Breast Cancer Yoga Therapy for Stretching the Area of the Incision

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A gentle or restorative yoga practice may be very healing in stretching the area of the incision, the calming down of the stress attached to the surgery as well as bringing the ROM, (range of motion) back to the entire area of the chest.

Fish pose opens up the heart and since the heart is connected to your lymphatic system, which is your central immune system, these glands are stimulated in this yoga posture. In Fish pose, you are opening your rib cage, lungs and upper back, therefore opening yourself to more love.

Benefits

• Quiets the mind quickly
• Promotes lymphatic drainage of breasts and pectoral muscles
• Post surgical benefits of reducing fibrous adhesions and scar tissue
• Allows the shoulder blades to feel supported comfortably
• Spreads the clavicle, relieves pressure on brachial plexus (network of nerves)
• Stretches and expands the pectoral muscles
• A large heart opener that frees the breath
• Stretches the deep hip flexors (psoas) and the muscles (intercostals) between the ribs
• Stimulates and stretches the belly muscles and front of the neck
• Strengthens the muscles of the upper back and back of the neck
• Tones the front of your neck and your abdominals
• Relieves tension in your neck, throat, and shoulders
• Improves posture – has therapeutic effect on rounded-shoulders, asthma, spasms in the bronchial tubes, and other respiratory issues

Instructions

1. Use a generous amount of props to support this wonderful pose.
2. Start with a folded blanket under your hips, and blocks (side-by-side) or bolster under your upper spine, and another pillow, bolster or folded blanket for your shoulders. The goal is to feel your heart open and your chest lifted.
3. Keep your legs close together and don’t let your feet flop out.
4. Remain conscious of the pose, and especially of your breath.
5. Play around with supporting props. Make sure each prop feels perfect.
6. If you want to fully express the pose; bring both arms overhead and extend in both directions.
7. This is a pose that can be sustained for 5/10 minutes.
8. When releasing out of the pose, point the toes mightily and come up with a lifted chest (if possible).
9. Once up flex your feet and hang forward to release the backbend effects.

To experience the benefits of yoga for breast cancer, it is essential that you begin with simple, gentle yoga movements. You should also consult a doctor before you begin practicing yoga. It is also necessary that you follow a yogic diet that consists of a mainly vegetarian diet to enhance the benefits of yoga.

About Dawn Bradford Lange:  Co-founder of Breast Cancer Yoga. Dawn is making a difference with Breast Cancer Yoga therapeutic products designed to support you emotionally and physically during breast cancer . We want to give you the attention and personal service you need so please email us atinfo@breastcanceryoga.com if you have questions.