Showing posts with label recovering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recovering. Show all posts

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Restorative Yoga For Breast Cancer Recovery Book

http://www.breastcanceryoga.com/Restorative-Yoga-Book.html
By: Dawn Bradford-Lange, Co-Founder of Breast Cancer Yoga.

Restorative Yoga For Breast Cancer Recovery: Gentle Flowing Yoga For Breast Health, Breast Cancer Related Fatigue & Lymphedema Management was created for a therapeutic healing experience while being affordable to all. Restorative Yoga For Breast Cancer Recovery is an unique restorative yoga therapy book for you or a loved one who has been recently diagnosed, is in treatment, or in recovery.

Book Includes:
  • 275+ Yoga Poses Images
  • 70+ Easy To Learn Yoga Poses
  • Illustrated Step By Step Instructions
  • Benefits Included For Each Pose
  • Use of Yoga Props Introduced
  • Breath Instructions For Each Pose
  • Valuable Tool For Yoga Teachers
  • Great For Beginners
Book Description:
This is an unique restorative yoga therapy book for breast health, lymphedema management and breast cancer recovery. This book contains a wide variety of supported restorative yoga poses that use different yoga props. The breath is also introduced with each flowing pose so that the mind as well as the muscles “let go” and relax allowing for the healing to begin and then to grow. Yoga poses are done either in a relaxed, reclined, seated, twisting and standing position. Restorative Yoga For Breast Cancer Recovery is a great beginning to build a practice for strength and flexibility, as well as aiding in lymphedema management. This book outlines a variety of easy to learn restorative yoga poses which can emotionally and physically improve the recovery process from breast cancer surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy treatments. It is also invaluable in maintaining breast health, reducing cancer related fatigue (CRF), and managing lymphedema. If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed, is in treatment or in recovery, this yoga is the perfect place to start. Discover how a consistent practice of Restorative Yoga can provide inner peace and healing for your mind, body and spirit. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About the Author
Diana loves sharing her knowledge on the empowering benefits of restorative yoga flow. Her credentials as a yoga therapist are: E-RYT 500 (Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher), CYT (Certified Yoga Therapist), and (Certified KaliRay) TriYoga. Her Restorative Yoga Flow teachings are designed and focused for women in recovery, either from breast cancer or from injury and illness. She also loves sharing her excitement for native american plants and their usefulness as complementary herbal medicines. Diana credentials in herbal medicines are: Certificates of Completion in: Therapeutic Botanicals in Medicinal Herbalism, Native American Herbs, Herbalism 5 Phase Theory, Medicine Making in Native American Herbs, and TCM-Traditional Chinese Medicines. The knowledge of Native American plants is expressed on her website, authority blog and to her students.

About Diana Ross: An expert in the field of yoga, and complementary herbal medicines. She has dedicated the last 30 years studying yoga philosophy and Native American herbs. Her credentials are as an E-RYT 500 (Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher) and CYT (Certified Yoga Therapist). Diana’s system of yoga is KaliRay TriYoga. She has studied with Yogini Kali Ray “Kaliji” for 18 years is certified from Basics to Level 2. As founder of Breast Cancer Yoga, and as a survivor Diana wants to make a difference and offer hope, health and support.

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, 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
Follow on Twitter 
Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel
Like Us on Facebook


Wednesday, January 18, 2012

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
Follow on Twitter 
Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel
Like Us on Facebook

Thursday, December 29, 2011

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. 
By Diana Ross E-RYT 500

Friday, December 16, 2011

Reduce Stress and Induce Relaxation with Yoga Props


Yoga Pose With Props

For relaxation and stress reduction, a restorative practice is commonly recommended in which props are used in many innovative ways. The props allow the main components of the pose and the subtle adjustments of the body to  encourage relaxation and to assist in improving blood and lymph flow. Using props can open the chest, and expand the breath. This benefits oxygen exchange and rid the lungs of residual stale air volume. The deepened breath brought about by using the right props will physically bring increased lymphatic circulation and drainage. Moreover when props are used to support both the mind and the body they also offer mental and emotional benefits, which help decrease anxiety, fear, and depression. 
When emotional fears and anxieties are reduced, the Autonmic Nervous System which consist of the parasympathetic system “rest and digest” functions are made active, down-regulating the habitual responses of the sympathetic nervous system “fright or fear” which floods the body with stress hormones and creates emotional states of panic and fear.
By: Diana Ross E-RYT 500
Founder: Breast Cancer Yoga

Follow Us: Breast Yoga


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


Follow Us: Breast Yoga

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
Facebook:Like Us
YouTube: Subscribe
Twitter: Follow Us

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

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
Follow Us: Breast Yoga

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
http://twitter.com/#!/BreastYoga
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Breast-Cancer-Yoga/161298470576850

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


Follow Us: Breast Yoga


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Breast Cancer Yoga Prep for Rochelle Rollback Pose


Breast Cancer Yoga
http://www.breastcanceryoga.com
http://twitter.com/#!/BreastYoga
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Breast-Cancer-Yoga/161298470576850

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.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

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

VISIT
www.breastcanceryoga.com

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

Monday, August 8, 2011

Lymphedema Management With Flowing Yoga

Breast Cancer Yoga is a flowing yoga and practicing continuous flowing movements has a positive impact on the lymphatic system, and in particular Lymphedema. When lymph fluid is disrupted through breast cancer surgery, trauma or infection there may be an excessive fluid build up. This stagnant fluid can play havoc on the tissues and create swelling. There also can be a reduction of the oxygen intake or absorption to the lymphatic system; all of which increases the chance for infection. 

Happy & Hopeful Lifestyle E-book
Twisting Yoga Poses
Happy & Hopeful Lifestyle E-book
Standing Yoga Poses
Flowing yoga movements develop a supple spine and a strong nervous system so when the nervous system is in balance the parasympathetic and sympathetic system work together creating great calm. When flowing in the practice the poses encourage digestion, assimilation and elimination. The body’s immune system is stimulated to maintain health. When flowing from a backward bend to a forward bend, the spine will roll vertebra by vertebra, either in an ascending or descending order, while following the natural wave of the spine. Here it will recognize naturally that a backbend (extension) will flow from a forward bend (flexion) and vice versa.




BY: Diana Ross E-RYT 500
VISIT: Breast Cancer Yoga

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