Yoga Post-Surgery
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Studies have shown that practicing gentle yoga after breast cancer surgery can help heal the mind and body. Yoga, meditation, and mindful breathing allow women with breast cancer to explore their emotions, and help foster coping mechanisms for fatigue and depression.
Savasana Pose is a resting position and a great way to release stress and tension in the body.
Supported Savasana:
Feel free to stack a pillow and rolled-up blanket at one end of a yoga mat and lie flat with your back resting on the blanket and pillow. Bring your knees together with your feet flat on the mat and open your legs on each side of the mat, keeping your knees bent and your hands at your sides, palms facing up. Take a few deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling. You can use bolsters to support your lower back and sacrum. Once the body is in a relaxed position, deep breathing practices calm the mind and release muscle tension. You can transition this posture into a spinal twist by moving your knees to one side of the mat with your arms spread apart, and your head facing in the opposite direction. The beauty of this pose is that you can close your eyes, breathe, and allow yourself to sink into the stillness of Savasana for as long as you want.
To exit, first roll gently with an exhalation onto one side, preferably the right. Take 2 or 3 breaths. With another exhalation press your hands against the floor and lift your torso, dragging your head slowly after. The head should always come up last.
Benefits of Savasana Pose:
- Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression
- Relaxes the body
- Reduces headache, fatigue, and insomnia
- Helps to lower blood pressure
Gentle yoga can provide a sense of normalcy for many women post-surgery and give them the support needed for a successful recovery.
Be sure to consult with your doctor to get a sense of how much activity is good for you at your stage of recovery.