Yoga for Testicular Cancer

When considering a yoga practice for testicular cancer, precautions should be taken not to over exert in the practice. For an individual in the early stages of treatment, restorative poses would be the best place to start. Focus on calming breathing techniques. Encourage use of props to avoid overdoing.

April is the month we highlight Testicular Cancer.

When undergoing cancer treatment, yoga practice can be beneficial to promote overall wellbeing. 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. They also reduce inflammation and fatigue. A regular yoga practice helps to improve mental wellbeing, immune functioning and hormonal balance. Additionally some patients report greater ease in sleeping, which benefits healing.

Oncology Gentle Yoga

Incorporate upper body lymphatic drainage, pelvic tilts, neck stretches, shoulder shrugs, shoulder rolls, isometric presses, wrist movements (rolls, flex/ext.).

Gentle supine movements such as knee & ankle flexion and extension, and ankle rolls are also beneficial.

Beneficial poses

Balasana- child’s pose

Viparita karani- legs up the wall

Mariaryasana/Bitilasana- cat/cow

Pachimotanasana- seated forward bend (avoid overexertion)

Baddha Konasana- bound angle (avoid overexertion)

Setu Bandhasana- supported bridge

Tadasana- mountain

Oncology Chair Yoga

Theme: Hips & Emotional Release

Focus: Hip mobility, flexibility and emotional release

Asanas: Pigeon, Lizard Butterfly

Chair Yoga Modifications

Pigeon: Cross ankle over opposite thigh (figure 4). Variation: Ankle over thigh, lean forward, arm closest to bent knee goes between legs, other arm outside of standing leg, clasp hands

Lizard: Open one leg to side, lean gently into hip on side leg

Butterfly: Soles of feet together with knees falling open, feet stay on floor. Variation: Use block on small side and place feet on block with soles together knees apart

Standing Poses using Chair for Safety

Depending on mobility of students:

Pigeon or Lizard: Stand on side of chair facing seat. Raise and bend one leg, place lower leg on seat of chair, holding onto back of chair with closest arm, lean slightly forward.