Yoga for Ovarian Cancer

CPF-September Focus

Type of Cancer: Uterine, Leukemia, Ovarian, Prostate, and Thyroid Cancer

Theme: Grounding & Gratitude

Focus: Stability, Calm, and Reflection

Cyndi Ellsom demonstrates a chair modified forward fold

Per the Mayo Clinic, Ovarian cancer is a growth of cells that forms in the ovaries. The cells multiply quickly and can invade and destroy healthy body tissue. Ovarian cancer treatment typically involves surgery and chemotherapy.

To support survivors, caregivers, and those in the medical field focus on asanas that ground the individual and use language that promotes calmness. Forward folds are a wonderfully grounding pose.

Forward Fold Pose

Standing Forward Fold Variations:

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

Modified Forward Fold using Chair

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 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 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.