Does Yoga help with breathing better/calmer

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cathyann
cathyann Member Posts: 170
edited June 2014 in Working on Your Fitness

I heard Yoga is very calming.  I don't normally have any breathing problems..until right after my surgery's.  Then I have trouble breathing. I think I just get a little anxious, but it does subside after a while.  One of the nurse's told me to try Yoga.  Anyone find that this does work?

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  • PeggySull
    PeggySull Member Posts: 686
    edited May 2013

    Yoga is the only exercise I WANT to do. I have two DVDs I love. The one that focuses the most on breathing is "From surviving to thriving: Yoga for Breast Cancer." The exercises are a little more advanced than my other yoga DVD, "Meditation for Beginners" by Maritza. This DVD is divided into 3 20 minute segments: Hatha yoga (physical and breathing)' body scan (relaxing); and guided meditation (also focuses on the breath).



    I think Maritza's. 20 minute Hatha yoga segment is a good place to start. You can't really hurt yourself practicing this. Maybe watch the other DVD that gets more into breath work so you can incorporate it into Maritza's. Her's is so calming!



    Hope this helps.

    Hugs,

    Peggy

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited May 2013

    Just a precaution - if you've had any nodes removed, you may want to avoid yoga poses such as downward dog or other poses that put stress on the arms and shoulders - you don't want to trigger lymphedema.  But that said, I've been doing yoga since I finished chemo 5 years ago, and it's been a lifesaver.

    Here's info for you on exercising safely after you've had nodes removed, including doing yoga:  http://stepup-speakout.org/Handout%20doc%20for%20SUSO-040113.pdf

    If you take a yoga class, here's a handout you can give the yoga instructor so he or she can give you alternate poses to do that don't stress your upper body and arms:  http://stepup-speakout.org/Trainer%20doc%20for%20SUSO-040113.pdf

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  • cmharris59
    cmharris59 Member Posts: 496
    edited May 2013

    Natsfan: thank you for the pamphlet! I did extensive yoga and dance before BC. Unfortunately after BC, with all of my s/e induced issues, my docs told me to stop. I think this is one reason why. I know my doctors had no knowledge of yoga and could not help me. My physical therapist had a little knowledge, but not enough to get me back on track. I am going to ask them about this. It would be nice to have a purpose again. 

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  • PeggySull
    PeggySull Member Posts: 686
    edited May 2013

    NatsFan,



    I didn't have nodes removed at my mastectomy (had them removed at time port was placed for neoadjuvant chemo) so your post was a good precautionary note to the one I wrote!



    Thanks too for the links!

    Peggy

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  • cathyann
    cathyann Member Posts: 170
    edited June 2013

    Peggy.. I'm going to look for this DVD, did you buy it online or in a store? I'm 8 weeks out and I need to start doing something. Throughout this whole ordeal I've gained an extra 12-15lbs. and I want to see if I could get rid of it.

    Natsfan:  Thanks for the info.

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  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited June 2013

    I couldnt go back to the gym after my lx and rads and after the SEs from Aromasin.  I was fatigued with severe joint pain.  Then went back to yoga and I cannot believe how great I feel.  I had also gained back the 12lbs i lost pre dx - and have lost most of it since starting yoga in march.  But more, my body is getting sculpted.  I never expected this, and did not start yoga to lose weight.  I feel stronger and healthier, and emotionally feel so much better, calmer.....and sleeping like a log!  cant say enough about yoga!

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  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited June 2013

    OOhhh.....I am happy to find this thread! 

    I have done yoga for years, sometimes with gaps in between, but always wonder why I tapered off when I go back to it. I am 8 weeks post Tram free flap recon, with presurgery shoulder issues. I have started back with yoga, at home, and taking "gentle" classes. I'm again loving the calm, stress free state of mind I get from my practice. I've done enough well taught classes before, that I know pretty much how to modify things to accomodate my current status, but can already see improvement in my shoulders and torso flexibility. There are now lots of "types" of yoga classes.....you may have to "shop around" until you find a good fit....but definitely....do yoga....it heals more than just the body!

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  • knitgal
    knitgal Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2013

    Cathyann, I don't hang out at these sites much. I did notice that you are from CT and you have a wonderful resource to explore in your own backyard.  The local "Y" s offer programs for those of us dealing with cancer recovery issues.  There are two 12 week programs (one level leads to the next).  I know that they explore all different types of exercise including yoga under excellent direction.  I myself am a swimmer and I don't know what I would do with out the "Y".  Laps keep away the contracures I felt after the lumpectomy.  The water aerobics just make me downright happy.  There are at least 5 other cancer thrivers in our group and we are our best support.  In the water we are all light and happy.  I also keep a relaxation app on my Iphone.  Good luck in your search for relaxation.  I am sure that your journey will lead you to peace.

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