Chair Yoga for Breast Cancer Survivors: A Guide to Healing

Healing Benefits of Chair Yoga for Breast Cancer Patients - Treatment Stage

Incorporating chair yoga into breast cancer survivorship will not only help you overcome feelings of anxiety, anger, fear, and depression but also help your body boost immunity and a sense of belongingness. As mentioned, yoga is a mind-body discipline that offers physical, mental and spiritual benefits when practised regularly.

Research in breast cancer patients has shown that practising yoga may help in;

• Improving physical functioning,
• Reducing fatigue,
• Reducing stress,
• Improving sleep and
• Enhancing the overall quality of life.

Besides these, it helps deal with distress and immune suppression after the surgery.

But do you know what is the most important thing? It would help if you felt free from regular or traditional yoga postures and practice. That is why, today, you will learn the best ways of holistic healing with chair yoga for breast cancer. 

So forget the yoga mat and grab your chair!

Chair Yoga Exercises for Breast Cancer Patients

If you or someone you know is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer, the below chair yoga exercises can be a safe and effective way to stay active and reduce stress.

Gentle Chest Opener

This pose helps to open up the chest and improve flexibility in the upper body, promoting a sense of relief during breast cancer treatment. It's super easy to perform.

Instructions to Perform:

• Sit comfortably on your chair.
• Hold your hands together behind your back and straighten your arms.
• Now, lift your chest, opening the shoulder and bringing the shoulder blades together. 
• Hold for 15-30 seconds in that position; breathe calmly.

How Does This Posture Benefit You?

The said technique can come in handy, especially during breast cancer treatment. Not only does it improve your respiratory function, but it also encourages a sense of openness and relaxation.

Seated Heart Opener

The exercises focus on your emotional well-being.

Instructions to Perform:

• Sit on your chair with your feet flat on the floor.
• Place both your hands on the lower back, fingers pointed downwards.
• Now, close your eyes and take a deep inhalation.
• Arch your back gently and hold your breath for 5 seconds. 
• Release the posture and repeat the steps at least ten times. 

How Does This Posture Benefit You?

Not only does this posture help release tension, but it also enhances your breathing capacity and lung function. It is a fantastic supportive chair yoga pose for breast cancer survivors.

Seated Diaphragmatic Breathing

Are you looking for a way to cope with the stress of breast cancer treatment? Why not give diaphragmatic breathing a try?

Instructions to Perform:

• To get started, find a comfortable seat with your feet flat on the floor.
• Take a deep breath through your nose, focusing on the expansion of your diaphragm.
• Then, slowly inhale through your mouth, paying attention to a controlled and relaxed breath.
• Repeat this for 5-10 minutes.

How Does This Posture Benefit You?

It is easy to do and can enhance your lung capacity and respiratory function while promoting relaxation and reducing stress. You will feel the benefits of this mindful coping mechanism during your treatment.

Not only does yoga help during your treatment stage for breast cancer, but you can also adopt some chair yoga techniques during the breast cancer rehabilitation stage.

Supportive Chair Yoga Practices for Breast Cancer Survivors - Rehabilitation Stage

Are you looking for a gentle and effective exercise routine after you have come out of the chaotic breast cancer treatment journey? Do not feel weak because our experts are here to make you feel rejuvenated with unique chair yoga exercises for breast cancer recovery.

Let's start!

Renewed Energy Flow

Yes, this chair yoga pose works just as it sounds. It is for you if you want to renew your energy flow and improve your flexibility after breast cancer treatment!

Instructions to Perform:

• Sit comfortably on your chair, feet flat on the floor.
• Inhale and gently raise your arms overhead. (If you find difficulty in raising your arms, interlace your fingers together).
• Now, exhale and slowly lean to one side. You will feel a stretch through the side of your body.
• After that, inhale and come back to the centre.
• Repeat the movement on the other side.
• Keep practising this at least five times on both sides.

How Does This Posture Benefit You?

Practise this chair yoga pose daily; say goodbye to stiffness and restricted movement, and hello to restored flexibility and enhanced range of motion. You'll also enjoy improved circulation, which means you'll feel less tired after your session. As a bonus, get ready to feel renewed vitality that will leave you energised and ready to take on the world!

Empowered Warrior Pose

This pose is a real confidence booster for all breast cancer survivors. It helps you feel strong both inside and out.

Instructions to Perform:

• Sit forward and sideways on your chair with one leg extended back.
• Plant the other foot flat on the floor, leg bet at the knee.
• Next, inhale and lift your arms, taking them overhead, palms facing each other.
• As you exhale, engage your core and hold the position for 15-30 seconds.
• Remember to repeat on the other side.

How Does This Posture Benefit You?

This exercise strengthens your legs, core, and arms while building confidence and empowerment. Plus, it encourages a positive connection between your mind and body. This exercise is an excellent chair yoga pose for breast cancer recovery, as it improves the flexibility of your arms and chest muscles.

Full Body Stretch

The chair yoga pose does justice to its name. Full body stretch and twist can help with your overall flexibility and mobility, which tends to reduce after breast cancer surgical or non-surgical treatment.

Instructions to Perform:

• Start by sitting comfortably on the floor with your feet flat.
• Take a deep breath and reach your arms overhead (if possible, or you can keep them down).
• As you exhale, twist your upper body to one side and gently place your hand on the hands of your chair).
• Hold this stretch for 15-30 seconds, feeling a gentle stretch.
• Then, repeat the same on the other side.
• Practise the whole procedure at least five times on each side.

How Does This Posture Benefit You?

By doing this exercise, you'll be increasing flexibility in your spine and torso. The twisting motion can encourage gentle detoxification and support overall balance and coordination. Give it a try, and let us know how it goes! It's a tremendous holistic healing practice with chair yoga for breast cancer survivors.

Grounded Breath Awareness

"Hope you are doing well!" That is precisely what this relaxing chair yoga breathing technique will ask you. It's a helpful breathing exercise that could promote relaxation and reduce stress. By focusing on your breath, you can ground yourself and cultivate a sense of calm and relaxation. 

Instructions to Perform:

• All you need to do is find a comfortable corner at your home and sit with your eyes closed.
• Inhale deeply through your nose, feeling the abdomen expand.
• Then, exhale slowly through your mouth, releasing any tension you may be holding.
• All you need to do is find a comfortable place to sit, close your eyes, and inhale deeply through your nose, feeling your abdomen expand.
• Then, exhale slowly through your mouth, releasing any tension you may be holding. 
• You can continue the steps for 5-10 minutes, bringing your attention to each breath.

How Does This Posture Benefit You?

This exercise can enhance mindfulness and support emotional well-being post-treatment. 

Don't worry if you need more strength and flexibility to practise these chair yoga poses. Why? Our yoga experts will tailor it to accommodate your energy level during chair yoga for breast cancer recovery and rehabilitation.

Tips for Incorporating Chair Yoga into Breast Cancer Survivorship

If you are a breast cancer survivor or someone undergoing treatment looking for ways to incorporate yoga into your daily routine, then you're in the right place! Today, we will discuss some fantastic tips to help you seamlessly incorporate chair yoga into a breast cancer survivorship journey.

• Release Tension: Focus on poses that release tension in the chest area. Let chair yoga promote emotional healing in your heart.
   
• Be Gentle: Go for gentle seated twists after surgery, as they promote lymphatic drainage, supporting the body's natural detoxification process.
   
• Avoid Strain: Avoid excessive movements of the hands to avoid strain on the lymphatic system around your breast area (this is because usually breast cancer surgery involves lymph node removal).
   
• Improve Flexibility: Surgeries involving the removal of the diseased breast (mastectomy) may limit the mobility of your hands. Be mindful of practising gentle movements according to your flexibility.
   
• Promote Mental Clarity: Add as much mindful meditation as possible to promote mental clarity, reduce anxiety and enhance emotional resilience.
   
• Take Care of Surgical Sites: Avoid strain on any surgical site.
   
• Rest and Restore: Go for frequent shorter poses to avoid fatigue. Prioritise restful and restorative poses.
   
• Create Calmness: Practise where you feel strength and positivity, like the garden under the sunshine or a room with calming paintings.
   
• Be Present: During chair yoga, be present at the moment. Appreciate your body's capabilities and journey towards recovery.
   
• Holistic Healing: Try to integrate holistic healing along with chair yoga practices for breast cancer, such as gentle massage, incorporating herbal teas and mindful dietary practices.
   
• Take Guidance: Talk to a healthcare professional before adding anything new to your recovery journey.

The Key Takeaways

Chair yoga poses for breast cancer recovery are all about enhancing the mind-body connection and promoting rehabilitation. Once you start practising, you'll feel empowered and ready to take on whatever life throws. And the best part? Our team of expert yoga instructors is here to guide you every step of the way. So why wait? Connect with us now and begin your journey towards a happier, healthier you!