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.

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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. ​

Breast Cancer Yoga Pose "Easy Twist"

Easy Twist Benefits For Breast Cancer

Because of the concentration required - this pose will elevate stress brought on by breast cancer treatments

Breast Cancer Yoga Easy Twist Pose For Breast Cancer & Lymphedema

Opens chest
Aids lymphatic drainage
Specific for Lymphedema

Reduces stress
Increases calm

Develops spine flexibility

 Improves posture and which can lead to greater self-confidence

Relieves backache

 Improves alignment which increases comfort level in own body

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Learn About Breast Cancer Yoga

Diana Ross, E-RYT 500
Founder & Survivor

A Bit About Breast Cancer Yoga

Breast Cancer Yoga’s founder, contributors, students, yoga studio, and future yoga teachers, are committed to physical, spiritual and environmental well-being. They offer safe and supportive therapeutic restorative yoga, mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises developed for women in breast cancer recovery, lymphedema management, while maintaining a minimal environmental impact. In addition, Breast Cancer Yoga offers therapeutic yoga to adults with special need such as knee or hip replacements, surgical recovery and many other conditions. Breast Cancer Yoga is listed on many green websites as an environmentally green small business.

How Breast Cancer Yoga is Green

Breast Cancer Yoga is commitment to green. BCY is an online educational yoga site specific for breast cancer recovery. Our visitors don’t have to come to us, we come to them via the internet. Offering downloadable products such as e-books, CDs and DVD's eliminate the need to use paper. We are a family based company that uses a sustainable green work place, select environmental products that support the earth and support good health. 

Breast Cancer Yoga Events
With Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

Why We Think Breast Cancer Yoga is Great

Breast Cancer Yoga makes their services accessible to the community by providing events, workshops and yoga retreats. Furthermore, our yoga for Cancer Recovery services are tailored for women undergoing and recovering from cancer and its treatment, which are offered to local breast cancer support communities. Plus, our yoga workshops and retreats are holistic and include Mindful Eating, Yoga for Chronic Pain, breathing for stress-reduction while creating an inner peace for all of us.

By; Dawn Bradford

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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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Yoga for Breast Cancer - Relaxed Poses

Physical Benefits of Relaxed Yoga Poses

Breast Cancer Yoga's Relaxed Yoga Poses is a very gentle restorative yoga that has been determined to be beneficial for cancer patients and post-treatment survivors by the medical and cancer research communities. Breast Cancer Yoga's Relaxed Yoga Poses provides relief for women going through treatment for breast cancer from the associated fatigue and depression. Researchers have observed in studies that women who practice this gentler version of yoga therapy have had a fifty percent reduction in depression and a twelve percent increase in feelings of peacefulness. 

When to do Relaxed Poses

Your surgeon will advise you when you can go back to your exercise routine.  It is important to wait until you receive the green light from your medical professional.  Start with a gentle restorative yoga practice of stretching and breathing. When coming back to any exercise program there may be tightness and pulling in the chest region but there should never be pain. Relaxed Yoga Poses aide in the ROM (range of motion) to expand comfortably and at a normal rate.  

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

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Yoga for Breast Cancer - Seated Poses

Seated Yoga Poses E-book

 Yoga for Breast Cancer - Seated Poses

Seated Yoga Pose

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

Breast Cancer Yoga Seated Yoga Poses can effectively help restore physical movement, range of motion for the arms and shoulders.  It will aide in post-surgical recovery repairing of adhesion's, scar tissue and keloid scars. Breast Cancer Yoga Seated Yoga Poses assist in supporting this part of the healing cycle while in recovery. One of the essential tools for recovery is the ability to effectively deal with stress, fatigue and depression.

Benefits of Seated Poses 

The purpose of seated poses is the emphasis is on the arm movements and chest openers while in a seated pose.  At the same time, we begin to learn that yoga is intended to heal the whole body - the whole person. 

Purpose of a Seated Pose 

Seated Yoga Poses are important to practice and maintain. In yoga, being comfortably seated is necessary so one can meditate and not be distracted by any stress or strain.  When we sit with legs crossed there is the added benefit of an opening of the hips.  Remember that learning to sit in a yoga pose strengthens the spine. 

When to do Seated Poses

All the poses in this E-book are seated poses so begin when YOU are ready or take one pose at a time and see how it feels. 

Founder & Survivor: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

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Yoga Helps Breast Cancer Recovery

Yoga creates harmony of mind and body. It has become center stage in the offerings of complementary therapies for breast cancer recovery. Yoga is now offered in conjunction with other standards of medical care.

Physically yoga can be an extremely important part of recovery wellness. It helps remove unwanted debris and toxins from the lungs, skin and colon.  By moving the body, stretching muscles and breathing deeply the toxins are physically released. This undoubtably helps cleanse the body. Yoga will eliminate ama (toxic residue) from the cells, move the lymph through the lymphatic system, and bring the mind into clarity. This clarity of mind encourages good decisions which then encourages more good decisions.

Emotionally yoga will remove anger, sadness and fear. It will give you a sense of inner strength, balance and mental flexibility. The Autonomic Nervous System becomes balanced especially when synchronizing with the breath and the movement. Resulting in the mind settling down and the body feeling energized.

Make sure you begin with your  physicians approval. Find a well qualified yoga teacher.  Do what you can; maybe starting with a gentle or restorative yoga practice first.

By: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

Founder: Breast Cancer Yoga

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Where There Is A Prop, There’s A Way

No pose is too big or too small, all you need is the right yoga props and a good attitute. Pick a restorative yoga practice of your choice that will offer an opportunity to explore different props and diffrent poses. Using flowing movements before coming into a sustain pose with props will help to warm up muscles, and offer the opportunity to settle down. Movement also provide the chance to shed restlessness and any agitation before settling into a place of surrender.

Props are to be use, so use them generously; blocks, pillows, bolsters, blankets, sandbags, eye pillows and belts. The more support that is felt, the deeper sense of relaxation and nurturance. Make sure when using the props that they feel “just right.”  A little adjustment here, or a little adjustment there, can make all the difference in the world. I mean that, so please explore the placements of the props. One inch can transform a supported pose; allowing you to  feel like you are in heaven. Here in lies your opportunity to tune inwards, and intuitively feel what is needed. For some, restorative poses may create a challenge for the mind to settle down and relax, so don’t be hard on yourself; just allow it to happen.  In time and with practice the feelings of comfort and healing will draw you into the present moment, where the real work is for peace and acceptance. The power of the props are not just to support the physical body through this time of healing but a time to find a quiet understanding. This is where questions are either answered or they lose their importance. 

Taking this valuable time for yourself to be supported with props is imperative. When in breast cancer recovery this maybe a time for emotional healing to be felt and absorbed. It will awaken an awareness inside, where we need not pretend; but realize we can become responsible for change. This awareness exists beyond words and props.

By: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

Founder: Breast Cancer Yoga

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

Breast Cancer Yoga has released Standing Yoga Poses E-book as apart of our "Healthy & Hopeful Lifestyle" E-book Series. Free preview of Standing Yoga Poses

Standing 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 standing therapeutic breathing exercise which is an essential tool for reduction of stress, anxiety and depression. Complementary Therapies included in this E-book are herbal teas, massage oils, and aromatherapy to further enhance healing.

Benefits of Standing Yoga Poses

Standing Yoga Poses E-book introduces our first “upright” yoga series. Here the emphasis is placed on developing stamina, flexibility and strength. Balance is a key component in standing. The use of legs and arms builds the whole body. This provides a clearer understanding on how we control our physical and emotional direction by developing this sense of being grounded and being present.

Yoga Helps Overcome Obstacles During Recovery

Remember as you begin to practice yoga poses with awareness, you not only begin to feel better but you will also be able to feel; that is, you become sensitive to everything and everyone around you. As inner awareness expands and deepens both within and outside the body, we consciously begin to overcome obstacles of fear, pain, anxiety. You can practice yoga in such a way that the practice becomes a much “larger yoga.” Our true nature is revealed through this new sensitivity and awareness. We intuitively begin to discover how to overcome certain obstacles on this journey with breast cancer.

By: Diana Ross, E-RYT 500

Founder: Breast Cancer Yoga

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Boost Energy With Twisting Yoga Poses

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.

Standing Wide Angle Twist

  

Benefits

Stretches pectoralis muscle

Post surgical benefits of reducing fibrous adhesions and scar tissue 

Opens shoulder joint and improves flexibility

Increases circulation and blood flow in chest

Strong hip opener and deep twist in inner core.

Lengthen and  strengthen side body and increases vitality

Massages lower abdominal organs and glands

Expands ribs for deeper breathing

Contraindications

Lumbar or sacral injuries

Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries

Instructions____________________________________________________________Instructions

1. Begin in a  wide stance about 3 feet apart with feet parallel  (make sure the leg remains anchored).
2. EXHALE, and bring arms forward, placing hands directly underneath shoulders with head in its natural alignment )use a bolster or yoga blocks so there isn’t a collapse in the front of the body).
3. INHALE, extend right arm out and then overhead (follow arm with eyes).
4. EXHALE, lower arm and head back to center.
5. INHALE, and repeat left side(make sure your head doesn’t collapse).
6. EXHALE, return to neutral.
7. Let your legs and arms support the extension of the spine.
8. Continue for 5 or more twist, then sustain into the pose on left and right side t on left side.

Twisting Yoga Poses E-book 

Breast Cancer Yoga  released a “Healthy & Hopeful Lifestyle” E-book Series that 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. 

Preview Twisting Yoga Poses E-book

Watch Twisting Yoga Poses E-book Trailer

By Diana Ross E-RYT 500

Breast Cancer Yoga "Twisting Yoga Poses" E-book Trailer

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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Breast Cancer Yoga Pose "Reclined Arm Lifts"

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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.

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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Breast Cancer Yoga Prep for Rochelle Rollback Pose

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BENEFITS OF FLOWING YOGA POSES 

* Facilitates lymphatic drainage of breasts 

* Promotes deep breathing by widening the chest 

* Stretches groin 

* Deep opening of thighs and hip flexors

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.

Visit: Breast Cancer Yoga

Follow Us: Breast Yoga

Like Us:  Breast Cancer Yoga Page

Subscribe: Breast Cancer Yoga Channel

Benefits of Yoga and Lavender Aromatherapy

Lavender Aromatherapy

Benefits of Yoga and Lavender Aromatherapy 

Breast Cancer Yoga and complimentary therapies can be both preventative and supportive in fighting breast cancer. Some therapies boost the immune system to counteract chemo and radiation therapy effects. They can also reduce nervousness and anxiety. We have included a  few therapeutic essential aroma hydrosol sprays. 

Lavender - Lavandula officinalis

Lavender as an aromatherapy that just fills the air with wonderful relaxing scents. Lavender contributes to emotional support that creates relaxation, lessens nervous anxiety and reduces restlessness. Softens the impact of stress. Also helpful for relieving insomnia and encouraging restful sleep, thereby reducing fatigue.

Lavender for Chemotherapy& Radiation Therapy

Lavender contains a particular keynote to help encourage relaxation before and after chemo and radiation treatments. To a large extent the aromatic fragrance of Lavender can stimulate the body’s innate healing powers, and when energies are low or have been severely depleted, Lavender is emotionally uplifting. This essential oil is specifically formulated with particular properties which help encourage relaxation any time when needed. 

Therapeutic Actions

Offers emotional support

Lessens nervous anxiety and restlessness

Relieves headaches from stress

Helpful for insomnia

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

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.