Oncology Yoga: Breath and Movement

When undergoing cancer treatment, yoga practice can be beneficial to promote overall well being. We start with gentle breath work, the keystone of a yoga practice. Respiration is expanded helping to deliver fresh oxygen, nourishing all the cells and systems of the body.  The slow mindful breathing techniques, called pranayama, assist in regulating the nervous system. This relieves the stress that comes with cancer treatment, and allows the patient to find ease in the recovery process. 

The practice of pranayama also compliments the movements and stretches that are integrated into a yoga practice. Yoga poses, called asanas, are synchronized with breath, and unfolds a mindful presence for the practitioner. The integration of these techniques, enhances stamina for functional movement, and flexibility for activities of daily living, reduces inflammation, and reduces fatigue. A regular yoga practice helps to also improve; mental wellbeing, immune functioning, hormonal balance. Additionally some patients report greater ease in sleeping, which benefits healing.

Asanas / Movement to support Breath and Movement

Sukasana:  Seated on floor with one leg crossed over the other.  Options:  Blocks under knees or one leg slightly in front of the other

Chair Option:  Seated on chair, feet on floor or ankles crossed, knees slightly open

Movement with breath:  Elbows by side, Forearms out to side. On inhale reach arms out to side,on exhale slowly pull back in

Tadasana:  Standing with arms resting gently at side

Chair option:  Seated on chair, feet on floor, length through spine

Movement with breath:  (Option to close eyes) As inhale picture a light at the base of your core gliding all the way up your body through the head, on the exhale imagine that light gliding down back to the base of your core

W1:  Step one leg straight back, gently bend front knee letting weight move down through the center towards the floor

Chair Option:  Turn to one side of the chair and step the front leg out to the side.  Option to drop front knee towards ground   Option to press through heel lengthening front leg.

Movement with breath:  Inhale, bringing both arms up, lengthening through the spine, and exhale returning arms to neutral at side.  Option if standing to lengthen front leg on inhale and bend on exhale