Yoga for Breast Cancer
CPF October Focus
Types of Cancer: Breast and Liver
Theme: Balance and Breath
Focus: Mind Body connection, Balance & Calm
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a month where across the country we unite to raise awareness and support for the millions of people affected by breast cancer. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime; 382,640 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year; and 1,048 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer today. It is the most common cancer among women, after skin cancer. Awareness brings action! Make sure that you get your mammogram scheduled as early detection increases survival rates.
Tree Pose
To support the journey of those impacted by Breast Cancer consider incorporating balance asanas such as Tree Pose into your yoga practice.
Tree Pose Modified
Standing Chair Pose Variations
Begin in mountain and shift the weight to the right foot. Come up onto the left toes. Pivot the left knee out to the side ensuring the hips stay facing forward and even. Press firmly into the right heel and lengthen the spine reaching through the crown of the head. Find a focal point in front of you to focus on as you gently and deeply inhale and exhale.
Feel free to add any or all of the options below to challenge your balance
· Bring the left foot up onto a block
· Bring the left food up onto the inside of the right leg
· Bring the arms out to the side
· Bring the arms overhead
Note: The standing version can be done with one or both hands on a chair to aid in stability
Seated Tree Pose
Seated Chair Pose Variations
Begin in mountain. Gently press into the right foot. Raise up onto the left toes. If comfortable in your hip step the left foot out to the left side. If comfortable, pivot on the left toes turning the knee out to the left. Find a focal point in front of you to focus on as you gently and deeply inhale and exhale.
Feel free to add any or all of the options below to challenge yourself
· Bring the left foot up onto a block
· Bring the left food up onto the inside of the right leg
· Bring the arms out to the side
· Bring the arms overhead
· Place a block on the head
Remember it is OK to have fun in tree pose, maybe sway the arms side to side like a tree in the wind and remember to laugh if you wobble or fall out of the shape. Try again until you build up the strength to balance.
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