The Healing Power of Yoga for Cancer Patients and Survivors

(Pic courtesy: www.cancertherapyadvisor.com)

Dealing with the gripping effects of cancer is dealing with a volatile wave of emotions. Cancer is a vicious disease that saps a person physically and emotionally. Cancer treatments like radioactive treatment can weaken a person. But more than physical damage and pain that patients go through, it‘s the mental trauma that breaks the soul of most patients. Most cancer survivors have to undergo therapy to bounce back from the difficult and traumatic stage that they had to go through. But there are ways cancer patients can deal with the pain and emotional conflicts of dealing with cancer.

Although performing rigorous exercise routines is out of the question for cancer patients, there are other ways to stay healthy. Studies show that practicing Yoga has a positive effect on a cancer patient’s health. It helps in combating physical pain, fatigue and also emotional and mental problems. The extensive treatment procedures and the diminishing strength get to the patient and more often than not, they tend to feel agitated about it. It reduces stress and anxiety levels and also helps in controlling blood pressure or respiratory issues. Yoga is easier to perform compared to other taxing exercise routine which is why it is advisable for cancer patients.

Combat Pains and Conflicts of Cancer with Yoga

Depression is an emotion that most cancer patients as well as cancer survivors go through. Yoga can help in attaining mental balance and dealing with your pent-up frustration and anger. Particular asanas and movements help in boosting positive feelings and attaining physical strength at the same time. Yoga is an effective therapy treatment since the asanas; breathing exercises and the meditation have a healing effect on the patients. It helps in increase the quality of life for cancer patients to a great extent.

(Pic courtesy: happinesslovers.com)

 Many studies suggest that Yoga helps in combating many symptoms of cancer. Pranayama is one of the best things for cancer patients since it creates a harmonious mind-body balance. Patients can include Hatha Yoga, Pranayama and a range of asanas into their daily routine to deal with the physical and mental pains and challenges. Yoga can help in healing you gradually and decrease all negative emotions of death. It helps patients to come to terms with their disease in a better way so that they can live a better and more fulfilling life.

A healthy lifestyle and positive mindset can do a lot of good to the patients and Yoga can help achieve this. Traditional medical practices like surgery and chemotherapy are important and cannot be overlooked, but Yoga is the perfect therapy alternative to deal with the symptoms and emotional tumult. Most cancer treatment centers and doctors are now recommending patients to try out Yoga as a therapy alternative. 

Although yoga cannot eliminate the cause of cancer, it can definitely give patients the strength and courage to deal with it in an effective manner. Although before starting a Yoga therapy treatment, it important to consult with your doctor about what poses and movements would be safe and effective for you. Yoga treatment has no side effects; hence it is safe for cancer patients and survivors. 

Practice Yoga to Deal with Blood Pressure Fluctuations

(Pic courtesy: www.artofliving.org)

According to modern day studies and research, practicing Yoga religiously can help in combating several diseases and staying fit. With work and personal life conflicts taking the forefront, stress has become a major part of our lives. But there are ways in which we can deal with the growing stress levels and all the ailments that crop up due to anxiety and stress. Fluctuations in blood pressure are more frequent among people today and even youngsters are dealing with it. There are many reasons that can lead to high or low blood pressure problems. There are many medications that help in controlling blood pressure problems. But some prefer alternate treatment options to keep their blood pressure in check.

High strung activities have a tendency to lead to stress levels which is one of the causes for high blood pressure. Taking medication can only help to a certain extent but a person needs to make certain lifestyle changes to control your blood pressure. Yoga can be a beneficial activity to help control stress levels and deal with mental anxiety. Most of the times neglecting important things like diet, exercise, and other habits that lead to pent-up frustration that directly affects one's health. Vices like alcohol and smoking can also lead to blood pressure fluctuations.

Enhanced Control over Your Blood Pressure with Yoga

Heart ailments are on the rise due to high blood pressure problems and cases of youngsters suffering from heart attacks is truly shocking. Women go through low blood pressure problems during pregnancy which can be controlled with mild exercises. Dehydration, thyroid, and other ailments are also responsible for low blood pressure in people. Although there are medications available for blood pressure patients, it’s not necessarily always effective. Sometimes the core reason behind blood pressure is more in the mind rather than what the body is going through.

Most people today live a hectic and demanding life and this is bound to take a toll on their health. Yoga asanas and Pranayama can help in attaining a mental and physical balance. According to studies Yoga can help in strengthening the mind and help in improving blood circulation in the body. Yoga practice can help increase the oxygen supply to various organs of the body. Pranayama has the power to induce positive feelings and naturally increases the positivity in a person. Trying to get your blood pressure normal naturally is a more feasible option compared to popping innumerable pills. Yoga is a non-invasive way to deal with blood pressure troubles and is definitely a better option compared to other medications.

Lotus Pose
(Pic courtesy: sivasakti.com)

Plow Pose
(Pic courtesy: youonlyliveonce.com.au)

Corpse pose
(Pic courtesy: www.liveayurvedalife.com)

The Padmasana (lotus pose), Savasana (corpse pose), Halasana (plow pose) are some of the effective Yoga asanas for blood pressure patients. Forward bending poses and movements are recommended for patients suffering from high blood pressure. Along with asanas, Yogic breathing is also recommended since it has a positive effect on our blood pressure. To combat blood pressure, a change in approach towards life is necessary. Revamp your life and inculcate healthy and beneficial habits that will naturally boost your health. A little bit of lifestyle revamp and a daily dose of yoga is all you need to see positive changes.

For more information visit the official website of Ministry of Ayush: http://www.indianmedicine.nic.in/

Facebook page: International Day of Yoga

Twitter id: @IntlDayofYoga

Top International Leaders who practice Yoga

The very recent International Yoga Day had many of us get into our Yoga pants and stretch out. The practice of Yoga originated in India and Lord Shiva is said to be the pioneer of Yoga and also the first Guru who began imparting the knowledge of Yoga. This ancient tradition is invaluable as Yoga not only enhances physical health, but also improves psychological well being. Yoga is being taken up by many top political leaders to ease the mental pressure and its healing properties.

Narendra Modi

Hon'ble Prime Minister of India

(Pic courtesy: www.ibtimes.co.in)

Narendra Modi, a self-practitioner of Yoga spearheaded the movement of observing 21^st June as the International Yoga day.  The day, co-sponsored by UN and backed by many countries was celebrated internationally and many events where masses of people joined the yoga practice were held.

PM Modi performed yoga at Rajpath along with nearly 36,000 people. The event of International Yoga Day at Rajpath also found its place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest Yoga demonstration at a single venue with 35,985 people.

"Yoga is an everyday part of life" said Modi, "We are not celebrating a day but we are training the human mind to begin a new era of peace and harmony.” he added.

The Obamas

(Pic courtesy: www.foxnews.com)

Barack Obama

Hon'ble 44^th US President

Obama has expressed interest in Yoga after the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the UN General assembly and gained its support in the declaration of the International Yoga day which was observed on 21^st June. Yoga has been a part of the White House for some years and there’s an increase in the number of citizens taking up yoga for mental and physical fitness. Yoga is also a part of The Easter Egg Roll event which is held annually at the White House since 2009.

Michelle Obama

US First lady

“I’m seeing myself shift from weight-bearing stuff – even though that continues to be important – and the heavy cardio and running, to things like yoga that will keep me flexible.” said Michelle in an interview and that she plans on taking to yoga as she turns 50.

Michelle who follows a regular gym routine said that she is modifying her workout to include yoga in it.

Attain a Stable and Stress-Free Mind withthe Power OF Yoga

We all face stressful situations wherein we are forced to make a difficult decision and more often than not, we tend to make the wrong choice when we are not thinking straight. On other occasions, we feel like screaming our lungs out because we don’t understand why we are surrounded by all these problems. Either way there is no escape, you just have to pull it together and deal with the situation. It’s important that our mental state is balanced because an imbalanced mind is a very dangerous thing. But how do you attain a balanced and stable mind with so much stress and life problems to deal with? Well, the answer to your dilemma is Yoga.

(Pic courtesy: www.yogainthehimalayas.org)

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that believes in the ultimate union of mind and our soul. It teaches people to release all negative thoughts and emotions out of their system with the help of Yoga. Each breathing technique and pose helps in bringing balance to our mind as well as the body. Many Yoga practitioners have felt the power of Yoga as it helps in emptying the mind from all clogged up thoughts and help them attain balance. It’s very important to silence all the chatter and conflict that’s going in our mind every now and then.

Yoga Is the Answer to a Stable Mind-Body Equation

(Pic courtesy: www.cornermag.com)

You cannot think straight unless and until you have got rid of all the junk in your head and Yoga helps you achieve the peace of mind that you crave. Start with some poses and stretches that will make you feel light and work on increasing your flexibility. You need to focus on bringing your best both physically as well as mentally. Breathing exercises are always effective in dealing with a disturbed mind. It will be difficult at first to just relax and focus on your breathing since your mind is so worked up, but eventually you will learn to slowly let go.

(Pic courtesy: somathread.ning.com)

One of Yoga’s philosophies state that nothing in this world belongs to us and trying to hold onto things will only lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Do not try to control situations that cannot be controlled and let things be. Asanas like Shavasana are quite effective in helping us let go and relax both body and mind. Lotus pose and Cobra pose are also effective in boosting good thoughts and dealing with stress. Yoga is also great in increasing concentration and focus which many lack, especially students.

(Pic courtesy: iyta.org)

The beauty of Yoga lies in the fact that people of all ages can practice it and benefit from it. Yoga will help you be a better individual for yourself and for people you care for. But this is possible only if you practice and honor the yogic traditions and teachings and take it seriously. Along with Yoga, indulge in healthy eating habits and avoid vices like drinking and smoking to lead a healthy and stable life. Remember that happiness and peace are not things that are just meant for a few people. Being happy is in your hand, you just have to make the right choices and commitments in life.

For more information visit the official website of ministry of Ayush: http://www.indianmedicine.nic.in/.

Facebook page: International Day of Yoga

Twitter id: @IntlDayofYoga