gentle and restorative.
2. Next indulge in a well needed dry brush massage for exfoliating the skin and stimulating the lymphatic system.
3. Then take a soothing bath of pink bath salts. This will  replenish vital minerals for your body. 
4. After therapeutic bath, mist a calming aromatic spray of lavender to the skin and then apply the aloe vera cream (offered in gift basket) to moisture even more. 
5. Use the soft lotus candle for restful and soothing lighting. Available in our gift baskets. http://www.breastcanceryoga.com/GiftB...
6. There are four nourishing tea blends to explore Sleepy, Tummy, Sleep and Immune.
7. Additional items offered in our gift baskets are a beautiful tea cup, tea ball, 12 honey sticks, crystallized ginger and papaya.
8. The "Breath With Purpose" CD is an added pleasure for quieting the mind and healing the body. Use it while experiencing the quiet of your bath experience. 
9. Give the gift of love.

http://www.breastcanceryoga.com

10 Healthy Tips For Breast Cancer Well-Being

Cancer Stories: 10 Healthy Tips For Breast Cancer Well-Being: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500 Visit www.breastcanceryoga.com

10 Healthy Tips For Breast Cancer Well-Being

Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

Visit www.breastcanceryoga.com

Develop a healthy lifestyle by incorporating the following healthy tips. A suggested anticancer lifestyle is a lifestyle that includes a variety of exercise, organic foods and clean pure water.  There are a few easy steps to keep your body safe and healthy. Cultivate awareness of what goes into your body; stop and take notice of your habits.  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. 

Here are some great suggestions

TIP ONE - START A YOGA PRACTICEGentle or restorative yoga poses can be very healing if done with care and awareness. Once you receive clearance from your doctor to begin exercise, a gentle or restorative yoga practice may be very healing in stretching the area of the incision, the calming down of the stress attached to the surgery as well as bringing the ROM, (range of motion) back to the entire area of the chest.

 TIP TWO - LEARN HOW TO BREATHEDeep breathing is vital; it encourages the release of body toxins, and rebuilds healthy tissue. It is as simple as oxygen helping to nourish the body, the muscles, and organs which then provides relief from stress, fear and anxiety. 

 TIP THREE - TRY TO EAT A PLANT BASED DIET Your diet really does make a difference when it comes to breast cancer prevention and recovery. A plant based diet should be a fundamental part of a healthy cancer free lifestyle. Make your diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables which are duly noted to help prevent breast cancer or other cancers. 

 TIP FOUR - DRINK MEDICINAL HERBAL TEASIt is acknowledged in the medical community that herbal remedies do play a vital part of holistic healing for cancers. Herbal teas can aid in cancer symptoms or help build overall health. 

TIP FIVE - USE AROMATHERAPYLavender hydrosol is thought to have a cooling and soothing effect on sunburns or skin irritations, and it smells so relaxing. Aromatherapy can help you navigate the terrain of your healing journey from surviving to thriving during cancer recovery. Lavender hydrosol can be applied daily to skin to help soothe the mind, body & spirit. 

TIP SIX - TAKE A BATH IN PINK SALTSBathing in a warm Himalayan crystal “pink salt” bath for 20+ minutes promotes deep relaxation, and helps to detox your body. This healthy salt bath can be considered as a complementary therapy if used with the intention to restore the body with its active 84 essential minerals and trace minerals. Taking regular saltwater baths with Himalayan pink salt will aid in detoxification, will strengthen the immune system, will heal skin diseases, relieve rheumatism and joint diseases, balance the skin's pH, and aid in recovery after surgery. 

TIP SEVEN - INCLUDE DAILY DRY BRUSHINGDry skin brushing increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic wastes, which greatly aids the lymphatic drainage of the entire body. When the body rids itself of toxins, it is able to run more efficiently in all areas. Dry brushing increases circulation of the lymphatic system, which helps the body detox through the skin, and other elimination systems within the body. 

TIP EIGHT - BREATHE CLEAN AIRThere are increasingly more studies that support the findings that everyday products found in our homes and in our water supply is responsible for the rising rates of breast cancer. You can reduce the pollutants in the air with air purification . It is proven that between dust mites, chemical emissions from various products, mold and spores, all of which contribute to higher increase in breast cancer.

 TIP NINE - USE ALKALINE WATERAdvocates of alkaline water claim that by drinking alkaline water you can help to neutralize acid in your bloodstream, increase oxygen levels in your body and your energy level and metabolism. Ionized Water is a powerful antioxidant. Since ionized water is a liquid antioxidant, it is easily absorbed into the body which makes it much more effective and powerful antioxidant.

 TIP TEN - LOVE YOURSELF The body realizes all the care and love we give it. Bring yourself and your attention into the present moment by slowing down the “mind chatter.” Don’t anticipate negativity or dwell in fear. Stay focused on positive thoughts. Visualize a healthy future; see it, be it. Rent funny movies and laugh; laughter is good medicine. Teach yourself to relax the body. Train the mind to stay focused on the breath.

 Visit http://www.breastcanceryoga.com

http://twitter.com/#!/BreastYoga

https://www.facebook.com/BreastCancerYoga 

Breast Cancer Yoga

Exercise For Breast Cancer

Here are a few points regarding exercise during and post-surgery and/or treatment:

• Strength training will support bone integrity that becomes compromised with chemo and steroids. Discuss this with your physician if lymph nodes are affected in your cancer treatment or lymphodema in the arm is present.
• A moderate/low intensity cardio program will support a healthy heart, circulation and mood – a mild sweat is a good guideline. Do wipe off the sweat so it does not re-enter the body, after all, the skin is an organ of elimination. (While undergoing radiation treatment, do discuss this with your doctor, as there are restrictions.)
• Clothing might present some challenges. Make comfortable and organic cotton choices that allow free movement and airflow.
• Physical therapy, post-therapy exercise will provide ROM (range of motion) as incisions start to heal. You want to avoid restrictions in movement to prevent secondary shoulder, wrist, neck and back problems. The process of regaining full range of motion after surgery does take time.
• Acupuncture on the scares and adhesions is a good idea as scars can disrupt the nervous system. At the same time it will boost immune function and provide stress reduction. It is necessary to wait for healing of the skin.
  Fatigue must be respected – yet a gentle exercise program will actually increase energy and support lymphatic flow.
• Posture exercises: With the physical, emotional and psychological trauma, it is ‘normal’ to pull inwards in a protective manner esp. after surgery. Awareness and gentle exercises that pay attention to good posture will support the physical body and energetic flow between organs and glands.
• Social support and laughter are so important. If possible seek out a fun, nurturing and safe environment. Uplifting music does help too!
• Radiation adversely affects heart and lung health. (I am aware that this is a controversial point.) The bottom line is: Do support your cardiovascular system

READ FULL ARTICLE AT BREAST CANCER AUTHORITY BLOG
In the meantime, let’s keep walking, healing and smiling!
About Rika Keck: Find Rika at NYIntegratedHealth.com
 . Rika specializes in Nutrition, Fitness and  Women’s Wellness. Rika is Certified in Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, also a CMTA Speaker, Corporate Wellness Consultant and Holistic Life Coach.
Rika Keck, FDN, ACN, CMTA
http://www.NYIntegratedHealth.com
646 285-8588
646 285-8588