Laughter As Medicine For Breast Cancer Recovery

By Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

Founder, Breast Cancer Yoga

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.

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 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.

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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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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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Why is Breathing so Important in Recovery?

Take A Deep Breath

We hear from time to time this familiar phrase ”take a deep breath” when we become stressed or over excited. Ever wonder why?  There are so many reasons as to why.  Taking a full, deep conscious breath has been known to settle us down when we are  nervous or upset.

Gain Control Of Emotional State

First step is to tune into your breath and become a conscious breather (as much as possible). The immediate result of tuning into your breath is the ability in obtaining control of your emotional state of mind. There is also greater (efficient) oxygen absorption and carbon dioxide elimination.  Now for the a positive potential results of facilitating recovery from surgery and beyond, is the ability to calm your nerves and invite relaxation. The immune system will benefit as well to proper breathing cycles. By conscious breathing we bring the mind/body state into balance and the nervous system runs with maximum efficiently.

Learn & Develop a Breathing Practice

Now how can we facilitate something that may be so challenging, especially when someone  has a  “monkey mind”, a restless mind that jumps all over.  If you can find a yoga teacher that specializes in breathing techniques or maybe a great breathing CD that introduces specific stress relieving breaths this would be most helpful. However, this could be the easy part, the real job would be the commitment to yourself to learn and develop a breathing practice. All I can tell you is that it is so worth it.  Studies support that proper breathing play a large role in recovery by balancing, energizing, and relaxing the mind/body connection.  Try it; it is for everyone.

By: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

Founder: Breast Cancer Yoga

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Laughter as Medicine For Breast Cancer Recovery

Laughter as Medicine 

For Breast Cancer Recovery

By: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

Founder: Breast Cancer Yoga

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.

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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.

Aromatherapy for Breast Cancer Recovery

Aromatherapy has been shown to be an effective complementary treatment for breast cancer, and can relieve many of the side effects of chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Aromatherapy can help you navigate the terrain of your healing journey from surviving to thriving. Learn about the essential oils to use and why.

• Control nausea

• Easing anxiety and depression

• Lowers blood pressure in patients going through chemotherapy

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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

Breast Cancer Yoga Pose "Swimming Locus"

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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.

Do You Believe That The Mind Can Help In Healing?

Mind-Body Medicines

There is a belief that the mind has great healing capabilities that can help heal the body.  One complementary therapy that is highly effective is Meditation. Meditation is where one focuses on the breath or using Mantra which is a repetition of words or phrases to quiet the mind. Another therapy is Yoga. 

Restorative Yoga Therapy

Here I would like to mention Breast Cancer Yoga as a well defined restorative yoga therapy practice that supports healing. Stretching, strengthening all the while consciously using the breath in synch with the movements make the yoga very meditative. Other therapies offered as a CAM are guided visualization, biofeedback, massage, chiropractic care along with vitamins and herbs. A healthy diet is imperative for wellness for our energy levels and proper nutrition. 

By: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

August, 2011

Breast Cancer Yoga's Healthy & Hopeful Lyfestyle Series

Helpful & Hopeful

Breast Cancer Yoga

Yoga Breathing to Raise Energy Levels for Breast Cancer Patients

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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