Practising these poses daily will provide a great amount of relief from the prolonging pain. Besides, it will help in maintaining a healthy life.
Cancer as a disease is a really tough battle. The crippling pain and fatigue that follows its treatment can be the most difficult test of life. In this regard, the diagnosis and treatment of cancer pose severe psychological distress that impacts the functional quality of life. One would look for ways of easy endurance.
On the occasion of International Yoga Day, City Spidey brings to you five specific postures which are ideal and mandatory for people suffering from different types of cancer.
1. Ardha Surya Namaskar (Half Sun Salutation)
Stand straight with your legs close.
Press your palms together, ensure shoulders are down and back.
Look ahead, chin straight. Now, inhale deeply and raise your pressed arms above the head.
Feel the stretch and on exhaling, bend at the waist to bring your palms towards the feet.
You can bend your knees if desired.
Touch the fingertips with your toes, keep your back straight.
Inhale, return to the standing position.
Repeat the salutation as many times as you choose.
(The posture warms up the body, opens the hips and improves circulation)
2. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Butterfly Pose)
Bring your feet together, with the knees bent.
Allow the knees to fall away from your hips; let gravity pull your knees down.
Now slowly lean back as you exhale.
Let your lower back rest on the cushions behind you and bring the upper back towards the floor.
Support your head with another cushion if desired.
Rest your arms on the floor, palms facing up.
Breathe deeply in the posture for about 15-20 minutes.
(The posture relieves tension in the shoulders and chest. It is particularly effective for breast cancer recovery)
3.Viparita Karani (Legs up the wall)
Lie on your back with your legs propped up against a wall.
Make a 90-degree angle with your body with the legs resting flat on the wall’s surface.
Place a cushion beneath your lower back for comfort.
Concentrate on your breathing for about 20 minutes.
(It works well at rejuvenating your mind while improving circulation)
4.Bitilasana Marjaryasana (Cat-Cow pose)
Start the pose on your hands and knees.
Exhale, curve your spine outwards.
Look up during this movement.
Inhale, curve your back inwards.
Face downwards.
Repeat the movements as often as possible.
(This posture improves flexibility in your back while revitalising you)
5. Savasana (Corpse pose)
Lie down on the floor, on your back.
Place your hands at your side, palms up.
Slowly relax every part of your body.
Concentrate on each part while you let yourself feel lighter.
Breathe deeply and steadily.
Retain the posture until you achieve complete relaxation.
(Though considered as one of the most challenging poses, it gives you total relaxation)
Benefits of yoga in cancer patients
1. Lower fatigue
Several studies have shown a significant decrease in fatigue through the use of yoga in cancer patients.
2. Reduce stress
Battling with a life-threatening disease can be physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting, Simple meditation can help in the reduction of stress.
3. Lower risk of re-occurrence.
Yoga results in decreased body fat density, which can help to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
4. Better sleep
Combination of physical and emotional stress can hinder your good night's sleep. Yoga helps you loosen your nerves and make you relax
5. Pain tolerance
The crippling pain of chemotherapy and several medications can affect anybody’s ability to move, let alone engage in daily activities. Performing these poses can help you in bearing pain.
