Theraputic Yoga

This program supports the Integrative Care of Cancer Recovery, treating the body, mind and spirit to enhance the outcome of your medical treatment plan. In the class you will have the opportunity to meet and work with other patients with the same cancer, facing the same issues, decreasing your sense of isolation, creating a community supporting individual self-exploration, healing, growth and transformation while we focus specifically on the conditions of your cancer and treatment regime.
We will encourage and guide your individual self-exploration in breath, movement, visualization and stillness within a supportive community. Gentle yoga for cancer patients is a complement to your healing process. The benefits of this class include re-establishing flexibility and movement after surgery, reducing swelling from lymphadema, relief from anxiety, stress, and fatigue, improved posture, and a greater sense of your strength and wellbeing. We will focus on breathing for relaxation and cellular rejuvenation, gentle yoga and visualization during a guided meditation. All of this is designed to encourage and provide support of the client’s abilities to resume ones life and live it fully with courage and grace.

Techniques presented:
Diaphragmatic breathing, Basic meditation, Yoga, Guided visualization and imagery, Coping techniques for uncertainty, depression, anger and anxiety. Positive lifestyle skills and Self-nurturing

Benefits:
Increased mobility, Increase lymph action for less swelling, Peer support, Stress reduction strategies, coping skills, and Improved communication skills

References

Pain management and yoga. International journal of Psychosomatics, 38, 76-80

Spiegel, D. & Morrow, G.R. (1996) Group Psychotherapy for recently diagnosed breast cancer patients: A multi-center study. Breast Journal, 2, 104-106

Spiegel, D. & Morrow, G.R, et al. (1999) Group psychotherapy for recently diagnosed breast cancer patients: A multi center feasibility study. Psycho-Oncology, 8, 482-493