Yoga assists the recovery process in breast cancer survivors by improving blood flow, encouraging lymphatic fluid drainage, and imbuing a sense of inner calm and presence, according to Breast Cancer Yoga Founder Diana Ross.
Ross, a yoga teacher since 1978, began developing a tailored yoga regimen for breast cancer survivors after her own battle with breast cancer in 1982. She has spent the last eight years focusing on yogic techniques for healing through guided visualization by focusing on an opening chest, freeing the breath, and lowering stress.
Many of Ross' breast cancer yoga poses are done in reclined poses with gentle movements, deep breathing, and soothing music. These specific yoga moves are particularly effective in promoting lymphatic drainage and blood circulation for healing after breast reconstruction surgery, and for combating the fatigue associated with radiation treatments.
"You need to get back to a somewhat normal routine and energy begets energy," said Ross. "One woman comes to me from chemo and sometimes she feel nauseous, she closes her eyes and just breathes deeply into that nausea until it dissipates."
Ross teaches the classes of between 9 and 14 women three times a week at her spacious home studio in Northport. For more information, visit www.breastcanceryoga.com.
