Yoga can help women recover from mastectomies

Women suffering from breast cancer may have to accept the painful news that they will lose one or more of their breasts, and that’s not something that’s easily digestible. Although there are many types of mastectomies, it is, no doubt, a life-changing experience, both physically and emotionally, so it’s important to take good care of yourself.  

If you already practice yoga regularly, you know it can offer calmness and clarity during difficult situations, and you’ll probably be eager to get back on the mat to start the healing process.  But engaging in a vigorous practice after undergoing a mastectomy may not be in your best interests.  First, you must be careful not to put pressure on your arms and upper body area too soon, as your range of motion will be compromised and you’ll experience weakness in one or more muscles near the affected tissue.  You may also experience a condition called “lymphadema” which occurs because the body isn’t draining fluids normally like it did before surgery, so you’ll need to stay away from arm balances and other strengthening poses that affect the upper body until you feel better.

So, take it slow and easy, and if you can, find a teacher who is trained in yoga therapy for breast cancer patients and who can sensitively and knowledgeably ease you along your path to recovery.  Another way to help your recovery is to practice some restorative yoga poses, such as reclining bound angle pose, corpse pose, and legs-up-the-wall pose, which promote deep breathing and relaxation to guide you back to emotional health.

“The first thing postoperative patients should do before trying yoga is to ask their surgeon what he or she recommends,” says Dr. Vivien D’Andrea of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, quoted in an article “Gentle yoga may speed recovery after surgery,” (Las Altos Town Crier, by Pam Walatka (June 17, 2009).  “Starting yoga right after surgery, if you have not done yoga before, would be a terrible idea. Yoga students learn to listen to their bodies and know when to stop. If you were to jump into postoperative yoga without experience, you could hurt yourself,” notes Pam.

Having any type of cancer is not an easy thing to accept, but yoga can help you manage it more effectively. Although it’s not a quick fix, an ongoing practice will reward you with a more meaningful and radiant life, regardless of the challenges we face.

Restorative yoga benefits those with breast cancer

Restorative yoga is a gentle practice that reaps many benefits, especially for those suffering from breast cancer and other debilitating illnesses. It is not uncommon for people with health-related problems to embrace the power of restorative yoga to experience more peacefulness and less anxiety in the midst of worrisome thoughts and hospital treatments. Through the use of props such as bolsters, blankets, sandbags, straps and eye pillows, patients with chronic illness can be set up in supportive poses that will engender a more positive outlook on life, especially during traumatic life-changing experiences.

In a study of 44 women who participated in a 10-week restorative yoga program at Wake Forest Unversity School of Medicine, lead researcher Suzanne Danhauer, Ph.D. was quoted in an article entitled Yoga Benefits Women With Breast Cancer, (American Journal of Hematology and Oncology, May 25, 2009) as follows:  ”Evidence from systematic reviews of randomized trials is quite strong that mind-body therapies improve mood, quality of life, and treatment-related symptoms in people with cancer. Given the high levels of stress and distress that many women with breast cancer experience, the opportunity to experience feeling more peaceful and calm in the midst of breast cancer is a significant benefit.”

At the end of the program, the women were asked to complete a questionnaire concerning their quality of life.  Most experienced less depression, with increased feelings of peace and broader clarity and meaning in their lives. Women who had higher levels of negativity and lower emotional well-being received larger benefits from restorative yoga than others.

Rest and Relax – $ 15.95 Wai Lana’s calming voice and soft music will ease your mind, relax your body, and soothe your spirit as she guides you through two ancient relaxation techniques and a restful meditation.