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

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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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