The yoga4cancer method is based on a vinyasa style for a specific reason. It looks to maximize the benefit of ‘the breath’ for a cancer patient and survivor. Each and every moment of a yoga4cancer Practice, sequence, or class is built on the facts and science of ‘the breath‘.
Below serves as a simple introduction to the yoga4cancer Breath and our recommendations for cancer patients and survivors. In our training programs, our teachers learn, practice and apply the breath to ensure effectiveness.
What does it do? And why is it so important to a cancer patient or survivor?
Breathing’s primary function is to absorb oxygen and expel carbon dioxide through lung movement.
Oxygen is the fundamental element that powers our body’s operations. Every system in our body depends on oxygen to produce energy. Without our blood transporting the oxygen we inhale to our organs and tissues, we couldn’t perform essential functions like muscle movement, digestion, or thought. Blood is vital for our survival.
Lymphatic System + Thoracic duct
The Lymphatic System is one of the most important and interesting body systems for all humans – but for cancer patients and survivors it plays a vital role. In a simple term, it provides necessary drainage (or removal) and circulates our lymphocytes (e.g. our natural cancer fighting cells) throughout the body. Supporting its function is an important requirement for cancer patients and survivors as it will improve resilience, quality of life and protocol outcomes. The key way to support the lymphatic system is to encourage movement of the lymphatic fluid throughout the body.
One way to create movement in the Lymphatic System is through the breath. The largest lymph node in the body is called the Thoracic Duct. This duct is located directly behind the diagram. So with each breath, the Thoracic Duct is ‘massaged’ and this encourages lymphatic flow. This process helps maintain fluid balance in the body, supports immune function, and facilitates the absorption of dietary fats from the intestines.
Parasympathetic nervous system + Vagus Nerve
Another important function of the breath that is well researched is the role within the parasympathetic nervous system and explicitly on the Vagus Nerve.
The parasympathetic nervous system is one of the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. Often referred to as the “rest and digest” system, the parasympathetic nervous system conserves energy and helps the body recover from stress. The vagus nerve plays a role in regulating the body’s stress response. Deep, controlled breathing can help activate the vagus nerve, reducing the release of stress hormones like cortisol and promoting relaxation and emotional regulation. This nerve runs from the medulla oblongata in the brain through the neck and chest to the abdomen.
Although the vagus nerve and the diaphragm do not touch, the expansion and contraction of the diaphragm does stimulate the Vagus Nerve.
- Inhalation: When you inhale deeply, your diaphragm contracts and moves downward, creating space in the chest cavity for the lungs to expand. This action slightly stretches the vagus nerve and can enhance its activity.
- Exhalation: During a slow, prolonged exhalation, the parasympathetic activity increases, which is closely linked to the vagus nerve. This is particularly effective in stimulating the vagus nerve, promoting a calming effect on the body.
Even with these few of the benefits of the breath on a cancer patient and survivor, the breath’s impact and value is clear. But are there specific types of breath that should be used or avoided? Yes.
What is the yoga4cancer Breath?
The yoga4cancer breath is a specific breathing technique used in Yoga4Cancer (y4c) practices, a specialized yoga approach designed for cancer patients and survivors. This breath technique focuses on promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and supporting the immune system, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals undergoing cancer treatment or recovery.
The goal of the yoga4cancer breath is to match the inhale and exhale (the two distinct parts) to movement for optimal functionality. Inhaling activates the sympathetic nervous system sending oxygen to the musculoskeletal of the arms, legs, torso, etc. The inhale is key to prepare for movement. Whilst, exhalation activates the parasympathetic nervous system and sends oxygen to the ‘thinking’ brain signaling safety and relaxation. Therefore, the accurate breath should be used (or queued) based on what the objective or movement requires.
Another point of clarity is how the breath interacts with the diaphragm and vice versa. With the inhale the diaphragm engages and contracts from its domed resting position encouraging action. Exhaling allows the diaphragm to relax into its domed resting position. See the video here. Fundamentally, the inhale happens with lengthening body parts and the exhale supports release of the action and return to rest.
What are some considerations on the breath that need to managed or avoided?
There are many wonderful breath awareness practices in yoga that can be adapted to cultivate natural, healthy breathing patterns in survivors. However, there are several commonly used yogic breathing principles or practices that can be challenging or uncomfortable for survivors and should be avoided.
Here is a sample of a few that should be avoided or the risks understood:
- Kapalabhati means ‘Skull Shining’ and is also called the Breath of Fire. This practice involves short and forceful exhales, and gentle inhales that respond to the forced out-breath. Any pranayama technique that uses forceful or sharp breathing and retention can be harmful if a person has recently had surgery in the abdomen, existing tumors in the area, or who may have heart disease. Repeated exhalation with minimal or lack of inhalation can also cause dizziness. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or receiving brain radiation treatments frequently experience dizziness, and those experiencing peripheral neuropathy in their feet will experience a loss of balance. For these reasons, breathing practices that can cause dizziness may not be safe and should be avoided.
- Long Breath Retention – Some techniques include breath retention with the purpose of increasing lung capacity and creating a sense of relaxation. However, holding the breath can cause tension and strain rather than relaxation and endurance. Holding the breath can put pressure on muscle groups in the chest and torso, irritate surgical or tumor sites, and can be painful. It can also cause anxiety and increased blood pressure — two side effects that are not helpful or encouraged for survivors. Breath retention practices could also potentially trigger post-traumatic stress. Many treatments and diagnostic tests require breath retention for long periods of time. This could have caused pain or discomfort at the time of treatment, and carries forward fear and anxiety. For all these reasons, avoid breath retention.
- Counting Breath – Sometimes breathing practices are paired with specific counting in order to increase lung capacity, reduce stress, and even encourage sleep. Yet, similar to breath retention, many treatments and diagnostic tests require a person to count as they receive the treatment or test. This can trigger anxiety and stress as a person is mentally and emotionally taken back to the treatment room, remembering the associated fears, pain, and discomforts. For this reason, encourage self regulated counting or avoid counting with breathing practices all together.
- Vigorous Pranayama techniques can also increase blood pressure, causing stress on the heart rather than relaxation. Common side effects from some cancer treatments can be cardiovascular irregularities, exacerbation of an existing problem, or creation of a potential risk, all reason enough to avoid these particular pranayama practices.
SAMPLE y4c BREATHING SEQUENCE
Matching breath and movement for a seated Warm-up Cat & Cow:
- Start with the spine properly aligned in all the natural curves.
- Place hands on thighs.
- Set gaze forward, chin parallel to floor.
- Empty the lungs with a simple exhale.
- Slowly inhale filling the lungs, slight contraction of thoracic back and upward lift of ribs.
- Exhale hollowing the abdomen while contracting the abdominal muscles inward.
- Repeat several this sequence.
- Inhale with same pace and intensity.
- Exhale slightly lengthening the pace (duration).
- Inhale the spine to center alignment.
- Finish with exhale contracting the abdominal muscles inward to support a seated posture.