How To Use A Dry Skin Brush For Breast Cancer & Lymphedema

Dry Brush

Dry Brush For Breast Cancer

Dry brushing stimulates the skin and circulates lymph fluid which is vital for overall health. The skin is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for a quarter of the body’s detoxification. The ability of the skin to excrete toxins is of paramount importance. Dry skin brushing helps to shed dead skin cells, which improves skin texture and cell renewal.

 

How To Use A Dry Brush For Breast Cancer & Lymphedema

1. Dry Brush your entire body before you shower, preferably in the morning or before bed. This helps loosen and remove dead skin and uric acid crystals.
2. Start at the soles of your feet doing circular movements, then brush upwards on your legs toward your heart. Use long, even strokes.
3. Brush all the way up your legs, scooping forward from behind your hips to your tummy. If you have cellulite on your hips and thighs, concentrate their a little longer.
4. Then begin circular movements over your tummy. Start with up on right and down on left, simulating the natural movement of the bowels.
5. Be kind in the thin sensitive skin areas of inner arm, arm pits or tops of hands and not directly on breasts. Avoid brushing anywhere the skin is broken or where you have a rash, infection, cut or wound.
6. When ready, start the shower with warm water and end briefly with cold. Let the cold water start at your legs then the heart is last. This hot/cold therapy further stimulates the lymphatic system which improves overall circulation.
7. Dry off vigorously and massage pure plant oils into your skin or spray on Simply Lavender. You may want your skin to breathe for a while too. Enjoy this process of good health and detoxification.

Dry Brushing - Skin Exfoliant

Dry 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 skin brushing stimulates the lymph canals to drain toxic mucoid matter into the colon, thereby purifying the entire system. This enables the lymph to perform its house-cleaning duties by keeping the blood and other vital tissues detoxified.

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Breast Cancer - How To Begin A Yoga Practice

 

How and Where To Begin a Yoga Practice

Where do I start?   What do I need to know to begin a yoga practice? One day at a time is where you start so not to set yourself up for failure. Start simple and small so a positive tone for each day is encouraged and then reinforced. Find a reputable yoga teacher that specializes in breast cancer recovery or we recommended Gentle Restorative Yoga DVD

Now Let’s Begin:

Set a specific time each day (preferably mornings)  Begin with consistency.
Brush and floss your teeth, empty your bladder, and begin on an empty stomach
Find a quiet and well ventilated space. This space will become your sacred space for healing
Dress comfortably; no belts and tight jeans
Play music that is soothing or maintain silence
Adjust the lighting to be soft or enjoy the natural sunlight
Create a room decor as uplifting as possible
If possible have a mat, blocks and other props for support
Start small, maybe 5 minutes at first and then gradually add onto your time

The benefits of relaxing the body while giving time for the mind to consciously rest often induce deep relaxation. The deeper the tensions of mind and body the greater overall detrimental effect on the mind and body. Yoga props will assist in allowing for this relaxation to occur.

Good thoughts produce good reactions and negative thoughts drain the energy right out due to the excess tension. Be open to experience yoga and the positive flow of life energy that comes through the practice.

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

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Breast Cancer Recovery Walking Meditaion

Well there are many of us who just don’t or can’t sit still.  The mind takes over and we struggle with quieting ourselves.  We can’t sit, we need to move around so why not a walking meditation.  The picture I shared of a path in the woods is from my morning meditative walk with my dog, “Happy Riley”.   We both so look forward to this time.  He smiles the entire walk.

To begin YOUR walk you need to be conscious of your footsteps, and your pacing.  You want to breath in feeling the your expand inside you and walk with slow and deliberate steps.  Feel the earth under you feet.  Notice if you feel light or heavy.  Is your chest lifted or is it drooping forward?  Be as comfortable as possible. Now notice everything.  Let you vision expand to every space.  Smell the air.  Is it crisp?  Is there a breeze? Notice everything.  Just be mindful of your surroundings.  Now notice your breath.  Without taking control of your breath, allow it feel natural and satisfying.  Let your arms and hands dangle to your side body or maybe in your pockets.  I personally love pockets.  Feel your inhaling breath come and expand your chest; now let your exhaling breath release thoughts that may take you away from this walking meditation.  Walk if you can for 15/30 minutes.  Then when you reach home see if you can sit comfortably and quietly for 5 minutes.  Set an intention for your day. This could be the start of a great restorative walking meditation. 

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

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Breathing for Detoxification: Breast Cancer Recovery

Breathing for Breast Cancer Recovery

Activate the detoxification process. By encouraging and maintaining a large supply of oxygen in the lungs, the brain opens up new areas which supports the functioning of the body’s organs.  A deep breath works directly with the peristalsis movement which in turn stimulates the release of liver bile.  Whenever the breath is allowed to slow down and lengthen, a balance in oxygen exchange is encouraged. This balanced breath exchange provides nutrients to the blood.  

Deep breathing will encourage the release of body toxins, rebuild healthy tissue and increase energy.   It will also stimulate digestion, assimilation and elimination for better health. The most important function of  all  is how this special birthright breath can stimulate the body’s natural response that results in less tension and an overall sense of well being.

Learn about yoga and breathing offered by Breast Cancer Yoga with Diana Ross, E-RYT 500 visit www.BreastCancerYoga.com

Many more “Healthy & Hopeful Lifestyle” breast cancer recovery tools available at http://www.breastcanceryoga.com

Yoga For Breast Cancer "Cobra Boat"

Yoga For Breast Cancer "Cobra Boat"

Cobra/Boat                              

Great pose to strengthen the spine when placing shoulder blades squarely onto the back.  Opens up the chest and expands ribs.  Helps to de-rotate the spine.

Benefits

Brings acute awareness to the breath into restricted areas
Create traction by extended from both ends (arms and legs)
Lengthens and integrates the spine
Stretches pectoral muscles and stimulate lymph flow
Expands chest, and broadens back
Encourages strength in the deep back muscles
Opens lower back and the circulation of energy
Allows for deep relaxation & calms the nervous system

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How and Where To Begin a Yoga Practice

How and Where To Begin a Yoga Practice

Where do I start?   What do I need to know to begin a yoga practice? One day at a time is where you start so not to set yourself up for failure. Start simple and small so a positive tone for each day is encouraged and then re-enforced. Find a reputable yoga teacher that specializes in breast cancer recovery or some great well recommended DVDs. 

Now let’s begin:

• Set a specific time each day (preferably mornings)  Begin with consistency.
• Brush and floss your teeth, empty your bladder, and begin on an empty stomach
• Find a quiet and well ventilated space. This space will become your sacred space for healing
• Dress comfortably; no belts and tight jeans
• Play music that is soothing or maintain silence
• Adjust the lighting to be soft or enjoy the natural sunlight
• Create a room decor as uplifting as possible
• If possible have a mat, blocks and other props for support
• Start small, maybe 5 minutes at first and then gradually add onto your time

The benefits of relaxing the body while giving time for the mind to consciously rest often induce deep relaxation. The deeper the tensions of mind and body the greater overall detrimental effect on the mind and body. Yoga props will assist in allowing for this relaxation to occur.

Good thoughts produce good reactions and negative thoughts drain the energy right out due to the excess tension. Be open to experience yoga and the positive flow of life energy that comes through the practice.

By: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

Founder: Breast Cancer Yoga

Follow on Twitter 

Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel

Like Us on Facebook