Yoga for Cancer
I had two choices when I found out that I had cancer of the liver. I could either go to a place of 'oh poor me' or 'okay God what are the lessons for me to learn'. By choosing the latter, I opened myself up to all the positive aspects of life affirming activities including receiving help. So now it is my turn to give back for all I have received. By teaching and being a part of this class, I will be the giver and the receiver at the same time. This is not a cure for death for we all have an expiration date but rather a healthier way to learn to live.
This Yoga class was specifically created for people with cancer, by a person with cancer, allowing them to feel safe to communicate with others. This class will result in an empathy between teacher and student. A sense of community will be created that reduces feelings of isolation, and improves social skills while allowing the attendees to reconnect emotionally and spiritually to their homeostasis (balance).
Yoga, in general, can help to lift your mood and enhance well being. Some people with cancer say it helps calm their mind so that they can cope better with their illness. Others say it helps to reduce symptoms and side effects such as pain, tiredness, sleep problems and depression.
Beyond the many benefits of Yoga, when people of like experiences (cancer being one of them) connect, the social barriers lessen and open and honest communication can occur because the social stigma of cancer is not present. In essence we become bonded by our shared life path and our need for human connection.
Please Join me on this journey of life and recovery.
-David Steinberg
If interested, Please call me at 631 553 0661
Following are some of the many benifits of yoga as described by Kimberly Lowe, PhD.
1. Yoga is good for the bones.
"Some types of cancer and cancer treatments may cause bones to weaken, which can lead to an increased risk of fracture. Simple yoga poses help strengthen the bones in a gentle and supportive way. In fact, many of the traditional yoga poses are considered to be weight-bearing exercises. For example, all standing poses strengthen the leg bones, pelvis, and spine. Poses that require you to be on your hands and knees have the added benefit of strengthening your arm bones. In addition, many yoga poses can help you find alignment in your body, leading to improved spine strength, flexibility, and overall comfort."
2. Yoga is good for the immune system.
"There are 10 main systems in the human body. The cardiovascular and digestive systems are commonly known and receive a lot of attention when we think about our general health. The lymphatic system, which is part of our immune system, may not be as well known, but it plays a major role in how our bodies detoxify and protect us from disease.
Unlike our cardiovascular system, which is propelled by our beating heart, the lymph fluid in our lymphatic system is circulated through the movement of our muscles. Lymph fluid travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight off infection and disease. Yoga puts our bodies into certain positions that help move lymph fluid towards the thoracic duct in the chest, where it will be processed and expelled back into the body. For example, if you put your arms up and over your head, as is done in many yoga poses, this encourages the lymph fluid in the arms to drain down. There are countless gentle ways yoga can help flush your lymphatic system to improve immunity and better health."
3. Yoga is good for our mood.
"Many studies have shown that yoga positively impacts mental health, including reductions in anxiety and depression and improved quality of life. Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be scary for anyone, and the uncertainty that follows can be difficult to manage. Yoga is beneficial in reducing feelings of fear, anxiety, and being overwhelmed because certain poses are designed to engage the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the 'rest and digest system.' When turned on, this system triggers the relaxation response in our bodies, which can help us relax and even sleep better."
4. Yoga is good for the muscles.
"Yoga poses range from gentle to intense. Aside from restorative poses, which are designed to engage the relaxation response described above, most poses require some form of movement or active stillness in a specific posture that will strengthen our muscles. People with cancer sometimes face challenges associated with scar tissue or side effects from treatment, and many yoga poses can help improve range of motion and flexibility, making daily living easier. The more active yoga poses have the added benefit of strengthening the cardiovascular system because they may require several muscles to maintain the pose. However, there are many gentle poses that are a fantastic way to help build strength and flexibility during and after treatment."