Cancer Care: Into The Flow Yoga and Wellness
Cancer, a diagnosis that no one wants, yet 2 in 5 Canadians will receive in their lifetime. If you have found yourself here, it is likely that you have been on the receiving end of a cancer diagnosis. I am glad that you have come, not to this diagnosis, but here. Because I am here to help you approach your life beyond that diagnosis through an integrative approach.
We humans are incredibly complex beings and though it may be near impossible to determine what exactly led to this diagnosis, there are certainly many things that you can do now to support your system in dealing with this disease whether you are still facing treatments or trying to discover a new sense of normal post disease.
The areas that I specialize in are: Yoga, Meditation and Energy Therapy. Below outlines how each modality may be able to support you in your journey.
Yoga
The benefits of a regular yoga practice are vast. Specific to those dealing with cancer, clinical evidence has shown that yoga practices can help relieve pain, fatigue, and sleep disruptions that have developed due to the diagnosis or the treatment itself.
Some additional benefits of Yoga are:
- Detoxifies and strengthens the body
- Increases range of motion and flexibility
- Keeps the spine strong
- Strengthens the immune system
- Manages weight gain, fear and anxiety
- Enhances body image, empowerment and wellbeing
Yoga4Cancer, developed by Tari Prinster, a cancer survivor and master yoga teacher, is a specialized yoga methodology that is tailored to address the specific physical and emotional needs left by cancer & its treatments. This unique approach focuses on how to stimulate the immune system through movement, improve flexibility & strength, along with reducing anxiety and boosting overall well-being.
At Into The Flow I am utilizing this methodology in our Yoga classes, in conjunction with mindfulness and meditation practices. My intention is to address the wholistic needs of the individual, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, in order to foster a balanced state of wellbeing.
Any-body and every-body are welcome to these classes, whether you are newly diagnosed, receiving treatment or in remission. No prior yoga experience is necessary. I meet you where you are in mind and body and guide you towards balance.
Should you have had recent surgery or have other health condition(s) presenting that impact your ability to safely engage in physical exercise, it may be important to have a Doctor’s consent prior to attending your first class.
To view upcoming sessions, click here
To learn more about how yoga can benefit you, here are some recommended resources:
ARTICLES
Canadian Cancer Society: Yoga as a Complementary Therapy for Cancer Patients
The College of Family Physicians of Canada: Effects of Yoga on Patients With Cancer
Creative Transformations: Rebuilding Self-Confidence Following a Cancer Diagnosis
The Guardian: Yoga to Combat Pain and Fatigue in Cancer Patients
YogaUOnline: How Yoga Helps Cancer Patients and Survivors
SITES
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (US Site, however extremely informative)
Dana Farber Cancer Centre: Experts Speak on Survivorship Topics
Looking Good With Cancer: Tips For Looking Your Best
BOOKS
Yoga
Yoga for Cancer, A Guide to Managing Side Effects, Boosting Immunity, and Improving Recovery for Cancer Survivors, by Tari Prinster
Yoga for Pain Relief: Simple Practices to Calm Your Mind and Heal Your Chronic Pain, by Kelly McGonigal and Timothy McCall
Yoga and Breast Cancer, a Journey to Health and Healing, by Ingrid Kollak & Isabell Utz-Billing
Living Your Yoga, by Judith Hanson Lasater
Spiritual Health and Mind/Body Connection
The Healing Circle, Integrating science, Wisdom and Compassion in Reclaiming Wholeness on the Cancer Journey, by Rutledge/Walker
The Resilient Spirit,Transforming Suffering into Insight and Renewal, by Polly Young-Eisendrath, PH.D
Living Your Yoga, Finding the Spiritual in Everyday Life, by Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D
Full Catastrophe Living, Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness, by Jon Kabat-Zinn
The Breathing Book, by Donna Farhi
Go In and In, Poems from the Heart of Yoga, by Danna Faulds
My Grandfather’s Blessings, by Rachel Naome Remen, MD
The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz
Zen Cancer Wisdom, by Suzanne Friedman
The Great Work of Your Life, by Stephen Cope
Your Body Speaks Your Mind: Decoding the Emotional, Psychological, and Spiritual Messages That Underlie Illness, by Debbie Shapiro
The Body Keeps The Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma, by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
Meditation
Meditation has been around for thousands of years, the benefits, now well documented through thousands of scientific studies, range from deeper states of calm and peace with more restful sleep, to increases in energy and positive thinking, as well as decreases in disease.
When faced with a diagnosis of cancer, this practice can help someone more easily and calmly navigate the tumultuous experiences they may face. One study showed that the impacts of meditation benefited one’s health in fighting disease more effectively than engaging in sport. Another very important benefit is that those who practice regular meditation maintain the length of their telomeres, which are the ends of chromosomes. Shortened telomeres are associated with several disease states, as well as cell aging, while longer telomeres are thought to be protective against disease, helping the body heal.
The list of benefits is extensive, yet what each person will experience will be unique to them.
Meditation can be experienced by anyone, no matter who you are, no matter how busy your mind.
Meditation is currently blended into our Yoga classes. Should you be interested in meditation only, please contact me to discuss.
Energy Therapy
Reiki is an ancient Japanese practice that while subtle and gentle in nature, can offer deep and profound healing. Reiki means Universal Life Force Energy. In this form of energy work the practitioner will either hover their hands over or lay them upon the client, acting as a conduit, flowing energy that offers calming, balancing and stress-reducing effects that trigger the persons natural capacity to heal. Similar to an acupuncturist using needles to facilitate the free flowing of energy throughout the body, Reiki assists in moving energetic blockages and increasing the energetic vibration of the client.
Within just a few sessions, some of the many benefits that one can expect to experience are:
- Promotes Health & Wellbeing
- Helps With Pain Management
- Encourages Mental Clarity
- Improves Meditative State
- Releases Muscle Stress & Tension
- Relieves Anxiety & Depression
- Aids Relaxation
- Strengthens Immune System & Aids Digestion
- Improves Natural Healing Process
- Clears Toxins
- Promotes A Peaceful & Positive Outlook
Healing can be experienced on a cellular and energetic level, within all components of ones being, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
Reiki is not affiliated with any religion or religious practice, nor does one need to be spiritual to benefit from it, however for some it can be a very spiritual experience.
For those with cancer, studies and anecdotal evidence has shown that, in addition to promoting relaxation, reducing pain, anxiety and sickness, Reiki can also be used to encourage healing. Some studies have explored the effect of Reiki on patients who are undergoing cancer treatment concurrently. These studies have found that, although Reiki is not a substitute for other cancer treatments, it can enhance these treatments and offer a number of benefits to patients as they deal with the symptoms and stresses of cancer.
Individuals will remain fully clothed during their treatment. More than one treatment is necessary to guide one back into a state of balance, yet each person’s needs will be unique.
My Energy Therapy practice runs out of Full Circle Health Network.
If you have any questions about how Energy Therapy or Reiki can support you, please reach out
To book an appointment, click here
To read more about the science behind Reiki, follow the links below:
Reiki Really Works: A Ground Breaking Study
Effects of Reiki Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Adults
To read more about how Reiki can benefit those with cancer, follow the below links:
