Yoga For Thyroid Cancer

CPF September Focus

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

Theme: Grounding & Gratitude

Focus: Stability, Calm, and Reflection

Per the Mayo Clinic, Thyroid Cancer is a growth of cells that start in the thyroid and then mutate and ultimately accumulate and form a tumor. Thyroid cancer is classified by the types of cells found in the tumor and the type is considered in determining treatment. While thyroid cancer rates seem to be increasing, they respond well to treatment.

Pranayama

While asanas can help provide stability and grounding, so can breathwork. Try adding ratio breathing to the practice to provide additional grounding.

Ratio Breathing Defined

One thing to consider with any pranayama, particularly ratio breathing, is the experience of the person doing the breathwork and their ability. There are many claims of “magic ratios” for certain ailments, goals, practices, we must recognize that even focusing on and fully experiencing the breath is profound and grounding.

Ratio Breathing Practice

This is a sample practice from CPF Teacher, Cyndi Ellsom:

A practice that I like to share with my students is very personalized to them and what they feel and what they want to explore. I begin by having them focus on their breath, noticing each inhale and exhale without changing anything and without judgement. After a few rounds of observation, I invite them to count how many beats each inhalation takes. After a few more breaths I offer that they may want to count how many beats each exhalation takes. From there I can offer any of the following:

1. Ask them if they can even out the number of beats each inhale and exhale takes

2. Ask them if they can increase the number of beats that the exhale takes

3. Ask them if they can add a pause between each inhale and exhale

Remember, just finding the breath and focusing on it can be challenging. Don’t try to overcomplicate the breath, having someone find their breath and harness it in minor ways can be extremely calming and grounding.