Yoga for Breast Cancer

CPF October Focus-

Types of Cancer: Breast and Liver

Theme: Balance and Breath

Focus: Mind Body connection, Balance & Calm

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation; 1 in 8 women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The good news is that when caught at its earliest, the 5-year relative survival rate is over 99%. Over the past few years there have been many advances in early detection and treatment methods which have significantly increased the survival rates!

Breast Cancer Survival

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the breast. There are many different types of breast cancer, and they can affect both men and women. There are risk factors that you may be able to influence: Alcohol and smoking increase the risk while physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight have been shown to lower the risk. Take action to reduce your risk and ensure you get your mammogram scheduled as early detection increases survival rates.

To bring balance and calm into your practice, consider adding variations of Eagle.

Eagle Pose

Standing Eagle Variations:

Begin in Mountain pose. Bend the knees, sitting back slightly. Shift the weight to one leg. Cross the other knee on top of the stabilizing leg. Options include gently resting the toes on a block or wrapping the toes around the stabilizing leg.

Note: All of the above can be done while holding onto the back of a chair for a standing chair assisted variation of eagle.

Once the lower half of the body is balanced and stable; bring the arms to right angles and cross one elbow on top of the other. Keep the forearms parallel or bring the palms to face one another. Other options for the arms include crossing arms across chest grabbing onto the opposite shoulder or bringing arms in front of chest at 90 degrees and gently bringing them as close together as possible.

Seated Eagle Variations

Begin seated in chair, knees bent, feet firmly on the ground.

Options for the lower half of the body: Cross one knee over the other knee, cross one ankle over the other ankle, or extend legs and cross the ankles

Options for the upper half of the body: Bring the arms to right angles and cross one elbow on top of the other. Keep the forearms parallel or bring the palms to face one another. Other options include crossing arms across chest grabbing onto the opposite shoulder or bringing arms in front of chest at 90 degrees and gently bringing them as close together as possible

Eagle can also be done fully reclined.

Adding a Pranayama to Eagle

Pause in your variation of Eagle and bring your attention to your body and how it feels for a few breaths. Pause for a few more breaths and tune into your mind and the thoughts/sensations as they happen; trying not to get attached. Then bring your fingertips to the opposite shoulder. On each inhale gently let the elbows float up and on each exhale let the elbows lower until they rest on the body. Continue breathing, with the elbows mimicking the breath, for at least 3 more rounds. Notice any changes in your body and your mind as you continue breathing.