By: Virginia Iversen, M.Ed
If you are coping with a
cancer diagnosis, remember that you are not alone! Unfortunately, the incidence
of cancer has risen dramatically over the last fifty years. By some estimates,
one in two people will be affected by cancer at some point in their lives, as
opposed to one in twenty people fifty years ago.
This increase in the incidence of cancer is quite daunting. So, if you are a Yoga practitioner and you are facing a cancer diagnosis, you are clearly not the only one.
This increase in the incidence of cancer is quite daunting. So, if you are a Yoga practitioner and you are facing a cancer diagnosis, you are clearly not the only one.
However, even if you are not alone, dealing with cancer can be very overwhelming and incredibly upsetting. According to experts, many
forms of cancer are related to environmental toxicity. Some researchers believe
that up to 95% of all cancers are related to environmental factors. For those
of us who have a genetic vulnerability to developing certain types of cancer,
the high level of carcinogenic chemicals in our food, air and water directly
promotes the development and growth of cancer cells. One of the most important
aspects of fighting cancer and winning is limiting your exposure to
carcinogenic compounds in the environment, in addition to supporting the
optimal functioning of your immune system.
Many of the cutting-edge
allopathic treatments are now focused on boosting the immune system, because
the functioning of the immune system is so critical to winning the war against
cancer. In addition, many of the natural protocols for beating cancer entail
nutritional recommendations and herbal supplements for enhancing the immune
system. One of the primary ways of boosting the functioning of your immune
system is to get enough deep, restorative sleep. Sleeping well is one of the
most important factors of allowing the body to balance, heal and fight disease
of all kinds. A regular practice of Yoga postures and breathing exercises will
help to promote restorative and deep sleep.
Taking in an adequate
amount of vitamin D is another critical element of supporting your immunity.
Spending time outside in the sunshine for twenty to thirty minutes a day will
help to boost you immune system. By combining moderate physical exercise, such
as Yoga, with being outside in the sun, you will further support your immune
system. If it is too cold to spend time outside, or it is cloudy or rainy much
of the time to receive your vitamin D from the sun’s rays, you may want to take
a vitamin D supplement. If you are fighting cancer, maintaining an adequate
level of vitamin D is critical to winning the war against cancer.
Researchers are
discovering that an optimal amount of vitamin D is one of the most important
aspects of maintaining a strong immune system, keeping your mood optimistic and
lowering inflammation throughout the body. In addition, by remembering to
breath deeply and take in fresh oxygen, you will help to create an internal
environment that is not conducive to the growth of cancer. If you are a Yoga
practitioner, the combined practice of Yoga postures, breathing exercises and
relaxation techniques will comprehensively support your physical and emotional
well-being, while you strive to eradicate cancer and reestablish an optimal
state of health.
Another critical element
to winning the war against cancer is to maintain strong connections with your
loved ones and your community at large. By taking Yoga classes at a studio or
health club, you will easily maintain your connection with others and also help
to support your health through a balanced practice of Yoga postures and
breathing exercises. In order to increase the level of oxygen in your body,
practicing gentle Yogic breathing exercises will flood your tissues with more
oxygen. By saturating your tissues with oxygen, you will create an internal
environment that is inhospitable to the growth of cancer cells.
Including pranayama
exercises into your Yoga practice will also nurture your body’s ability to
relax, which will boost your immune system, as the adrenalin-fueled release of
cortisol is turned off for a period of time each day. As you consciously
practice Yogic breathing exercises, you may discover that you have been
unconsciously holding your breath or breathing in a shallow manner most of the
time, especially if you have been dealing with a life-threatening illness such
as cancer. Consciously practicing Yogic breathing exercises will help to
retrain your body to relax and take in the life giving energy of fresh oxygen
on a daily basis.
© Copyright – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
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2 comments:
One of the primary ways of boosting the functioning of your immune system is to get enough deep, restorative sleep. Its Important factors of allowing the body to balance, heal and fight disease of all kinds. Thanks for nice sharing!
A structured and well-instructed Yoga exercise during cancer treatment can radically improve physical symptoms such as pain and fatigue.
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