Yoga for Uterine Cancer

CPF- September Focus

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

Theme: Grounding & Gratitude

Focus: Stability, Calm, and Reflection

Per the Mayo Clinic, Uterine Cancer is most thought of as endometrial cancer which lines the uterus. A much rarer form of uterine cancer is uterine sarcoma which develops in the lining of the muscle wall. The most common treatment for endometrial cancer is surgery to remove the uterus, a hysterectomy. The surgery is often combined with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or hormone therapy.

To support survivors, focus on asanas that build stability and use language that promotes calmness and reflection. A great stabilizing pose is Warrior One or modified Warrior One as seen below.

Warrior One

Standing

Step one leg straight back, gently bend front knee letting weight move down through the center towards the floor. Externally rotate the arms and raise them overhead.

Standing, using a Chair for Balance

Begin with a chair in front of the hips, back of the chair toward you. Rest fingers on the back of the chair and step one leg straight back, gently bending the front knee letting weight move down through the center towards the floor. Externally rotate one arm and lift overhead.

Warrior One Modified- Seated in a Chair

Sit sideways in the chair with both feet on the ground in front of you, adjusting yourself so that the hip/buttock toward the front of the chair is not resting on the seat of the chair. Let the front knee descend towards the ground, ensuring the knee continues to face the same direction as your body. It may be more comfortable to place a block under the knee for support. Externally rotate the arms and raise them overhead.

Option to lengthen the front leg until the toes can rest comfortably on the earth. Option to press through the heel lengthening the front leg until the foot can comfortably rest on the earth.