Showing posts with label anxiety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anxiety. Show all posts

Saturday, September 30, 2017

How To Use Mindfulness And The Breath For Breast Cancer Recovery


By:  Breast Cancer Yoga

Why is it so Important?  What Does Mindful mean?
Mindful Means “being conscious or aware of something directly.” Once mindful, you then can then foster positive change through the development of a mindful practice, like yoga or breathing. Mindfulness, whereby combining the breath consciously with yoga movements brings this awareness of the mind right into the present moment. Right where it needs to be in order to move forward and heal.

Why It is so Important to be Mindful
Because it stops the negative chatter of a restless and wandering mind. Stress and anxiety are some of the byproducts of this unmindfulness. We may also become careless and lack clarity in making good decisions, especially health decisions. It is right now, here where you become “present” to whatever is, or isn’t.  Learning how to stay in a mindful state allows you to get past that which may cause undue stress or harm. This can be attained through the proper training of the breath, focus of the mind and movement of the body.  When both the breath, mind and body come together, consciously, the ability to create relaxation and a new found state of clarity is then realized.  Here you can tackle recovery head on and with deep purpose.

How Does the Breath Make us Mindful?
Breast Cancer Yoga“When the mind wanders; the breath is sure to follow.” It is stated in yogic practices  that when the mind jumps all over it is called “the monkey mind.” This unfocused mind can create a lot of stress and anxiety, all of which has a negative impact on the mind and body causing a profound effect on the autonomic nervous system which then increases stress hormones and overall emotional responses.

How Does it Help Breast Cancer Recovery?
The reason being mindful is so valuable is that the mind is deeply incorporated with the breath.  A mindful practice is cultivated through learning how to use the breath positively,  or in partnership with the mind.  It is an intentional act of unity, whereby unconscious thoughts and feelings of the mind are then brought to a single point of attention. This is achieved one way by focusing fully on the breath.  Through rhythmically breathing (inhale and exhale of the same duration) we tap into our deepest inner resources for healing, and for relaxation. By flowing through a series of breaths, the body experiences an inner calm which then awakens the prana (life energy) and moves the mind towards a higher level of understanding.  It is through the control of the breath, that the mind will reflect a higher knowledge and a positive state of confidence and self-esteem.  It is  emotionally  challenging to learn you have cancer.  A natural response is “Can I do this? “ Let this be the yoga practice of self-understanding.

Mindful Yoga And Breathing Exercises For Breast Cancer
The deeper the commitment to a Mindful Yoga and Breathing practice, the deeper the relaxation response will manifest, healing the trauma of worry, anxiety and fear associated with the diagnosis of breast cancer. It is challenging to start a yoga practice when this the fear, stress, anxiety and depression surface. It is precisely at that time that we need support, not only from our doctors, families and friends, but most importantly from other women who have breast cancer or even another type of cancer. These personal connections help us to feel “part of” a community who understands our emotions and experiences. Unconditional love creates miracles!  Creating a strong support system and a safe place to be (oneself) are paramount to alleviating the stress that derives from breast cancer.  A clear mind, a full breath and a body in motion are paramount for recovery. YOU are responsible for your healing process and progress so breathe deeply and move freely. 
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Friday, February 13, 2015

Laughter As Medicine For Breast Cancer Recovery

By Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

I want to share my feelings on laughter and joy  as part of the healing cycle of cancer recovery, and for that matter, many conditions. Undoubtedly, laughter has  a real beneficial effect on our physical and emotional health. A robust, gut explosive laugh simply feels good. It literally melts stress away.

So why aren’t we laughing more to relieve our stress and improve our health?
It may be a challenge to get out of our own way. So often we take life and our circumstances too seriously, and it doesn’t serve us to do so. Truth be told, some days you might have to fake it when you just don’t feel like laughing, and here’s a good reason to go through the motions: studies show that even when manipulated to smile people actually feel happier. Laughter stops depression in its tracks.

I know for myself when I stop and watch a good sitcom or read a funny email from a friend, I focus only  on this lighter side, and it lifts me. Even studies show the more you laugh the more positive you become; you just feel better about practically everything. Medical research on laughter Studies at the University  of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore (2005)   are among many that show groundbreaking results in terms of laughter’s role in  the health of the mind and body.  There is a strong connection between blood  vessel expansion (vasodilation) through laughter, at least during those seconds and moments when we are laughing and for a little while beyond. Improvements in blood flow have actually  found to be equal to those from a 15-30 minute  workout. Researchers believe laughing causes the body  to release endorphins, or “natural pain killers.” These endorphins contribute to a sense of well being; they counteract the effects of stress hormones, and cause dilation of the blood vessels. Even anticipating laughter can increase endorphin levels.

Laughter and our immune system
Studies show that when we laugh, lymph fluid moves more efficiently through our bodies; an immune system booster and way to eliminate what we do not need. That’s because with better lymph flow we clear out old, dead waste and toxins from our organs and muscle tissue. It’s important to understand that our lymph system doesn’t have it’s own pump; we need to move around (and breath deeply) to properly circulate lymph. Laughter supports this function.

Laughter’s greatest power
We know that now is the time to pull out all the stops and help ourselves get better. Laughter’s ability to help in this arena is perhaps its greatest power. It puts us in a positive state of mind, and that’s just what we need to bring us through the physical and emotional roller coaster ride of cancer. We need to reduce our levels of chronic stress (our journey with cancer may  have just begun). 

We need to boost our immune system function; protect our nervous system; and 
my God, our sanity. Well, “Laughter is the Best Medicine.”

I cannot say  enough about laughing, right down to the fact that the people around us will enjoy  our company, which will support our well being.  Go check out funny videos; YouTube is full of funny. Rent funny  movies. I guarantee you a good laugh or two.
Diana RossAbout Diana Ross:  E-RYT 500 restorative yoga teacher, survivor that cares and founder of Breast Cancer Yoga. Diana is making a difference with Breast Cancer Yoga therapeutic products designed to support you emotionally and physically during breast cancer . We want to give you the attention and personal service you need so please email us at info@breastcanceryoga.com if you have questions.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Breathe With Purpose - Breathing Exercise CD For Breast Cancer Recovery

“Breathe With Purpose”

Easy to Learn Breathing Exercises for Creating Inner Calm, the Sense of Being Present and the Ability to Release Mental Tension.

Breathe with Purpose” is a step by step instructional audio CD that will teach you how easy it can be to learn how to breath properly.   You will also learn that the quality of the mind is linked directly to the quality of the breath.

With our breathing exercise CD you will receive 6 breathing exercises for breast cancer recovery, stress management and cancer related fatigue. Each CD is 60 minutes with an introduction, benefits and 6 breathing exercises. This collection of therapeutic breathing exercises was created specifically for breast cancer recovery management.

Spiritual: By learning how to breath with awareness you will become the recipient of the benefits that“true breathing” has to offer.  From one ambit is the unconscious, instinctive breath and within the other ambit is the ability to restraint and manage the breath. Somewhere in between lies the intrinsic breath, a conscious continuous flow of air which arises from deep inside of us and returns from whence it came. “Breathing Within the Breath” allows you to seek out insight - insight into the impermanent nature of all mental and physical knowledge.  Allowing for the quiet continuous breath you can begin to hear what the internal heart has to truly say.  The body relaxes and the feeling of releasing tension is felt. Through clear and continuous instruction, each breath will guide you there, and the sense of “being, or being present” will prevail.

Physical: There are two great systems at work when breathing that are instrumental in the flow of vital air.  These two systems, the respiratory and circulatory system bind together to support one another when breathing is in harmony. The respiratory system serves as the vehicle for the gas exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide.  The circulatory system takes charge of the circulation of oxygen for the metabolic process and for the removal of carbon dioxide.  Carbon dioxide forms as a waste product once it has oxidized. It is here that the physical benefits avail themselves. When there is a quality to breathing we absorb more (prana) life energy and more oxygen from the air. Anything that restricts the movement of the diaphragm restricts the breath. When taking in deeper, fuller inhalations more oxygen can be absorbed which then effectively releases carbon dioxide from the lungs. There is another very important aspect to using the breath correctly and that it becomes the conduit for stress and anxiety relief.

Dawn Breast CancerAbout Dawn Bradford Lange:  Co-founder of Breast Cancer Yoga. Dawn is making a difference with Breast Cancer Yoga therapeutic products designed to support you emotionally and physically during breast cancer . We want to give you the attention and personal service you need so please email us at info@breastcanceryoga.com if you have questions.

Saturday, May 10, 2014

How Does Yoga Help Those Undergoing Treatment For (Breast) Cancer?

Yoga For Breast Cancer
www.BreastCancerYoga.com
Yoga addresses the side effect distresses of (breast) cancer. These side effects can include lymphedema (swelling), cancer-related fatigue, nausea, pain, weight loss, sleep disorders, stress, fear, anxiety, depression and restlessness. In current studies of women managing these symptoms of distress the following was reported: those doing yoga therapy showed a significant reduction in side effect and symptom distresses. Their (QOL) Quality of Life was shown to be significantly higher when practicing yoga.  Anxiety, emotional stress, fear and negative moods are common causes of poor (QOL). The entire recovery process can disrupt routines, relationships, careers and other aspects of life. 

Yoga offers the opportunity to alleviate these obstacles and decrease there interference with recovery. Yoga assists in diminishing suffering from common chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Depression is also important to address with (breast) cancer patients. The uncertainty about prognosis and treatment, concerns of pain or even death, lack of physical and functional abilities and social changes contribute to depression. Patients who practice yoga appear to cope better with symptoms of illness, and the side effects and distresses of treatments. It is sited that the physical poses, breathing exercises, meditation techniques are especially helpful components of a yoga practice. 

Saturday, June 8, 2013

American Cancer Society, Diana Ross and Breathing For Cancer

Breast Cancer Yoga Event With American Cancer Society

“Breath With Purpose” is a step by step instructional workshop that will teach you how easy it can be to learn how to breathe properly. You will also learn that the quality of the mind is linked directly to the quality of the breath.

Diana Ross, E-RYT500 and Founder of Breast Cancer Yoga introduced the Art of Natural Breathing to create inner calm, release tension and increase mental clarity.

Breathing For Cancer Prevention, Treatment & Recovery
  • Great for centering and feeling grounded.
  • Breathing fully calms anxiety.
  • Strengthen the nervous system.
  • Creates a respiratory balance through rhythmic inspiratory/expiratory cycles.
  • Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system.
  • Breathing deeply brings forth awareness of an inner witness.
  • The mind begins to quiet so we can hear what is truly being thought.
  • With breathing excess chatter is dissolved.
Via Flickr:
American Cancer Society Choose More Birthday event with featured speaker Diana Ross, founder of Breast Cancer Yoga.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Yoga Decreases Stress Hormones For Breast Cancer Patients

Diana Ross, E-RYT 500
Founder of Breast Cancer Yoga

It is well documented that yoga decreases stress hormones, like cortisol and increases GABA (gamma-Aminonbutyric acid) levels. GABA is an important calming chemical produced by the brain that counteracts anxiety and stress. 

  • GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter chemical in the brain. 
  • GABA is responsible for balancing mood levels. It is believed that certain physical reaction disorders are due to the failure to produce adequate levels of GABA.
  • Through brain imaging it has been shown that a restorative yoga practice increases GABA levels markedly.  
  • When GABA levels are maintained with breast cancer patients, physical stamina increases. Daily activities like climbing stairs, walking and doing the laundry become easier compared with those that don’t engage in a yoga practice or exercise.  


GABA is very important for sustained recovery and optimal health.  
Stress reduces the levels of GABA in our brains. The primary stress hormones, which inhibits GABA levels are cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is manufactured in the adrenal glands and synthesized from cholesterol.  They are small glands alongside to the kidneys. The hormone cortisol is released into the body during stress; hence it is called the "stress hormone." However cortisol is necessary for the overall function of the entire body.  It is when there is an excess of cortisol that there is excess stress so when cortisol is secreted and remains in the bloodstream over prolonged periods of time, one may lose bone mass, or experience increased blood pressure, suppressed thyroid function, and weakened cognitive performance. The consequences of sustained cortisol levels include a compromised immune response as well as increased inflammation in the muscle tissue, hyperglycemia, and increased abdominal fat. The proper balancing of the physical, and then emotional body are key to recovery, and good health. We need both but they need to be in balance, and yoga works directly at balancing them.



Saturday, June 2, 2012

Yoga Restores Physical Movement For Breast Cancer Recovery



Breast Cancer Yoga offers a Restorative Yoga therapy that can effectively help restore physical movement and aide in post surgical recovery. One of the essential tools for recovery is effectively dealing with stress and depression. Pain and worry affects the body, creating stress hormone release. When the body becomes stressed, the breath becomes shallow, which in turn tenses the muscles. Some may even find themselves unconsciously holding the breath. Breast Cancer Yoga's Restorative Yoga therapy addresses the emotional and physical causes of stress, fear, anxiety and depression. This marks the beginning of recovery and allows a state of clarity and relaxation to be experienced. These states of calmness produce their own associated neurohormones which promote the healing process to begin. 
By: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500
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Saturday, December 24, 2011

Diana Ross on Women Radio

Diana Ross, E-RYT 500
Diana Ross on Women Radio

Excited to have Diana Ross, a Teacher of Restorative Yoga from Breast Cancer Yoga with Tips on Conscious Breathing and Restorative Yoga for Healing tomorrow. If you have a question, just post it on our Feel and Look Fabulous Wall.
www.holistichealthtalkradioforwomen.com
Restorative yoga and conscious breathing for calming mind body spirit and faster healing. Tips on relaxed deep breathing to get rid of fear, anxiety and tension.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Triggers of Unhealthy Breathing


Influences
There are certain influences on breathing that trigger unhealthy breathing, and pain is just one. The breath will register pain with sudden piercing inhalations and fierce exhalations, and the breath stays affected the entire time that the pain persists or until the pain crisis passes. Emotions also trigger enormous changes in breathing; just by witnessing a scary picture, fear will be triggered. Or the breath can become relaxed and take on a completely different point of reference if we see a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Stress too has an affect on the breath.  The breath is hard wired into your nervous system and if you become tense, hurried or overwhelmed the stress may linger on well past the event. 

Conscious Change
Training the breath can help bring these various influences on breathing to conscious place for change. And it makes the breathing a stronger tool to resist the disruption of all these harmful influences: stress, pain, fear and becoming overwhelmed.  A trained breath can also help defuse these powerful and disruptive emotional reactions and keep them at bay. Through practice, the breath can become a powerful instrument in managing stress, restoring energy and calming the mind.

Manage Anxiety
Diaphragmatic breathing “belly breathing” will help manage anxiety when levels of stress are difficult to manage. Pain can be a signal for you, and an opportunity to transform the situational influences in a positive way. These influences need to be managed instead of being a crippling. It is here where developing a daily breathing practice can become the foundation of managing upsets.  I know that anxiety, stress, fear and any other type of tension will appear here and there. However, there is no reason not to have the tools to manage or decrease their effects and provide you with the ability of feeling in control. 

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

Monday, December 12, 2011

Why Do We Take The Breath For Granted?


Breathing Is Automatic
We take the breath for granted; that it is automatic and will always persist, uninterrupted day and night. But precisely because breathing does not require our attention it can be hard to understand “why”.  
Yoga And Breathing
Yoga instructs us to learn to breathe with greater awareness.  When the breath is properly trained it becomes an effective therapeutic tool; always present, effective in prevention of emotional stressors and restorative. First the need to consciously learn to regulate and develop a rhythmical breath for a maximum outcome is required. All it takes is the merest voluntary effort and a conscious change in the way we breathe. 
Breathing Is A Gift
Breathing normally without conscious awareness occurs outside our mind’s awareness. The breathe is governed by certain cells that measures blood gas levels, which create a crude rhythm of respiration that coordinates the activity of the respiratory muscles. All of which makes breathing smoother and effective.  Just imagine all the inhalations and exhalations passing some 21,600 times in just one day; and that is with out any breaks. Pretty amazing. We ask “Why not take the breath for granted?” This is why not. It is a gift that keeps giving and most of the time we do not acknowledge it.
By: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500
Founder: Breast Cancer Yoga


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Thursday, December 8, 2011

Breathing for Anxiety



Anxiety Triggers
For many depression sufferers, anxiety can be quite formidable. Anticipation of having breast cancer, potentially having to do chemotherapy or radiation treatments can trigger great anxiety. This anxiety can then disrupt any normal physical or emotional functioning. Besides when anxiety is great enough it can bring on fatigue, sleeplessness, the jitters, irritability and painful headaches.  Not very good for recovery.


Remedy to Reduce Anxiety
Anxious people tend to take short, shallow breaths which create an erratic heartbeat, dizziness and even lightheadedness. Fear may play a hugh role in these physical changes. It is not unusual to treat these symptoms with medication. These medications run the possibility of becoming addictive. Instead of taking something that could become a problem, why not turn to your own breathe as a possible solution to anxiety. One simple remedy to reduce anxiety is to learn how to breathe slowly and deeply. Slow inhales and exhales with your complete attention can be quite amazing.
By: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500
Founder: Breast Cancer Yoga
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Friday, November 18, 2011

Laughter as Medicine For Breast Cancer Recovery


Laughter as Medicine 
For Breast Cancer Recovery
By: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500
Physical & Emotional Health 
I want to share my feelings on laughter and joy as part of the healing cycle of breast cancer recovery, and for that fact many other conditions. I know that laughter has a real beneficial effect on our physical, and emotional health. Laughter will literally melts stress away, so why aren’t we laughing more to relieve all the stress and improve our health? It may be a bit of a challenge to get out of our own way. To often we take life, and our circumstances to seriously and it really doesn’t serve us to do so.  I know for myself when I stop and watch anything funny I focus only on “funny”.  
Medical Research on Laughter 
Studies at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, March 7, 2005 has one of the most ground breaking results in terms of laughter’s role in the health of the mind and body.  There is a strong connection between blood vessel expansion (vasodilation) through laughter. Improvement to the blood flow after laughter is equal to a 15-30 minute workout. Researchers believe laughing causes the body to release beneficial chemicals called endorphins, or “natural pain killers.” The release of endorphins contribute to a sense of well-being and will counter act the effects of stress hormones, and cause the dilation of the blood vessels. Even anticipating laughter can increase endorphin levels, and help boost the immune system. All which will reduce inflammation in the body. 
Laughter for Chemotherapy & Radiation Therapy
When going through chemotherapy or radiation laughing can only help. The best part of laughing is that it puts us in a positive state of mind, and that is exactly what’s needed to bring us through the physical and emotional roller coaster ride of breast cancer. Another key feature of laughter is that it moves lymph fluid around the body at a biophysical level.  Just by “over laughing”; that robust, gut explosive laughter is healing. Our immune system function is stimulated by laughter, it literally clears out old, dead waste and toxins from our organs and muscle tissue. It is important that we understand that our lymph system doesn’t have it’s own pump; we need to move around (and breath deeply) in order to properly circulate lymph. Laughter supports this function.
Important to Stay Positive and Laugh
The more we laugh the happy we will become and through the laughter we will develop a positive attitude towards everything. Even if there are times where we don’t feel it, we need to fake it. It has been shown that even when manipulated to smile people in truth feel happier. Laughter stops depression right in its tracks and boosts our immunity.
Use Laughter as Our Medicine?
We know now is the time to pull out all the stops and help ourselves get better. We need to reduce our levels of chronic stress (our journey with cancer may have just begun), we need to boost our immune system function, protect our nervous system, and my God our sanity. Well, “Laughter is the Best Medicine.” 

I cannot say enough about laughing, right down to the fact that the people around us will enjoy our company which will support our well being.  Go check out funny videos; YouTube is full of funny.  Rent funny movies. I guarantee a lot of laughter.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Breast Cancer Yoga Pose "Reclined Arm Lifts"


Breast Cancer Yoga
http://www.breastcanceryoga.com
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BENEFITS OF FLOWING YOGA POSES 
* Facilitates lymphatic drainage of breasts 
* Promotes deep breathing by widening the chest

VISIT our family website for more information on a complementary holistic approach to breast health and breast cancer recovery. Breast Cancer Yoga includes specific restorative yoga poses, supportive yoga props, a blend of aromatherapy oils, healing herbal teas and medicinal massage oils.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Backbend Yoga Poses for Breast Cancer Recovery

Well Breast Cancer Awareness month is now behind us however, the importance of recovery remains steadfast.  We want to share the benefits of doing backbends and how they can bring about wellness. Typically in yoga there are offered in three stages, simple, medium and advanced, and it is recommended that they be practiced in this in order. This will allow for the back to adapt to the bend.  Please educate your muscles step-by-step.

These are Some of the Benefits of Backbends
  • Stretches spine and opens chest for increased mobility 
  • Increased shoulder’s ROM, which decreases stiffness or lessen Frozen Shoulder
  • Stretches breast tissues
  • Increases cervical and axillary lymphatic drainage, especially while consciously breathing deeply
  • Stretches lower body for increased flexibility of rib cage and thoracic spine
  • Post surgical benefits of reducing fibrous adhesions and scar tissue 
  • Great for strengthening lungs by way of opening the chest
Backbends and Yoga Props
For greatest relaxation and stress reduction, a restorative practice of backbends is commonly done in which props are used in many innovative ways.  Yoga props allow the pose to bring the body (here it would be the back spine) into proper alignment which create the subtle adjustments to assist in improving blood flow. The breath expands greatly when the chest is open, thus benefiting correct oxygen exchange and ridding the lungs of their residual stale air volume. 
Backbends and Breathing
A conscious and deep breath will physically bring increased circulation and lymphatic drainage to the breast area, moreover the breath has mental and emotional benefits of decreasing anxiety, fear, and depression, etc.
The best way to feel these benefits of breathing is to take time and try them.  It may take several tries over a period of time but the rewards are so worth the effort.  Breast Cancer Yoga has just released 5 easy to learn breaths for wellness.

Diana Ross, E-RYT 500
Breast Cancer Yoga


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Monday, October 3, 2011

Benefits of Balanced Breathing

Breast Cancer Yoga
Learn How to Breathe With Purpose CD

Balanced Breathing

Breathing Exercise CD
By Breast Cancer Yoga
Using a balancing breath, a pranayama breath will serve to maintain and equalize the complete breath cycle. The goal of the inhalation and exhalation is to be identical in volume and duration thus creating the natural flow of the breath such as Natural, Complete and Sun Moon Breath.  This also brings the quiet mind with it. Concentration will be higher during this equalized state.  Therefore an equalized airflow through both nostrils should be strived for. Habitually we resort to unconscious shallow breathing and clearly do not use our true lung capacity creating uneven inhalations and exhalations. In the beginning if the airflow is unequal, do not be concerned. It is a natural phenomenon, and you need not to resort to any other method, just continue to practice. Also in the beginning the effects of the pranayama practice may not be felt right away, but after a few sessions the results will show themselves. It is only through practice that we begin to master so don’t get discouraged.


By Diana Ross, E-RYT 500
Breast Cancer Yoga

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

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

TWISTING YOGA POSES
Breast Cancer Yoga has just released Twisting Yoga Poses E-book as apart of our "Healthy & Hopeful Lifestyle" E-book Series. You can preview Twisting Yoga Poses E-books on our home page. We would love your feed back on the E-books.
Twisting 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 breathing exercise which is an essential tool for reduction of stress, anxiety and depression. Complementary Therapies are suggested to further enhance healing FREE PREVIEW.
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 TAKE A LOOK.
Twists Yoga Poses for Recovery
Twists are valuable for supporting breast cancer recovery and for the repairing of breast tissue. Lateral movements that are inherent with twists encourage the lymph fluid away from the tissues toward lymph nodes which then circulate the fluid to functioning lymph vessels. If the lymph system cannot effectively drain, lymphedema may result SNEAK PREVIEW.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Breast Cancer Yoga Props

For Relaxation and Stress Reduction
A Breast Cancer Yoga practice commonly uses props in many innovative ways. The props allow for the main movements of the pose and the subtle adjustments of the body to assist in improving blood flow. The breath expands to open the chest, benefiting oxygen exchange and ridding the lungs of their residual stale air volume. The deepened breath physically brings increased circulation and lymphatic drainage; moreover it also has mental and emotional benefits such as decreasing anxiety, fear, and depression. The parasympathetic “rest and digest” functions are activated, down-regulating the habitual responses of the sympathetic nervous system which flood the body with stress hormones and create emotional states of panic and fear.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Yoga Breathing to Raise Energy Levels for Breast Cancer Patients

VISIT Breast Cancer Yoga
Today the typical way of raising our energy level is through caffeinated drinks and sugary foods. It has been proven that using these products to remedy our energy lows are an obvious health detriment. And, ultimately after the temporary high or boost is over we are left even more drained. Now let’s add on the fact that when you have an illness like breast cancer these ways of raising our energy is truly unproductive.

Let’s look at how we can get a natural boost of energy that supports health: one that instantly provides a renewed vitality and clarity of mind. It is as simple as learning to breath properly and consciously.

Our breath is our key to life. It is known that a person can live days without water, and longer without food. However, the moment we become oxygen deprived, our bodies immediately begin to die. Stating the obvious, breathing is by far the most immediate and important essential element to life.

“Take a deep breath” is a statement that is often heard when someone becomes upset or over excited. Heart palpitations, and high blood pressure are the symptoms of this agitation. Combating the treatments that come with strains, stresses and discomfort; one can learn how to breath to reduce theses problems and replace them with renewed energy. Now THIS would be productive. When we consciously approach this stress and strain with our breath it allows us to refocus and quiet down. All that is needed is the understanding and development of simple breathing techniques. Breathing techniques are highly sought after and recommended for just these reasons alone. The overall effect of many breathing practices help the body and mind create a calming down effect called a “relaxation response”. This again will allow for the mind to become clearer, and more reflective. When recovering from cancer breathing is instrumental to support our health and well-being. Breath in, breath out and rest is the goal.
By Diana Ross, E-RYT 500
June 5, 2011

Wednesday, June 1, 2011