Yoga for Life

Class led by Corina, yoga instructor and Masseur (Somatic Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Therapeutic, Reflexology: vertebral static disorders: kyphosis, scoliosis, soft tissue disorders (contracture, muscle strain, scapulohumeral periathritis – PSH, coxo-femoral periathritis , tendinitis, bursitis, painful myofascial and musculoligamentary syndromes).

Most types of yoga practice focus on movement and breathing and do not require a total lifestyle change. The yoga class is slow and gentle, and some of the classes may increase progressively in activity and in faster movements.

The focus of this session is to stimulate lymphatic flow through slow movements of the arms and legs and gentle twists, in combination with deep and regular breathing. Because the lymphatic system does not have an organ that pumps lymph into the body, it is important to use movement and breathing to keep the immune system active. Please practice only after the surgical incisions have healed and only with the advice of your doctor.

One of the most common types of yoga is called Ashtanga yoga (we will practice slightly modified movements), which uses physical postures and breathing techniques to increase strength and flexibility in the affected areas.

Research in breast cancer patients has shown that yoga can help:

• improve physical functioning
• reduce fatigue
• reduce stress
• get a more restful sleep
• improve the quality of life

Weekly online yoga classes held via Zoom, for anyone with cancer and / or lymphedema.

What you need during class:

• Yoga mattress, occasionally a chair
• 1-2 pillows and blanket
• Yoga belt (the lace of a robe is also good)
• Two yoga bricks, preferably made of cork or foam

Many of the practices in this series of yoga for cancer care are helpful in treating joint pain often associated with chemotherapy. The practice of breathing and asanas is a wonderful lesson both in non-attachment and in focusing on the present moment. Chemotherapy can leave patients feeling awful for weeks and weeks after which it can make you feel like you are in a constant battle – in fact, our whole cancer story is about a fight with ourselves. Cancer can be felt as a war against one’s own body. You may feel exhausted and vulnerable. Yoga can be a useful tool to reconnect with your body and find peace with yourself again.

My “Yoga for Life” project is not for profit, if you can afford it, I appreciate it. If you can’t pay, I don’t want it to stop you, so I’m happy to support you for a while or you can make a small donation.