How To Use Mindfulness And The Breath For Breast Cancer Recovery

Breast Cancer: A-Z Mindful Practices

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?

“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. 

Breast Cancer: A-Z Mindful Practices

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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.

About 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.

Breast Cancer Breathing CD to Boost Energy and Accelerate Healing

INTERMEDIATE BREATHING EXERCISES CD FOR BREAST CANCER RECOVERY

ENERGIZING & VIBRATIONAL BREATHING
Practicing these balancing, energizing and vibrational pranayama exercises or breathing exercises can truly boosts vital energy and help accelerate healing. Breast Cancer Yoga's 2nd Edition breathing CD helps further educate the breather in the regulation of the breath. Learn the practice to control and utilize this vital energy that is within each breath. Each unique breath offers a different breathing method which massages the internal organs. This massaging will rejuvenate the body with new blood, fluids and oxygen. Find a comfortable seated position to begin this practice.

• Energizing the Mind
• Warming the Body
• Immediate Relaxing Effect
• Encourages Meditation
• Develops concentration
• Encourages healthy sleeping patterns
• Stimulates an inner calm
• Make better decisions

With Breast Cancer Yoga's Intermediate breathing exercise CD you will receive 5 breathing exercises for breast cancer recovery, stress management and cancer related fatigue. Each CD is 60 minutes with an introduction, benefits and 5 breathing exercises. This collection of therapeutic breathing exercises was created specifically for breast cancer recovery management.

About 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.

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.

Beginner Breast Cancer Breathing Exercises CD

BREATHING EXERCISES FOR BREAST CANCER RECOVERY

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.

• Quiets the mind  
• Reduces stress and anxiety 
• Completes oxygen exchange
• Cleanses blood of toxins
• Balances the mind/body connection
• Develops concentration
• Encourages healthy sleeping patterns
• Stimulates an inner calm
• Make better decisions

With Breast Cancer Yoga's 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.

About 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.

American Cancer Society, Diana Ross and Breathing For Cancer

Diana Ross & American Cancer Society, a photo by Breast Cancer Yoga on Flickr.

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.

For more Breast Cancer Yoga Events

Try Breast Cancer Yoga's Breathing CD

 

Via Flickr:
American Cancer Society Choose More Birthday event with featured speaker Diana Ross, founder of Breast Cancer Yoga.

Breathing For Breast Cancer Benefits

Learn How to Breathe

Deep 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. Slow, deep, and relaxed breaths calms the autonomic nervous system, (ANS) producing a balanced stable energy and builds the body’s immune function. Make a conscious decision to start with 5 to 10 minutes a day of simple deep breathing. Breathing is an important aspect of lymphedema management too. Slow deep breaths, with breath retention create pressure changes that empty the lymphatic system into the venus system at the thoracic ducts and clear the lymphatic pathways. Simple practices like counting each exhale develops concentration, or using a Sun Moon breath will make a difference in stress levels by balancing the right and left hemisphere of the brain. Learning how to come into synch with each breath allows for the “fight-or-flight” response to move to a “relaxation response.” Breathing and relaxation may offer another self management tool for lymphedema too.

Learn More About Breathing

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

Breast Cancer - Singing Snake Yoga Breath

Breathing For Breast Cancer Yoga Exercise

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.

The overall effect of many breathing practices help the body and mind create a calming down effect called a “relaxation response”. This 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. 

Benefits

*Releases tension in front of chest, neck and upper shoulders

*Relieves jaw clenching

*Stretches neck flexors

*Lengthens platysma muscle

*Allows for profound relaxation

Experience Therapeutic Breathing

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.

Breathe With Purpose CD
For Breast Cancer & Lymphedema

Visit Breast Cancer Yoga

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