Sarcoma & Bone Cancer Awareness

Type of Cancer: Sarcoma & Bone Cancer

July’s Theme is Cooling & Centering

Our Focus is on Calm, cooling centered awareness

According to the Mayo Clinic:

“Sarcoma refers to a broad group of cancers that start in the bones and soft tissues. Soft tissues connect, support and surround other body structures. Soft tissues include muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons and the lining of the joints. Cancer that starts in the soft tissue is called soft tissue sarcoma. There are many types of sarcomas. They can happen in many parts of the body. Treatment for sarcoma varies depending on sarcoma type, where it is and other factors.”

In the coming weeks we will share multiple variations of Forward Folds, Child’s Pose and Legs Up the Wall. A key to remember is that the focus should always be on really gentle movement with doctor’s permission. In addition, their doctor and/or PT may have advised them of modifications as well.

Beyond the asanas, you can always add cooling pranayama to the practice. Sitali/Sitkari breath and Nadi Shodhana may be appropriate.

Forward Folds

There are so many fun ways to incorporate forward folds into your practice and they tend to be cooling and centering.  One thing to keep in mind is that straight leg forward folds can put pressure on the spine/hips and low back.  Make sure to keep the knees soft with a slight bend to help alleviate some of the pressure and if on the floor you can add bolsters or blocks beneath the knees.

It can be helpful to show students where to hinge forward from so that they aren’t bending from the waist and instead are hinging forward from the hips.  Try having them place their fingers at the top of the hips at the crease and ask them to gently squeeze the fingers when they hinge forward.

Always remember that the focus should be on really gentle movement with their doctor’s permission.  In addition, their doctor and/or PT may have advised them of modifications as well.

 

Standing Forward Fold Variations

Traditional Forward fold: Inhale arms up and on the exhale bring hands to the mat, or blocks. 

Using a Chair as a tool for standing forward folks

·         Stand behind the chair, inhale arms up and on the exhale gently fold forward bringing the forearms to the back of the chair.

·         Stand to the side of the chair, inhale arms up and on the exhale forward fold bringing the hands to the seat of the chair.

Seated Forward Fold Variations

Seated in a chair, knees bent, feet firmly on the ground.  Inhale arms up and on the exhale hinge forward from the top of the hips bringing elbows to knees.  (option to use blocks in the lap or a bolster placed vertically to rest the head on).

Seated in a chair, legs extended, knees soft.   Inhale arms up and on the exhale hinge forward from the top of the hips bringing hands to knees or blocks placed between the legs.

Either of the Seated variations given can be done with the arms/head coming to rest on a desk or table.