Read This Blog To Know The Efficacy Of Yoga For Breast Cancer

You must have heard about Hina Khan being in the news for being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. A celebrity who has access to the most organic food and access to some of the best trainers to keep themselves fit can be prone to such a deadly disease; how can anyone else with an ordinary lifestyle battle it? Breast cancer is now in the limelight even more, but it was never something to be taken lightly, as it has always been a health challenge that affects millions of women worldwide.

Medical treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are very important for fighting breast cancer. However, methods like yoga can greatly improve the quality of life for patients and survivors. With its holistic approach to physical and mental well-being, yoga has emerged as a powerful adjunct therapy. It helps lessen treatment side effects, reduce stress, and improve overall physical condition.

Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial, but incorporating yoga can offer additional benefits by promoting relaxation and aiding in recovery. In World Cancer Report 2020, it is said that yoga can be a valuable part of the overall care for breast cancer because it makes conventional treatments work better and gives better results in the long term. This blog is going to be all about the best yoga for breast cancer along with valuable insights regarding the role of yoga in managing and preventing the onset of this malady. Keep reading!

1. 5 Best Yoga Poses For Breast Cancer Patients

2. Benefits Of Yoga For Cancer Patients

3. Can Yoga Cure Breast Lumps?

4. Which Exercise Is Best For Breast Cancer?

5. What Is The Best Lifestyle For Breast Cancer?

6. Expert’s Advice

7. The Final Say

8. FAQs

9. References

5 Best Yoga Poses For Breast Cancer Patients

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The 5 best yoga poses for breast cancer patients are:

Yoga Pose

Instructions

Benefits

Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)

In a tabletop position, get on your hands and knees, with your knees under your hips and your wrists under your shoulders.

Inhale as you arch your back, lowering your belly towards the mat and lifting your head and tailbone towards the ceiling (Cow Pose).

Tuck your chin towards your chest (Cat Pose), breathe out as you round your spine towards the ceiling, and flow smoothly between Cat and Cow poses for several breaths.

Flexibility: Improves flexibility in the spine, shoulders, and neck.

Stress Relief: Calms the mind and reduces stress and anxiety.

Gentle Movement: Helps maintain mobility in the spine without strain.

Child's Pose (Balasana)

Kneel on the mat, big toes touching, and knees spread apart.

Fold forward while sitting back on your heels. Stretch or rest your arms along your torso.

Relax your entire body, and rest your forehead on the mat.

Relaxation: Calms the mind and promotes relaxation.

Gentle Stretch: Stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles.

Stress Reduction: Helps release back, shoulders, and neck tension.

Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

Lie down on your back, facing the sky with your knees bent and your feet flat on the mat.

Bringing your feet' soles together allows your knees to fall open to the sides.

You can take support for your knees with pillows or blankets and place your arms comfortably at your sides or abdomen.

Hip Opening: Gentle stretch for the inner thighs and groin.

Relaxation: Promotes relaxation and reduces fatigue.

Stress Relief: Calms the mind and helps alleviate anxiety.

Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)

Stand tall with feet hip-width apart. Inhale deeply, exhale as you hinge at the hips, and fold forward.

Let your head and neck relax, and place your hands on the floor or grab opposite elbows.

Hold for several breaths, gently bending the knees if needed.

Hamstring Stretch: Lengthens and stretches the hamstrings.

Spine Flexibility: Increases flexibility in the spine and shoulders.

Stress Reduction: Calms the mind and relieves tension in the back and neck.

Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

On your back, bend your knees, place your feet hip-width apart, and bring your heels to your buttocks.
Press firmly into your feet and raise your hips off the mat.

Slide a bolster, pillow, or folded blanket under your hips for support.

Relax your shoulders and neck, and keep your arms alongside your body or clasped under your lower back.

Back Strength: Strengthens the back muscles and improves posture.

Chest Opening: Stretches the chest and shoulders, improving lung capacity.

Relaxation: Promotes relaxation and reduces stress and fatigue.

Also Read: Top 8 Morning Exercises For Women To Revitalise Your Well-Being

Benefits Of Yoga For Cancer Patients

Here is how yoga benefits the cancer patients:

1. Physical Well-being

Improved Flexibility and Strength- Yoga helps enhance flexibility and build muscle strength, which can be particularly effective for breast cancer patients who may experience muscle stiffness and weakness due to treatment.
Pain Management- Gentle and light yoga poses and stretches can alleviate discomfort caused by radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy.
Enhanced Circulation- Yoga promotes better blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs, facilitating healing and recovery.

2. Mental And Emotional Well-Being

Stress Reduction- Yoga includes breathing exercises and meditation to reduce stress and anxiety. Lower stress levels can improve the body's ability to heal and recover.
Improved Mood- Yoga practices stimulate the production of endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters, helping to combat depression and improve mood.
Mindfulness and Relaxation- Yoga encourages mindfulness, helping patients stay present and focused. This can be particularly beneficial in managing the emotional rollercoaster associated with cancer treatment.

Also Read: 7 Best Yoga For Stress Management And Its Instant Benefits!

3. Boosted Immune System

Enhanced Immunity- Regular yoga has been shown to strengthen the immune system, making the body more resilient to infections and diseases.
Detoxification- Certain yoga poses aid in detoxifying the body by stimulating the lymphatic system, which helps remove toxins and waste products.

4. Better Sleep

Improved Sleep Quality- Yoga promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety, leading to better sleep quality, which is essential for health and recovery.

Can Yoga Cure Breast Lumps?

Yoga cannot cure breast lumps but can complement traditional medical treatments by enhancing well-being and reducing stress. Benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) breast lumps can occur, and their treatment typically requires medical interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or hormonal therapy.

Yoga boosts immunity and supports the body's natural healing mechanisms, promoting relaxation and lowering stress.

Research indicates that stress can negatively impact immune function, so yoga's role in stress reduction is beneficial. Yoga can improve lymphatic drainage, potentially aiding in removing toxins and reducing inflammation. However, no scientific evidence supports yoga as a standalone cure for breast lumps. Individuals with breast lumps must seek medical evaluation and treatment while considering yoga as an adjunct therapy to enhance health and recovery.

Which Exercise Is Best For Breast Cancer?

The best exercise for breast cancer patients and survivors combines aerobic exercise and strength training. Aerobic exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming improve cardiovascular health, enhance mood and boost energy levels. Strength training exercises, like lifting weights or exercises using resistance bands, help rebuild muscle strength and improve bone density, which cancer treatments can compromise. Additionally, the range of motion can be increased, and stiffness can be decreased with mild stretching and flexibility activities like yoga or Pilates. Always consult a healthcare professional to tailor an exercise program to individual needs and health conditions.

Also Read: Detox And Clean Your Lungs With These 5 Yoga Asanas And Pranayama!

What Is The Best Lifestyle For Breast Cancer?

The best lifestyle for breast cancer prevention and management involves a balanced approach that incorporates healthy eating, regular physical activity, stress management, and avoidance of harmful substances. Scientific research supports several key lifestyle factors:

1. Healthy Diet

A diet containing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides crucial nutrients and antioxidants that support health and may lower the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Limiting red meat, processed foods, alcohol and smoking is recommended.

2. Regular Exercise

Frequent exercise lowers the risk of breast cancer and aids in maintaining a healthy weight. Examples of this exercise include jogging, swimming, and brisk walking. Exercise also improves immune function, reduces inflammation, and supports mental well-being.

3. Maintaining A Healthy Weight

Obesity and excess body fat have been linked to a greater risk of breast cancer and poorer outcomes for those diagnosed. Maintaining an ideal body weight or a healthy BMI through diet and exercise can reduce this risk.

4. Stress Management

Chronic stress negatively impacts the immune system, making it more prone to other diseases and may contribute to cancer progression. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and spending time in nature can help manage stress effectively.

5. Avoidance Of Smoking And Limiting Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol and smoking are linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. Avoiding smoking altogether and limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women is advised.

Expert’s Advice

Yoga offers a holistic approach to supporting breast cancer patients through their treatment, recovery, and long-term wellness journey. By incorporating gentle poses, breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness practices, yoga can help alleviate physical discomfort, reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance quality of life.

Health Expert

Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

By embracing yoga as a complementary therapy, breast cancer patients can cultivate physical strength, mental resilience, and emotional well-being, fostering a holistic approach to their health and recovery. Consulting with healthcare providers, finding a qualified yoga instructor, and practising mindfully to ensure a safe and effective yoga practice are essential. With its numerous benefits, yoga can be a valuable complementary therapy for breast cancer patients, empowering them to take an active role in their healing and well-being.

FAQs

1. What are some yoga poses to avoid after breast cancer?

You should avoid poses like a full wheel, deep twists, and shoulder stands that put excessive strain on the chest and arms.

2. How can yoga for breast health benefit me?

Yoga can improve circulation, reduce stress, and enhance lymphatic drainage, promoting overall breast health.

3. What are the benefits of yoga for cancer patients?

Yoga helps reduce treatment side effects, alleviate stress, improve flexibility, and enhance quality of life.

4. Which yoga poses are recommended for cancer patients?

Gentle poses like cat-cow, seated forward bend, and supported bridge pose are recommended for cancer patients.

5. How can yoga help with breast cancer recovery?

Yoga can enhance flexibility and movement range that might be limited by surgery or other treatments. Yoga can also help to reduce fatigue and improve sleep quality, which are common side effects. Yoga also helps control stress and anxiety, which is good for physical and mental health while recovering.

6. Is yoga effective for managing a breast lump?

While yoga offers many benefits, including stress reduction and improved circulation, it's not a treatment for breast lumps. If you discover a lump, it's important to see a doctor for evaluation.

7. What yoga practices are suitable for breast cancer patients?

Gentle stretching, restorative yoga, and pranayama (breathing exercises) are suitable for breast cancer patients.

8. What are the best breast cancer yoga poses for recovery?

Poses like child's pose, supported fish, and gentle twists are beneficial for breast cancer recovery.

References

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A Fear Of Breast Cancer Lingering In Your Head? Read This Blog To Know The Efficacy Of Yoga For Breast Cancer!

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