One of the most known side effects of chemotherapy is nausea. Medicine has come a long way in treating this debilitating condition with anti-nausea drugs. Despite these advances, roughly 70% of cancer patients still get some degree of nausea. This can be one of the more debilitating reactions to chemo and fortunately there is more you can do about it.
Ginger is a remedy that has been found to boost immunity and can ease digestion. However, alleviating nausea may be one of it's most famous claims. In a study conducted at Rochester's James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, 644 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy participated in a double-blind study to test the effectiveness of ginger on nausea. The patients who were taking even the lowest dose of ginger reported having a 40% reduction in their degree of nausea as compared with the placebo group. This quantity amounted to as little as 0.5 grams of ginger per day or 1/4 of a teaspoon. Treatment with ginger was started 3 days before and continued for 3 days after chemotherapy for optimal results.
Use the following tips for a bit of therapy! Aim for 500 - 1000 mg a day.
- Use ginger supplements in pill form
- Steep 1/4 teaspoon fresh ginger in water for about 5 - 10 minutes = 250 mg
- Juice 1/4 teaspoon fresh ginger in with vegetable juice = 250 mg
Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery so it's use should be discontinued before any surgical procedure. This herb may also increase bile flow, and therefore should not be used by people with a history of gallstones.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Radiation Treatment and Your Delicate Skin
Radiation treatment is designed to target cancer cells, but the beam has to travel through your skin (and other structures) to reach it's intended destination. So this large, but delicate organ of the body is subject to the action of ionization radiation. This is an effective treatment that incapacitates the cancer cells by damaging their DNA and preventing them from replicating. However, this same action can impact the healthy cells it comes in contact with, albeit a small number. It is known that healthy cells recover better than cancer cells, but the high rate of turn over in your skin makes these cells particularly sensitive to burning and irritation. This is why skin care during radiation treatment should be a high priority. If the skin becomes too dry or burned it may crack and expose the skin to possible infection, a major problem for individuals whose immune systems are compromised.
So what should you look for if you are being treated with radiation? Be certain that your doctor knows if your skin is becoming red, irritated or unusually dry. It is less likely, but also possible that your skin may become too moist in skin fold areas which can consequently create excessive dryness and cause soreness and infection. Staying on top of these and treating the skin properly may help you avoid an issue before it starts. Use these tips to care for your delicate skin...
- Steer clear of lotions that use alcohol or glycerin
- Use gentle, nondeodorant soaps on your skin
- Be certain to use a broad-spectrum sunblock of SPF-15 or greater (visit our blog on sunscreen to find information on safe and effective sun block @ http://healthlinksclinic.blogspot.com/2009/08/whats-in-your-sunscreen.html )
- Do not use extreme heat or cold over the effected area
- Wear loose, cotton clothing over the treatment area
- Do not rub the skin to dry
- When being treated for breast cancer, do not shave your underarms
- To control or prevent dermatitis and burning, use Tulipan Lotion or a calendula ointment
-
So what should you look for if you are being treated with radiation? Be certain that your doctor knows if your skin is becoming red, irritated or unusually dry. It is less likely, but also possible that your skin may become too moist in skin fold areas which can consequently create excessive dryness and cause soreness and infection. Staying on top of these and treating the skin properly may help you avoid an issue before it starts. Use these tips to care for your delicate skin...
- Steer clear of lotions that use alcohol or glycerin
- Use gentle, nondeodorant soaps on your skin
- Be certain to use a broad-spectrum sunblock of SPF-15 or greater (visit our blog on sunscreen to find information on safe and effective sun block @ http://healthlinksclinic.blogspot.com/2009/08/whats-in-your-sunscreen.html )
- Do not use extreme heat or cold over the effected area
- Wear loose, cotton clothing over the treatment area
- Do not rub the skin to dry
- When being treated for breast cancer, do not shave your underarms
- To control or prevent dermatitis and burning, use Tulipan Lotion or a calendula ointment
-
Monday, March 22, 2010
Why Organic?
Why not is a better question. The debate about the superiority of organic foods is still being hotly debated in the scientific community. Questions about the environmental impact, soil quality and the nutritional value of organically grown foods abound. If we consider this question from a common sense standpoint, it seems like an obvious answer. Does it really seem plausible that a synthetic chemical used to kill insects would not pose some risk to the larger creatures that are being exposed to it. Or that bovine hormones that are known to increase the risk of hormone sensitive cancers will not make their way into the bodies of those who consume the meat. The plausibility of these arguments seems poor and the organic community is rising to the occasion with research that refutes these.
At a symposium at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, some of this important research was presented. Many of the analysis' were centered around the question of organic food quality versus conventionally grown food. In one study, 27 cultivars of organically grown spinach demonstrate significantly higher levels of flavonoids and vitamin C, and lower levels of nitrates. Nitrates are known to be detrimental to human health because they lead to the formation of known carcinogenic compounds in the gut, called nitrosamines. Organically farmed tomatoes were found to have significantly higher levels of soluble solids and natural plant molecules called secondary plant metabolites, including flavonoids, lycopene, and Vitamin C. If the nutrional quality of organically grown food is not enough to tempt you in that direction, consider the toxic component of conventionally grown foods. Pesticies that are currently in use are atrazine, cyanazine and simazine which are collectively referred to as triazine pesticides. Studies in animals haved indicted that the triazines as well as some others in the same chemical class, produce mammary tumors in rats. Opponents of organic farming will argue that the human studies of pesticide harm are not conclusive enough. At what point does preliminary evidence of harm become definitive enough to abide by measures that could save lives? One such chemical of question was DDT back in the 70's. The chemical was finally banned in 1972 and four years later researchers reported that women with breast cancer had significantly higher levels of DDE (the metabolized form of DDT) in their tumors than the surrounding healthy tissues of their breasts. This and other correlations seem too important to ignore.
For many reasons, animal products should be kept to a minimum for cancer treatment and prevention. One of many reasons is that the consumption of meat puts one at greater risk of exposure not only to hormones and antibiotics, but additional pesticide exposure through animal feed. We fully understand that organic food is more expensive than conventionally grown produce and meats. However, so are the medical bills that we as a nation will be responsible for as a result of poor health practices. When deciding what to put in your bodies, this is not the place to skimp on cost. Always buy organic animal products and whenever possible, purchase those that come from animals that are pastuerized. There are produce items that tend to absorb less of the pesticides than others so if you must, the following items are the safer ones to skimp on.
- onion
- avocado
- sweet corn
- pineapple
- mango
- asparagus
- sweet peas
- kiwi
- cabbage
- eggplant
- papaya
- watermelon
- broccoli
- tomato
- sweet potato
At a symposium at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, some of this important research was presented. Many of the analysis' were centered around the question of organic food quality versus conventionally grown food. In one study, 27 cultivars of organically grown spinach demonstrate significantly higher levels of flavonoids and vitamin C, and lower levels of nitrates. Nitrates are known to be detrimental to human health because they lead to the formation of known carcinogenic compounds in the gut, called nitrosamines. Organically farmed tomatoes were found to have significantly higher levels of soluble solids and natural plant molecules called secondary plant metabolites, including flavonoids, lycopene, and Vitamin C. If the nutrional quality of organically grown food is not enough to tempt you in that direction, consider the toxic component of conventionally grown foods. Pesticies that are currently in use are atrazine, cyanazine and simazine which are collectively referred to as triazine pesticides. Studies in animals haved indicted that the triazines as well as some others in the same chemical class, produce mammary tumors in rats. Opponents of organic farming will argue that the human studies of pesticide harm are not conclusive enough. At what point does preliminary evidence of harm become definitive enough to abide by measures that could save lives? One such chemical of question was DDT back in the 70's. The chemical was finally banned in 1972 and four years later researchers reported that women with breast cancer had significantly higher levels of DDE (the metabolized form of DDT) in their tumors than the surrounding healthy tissues of their breasts. This and other correlations seem too important to ignore.
For many reasons, animal products should be kept to a minimum for cancer treatment and prevention. One of many reasons is that the consumption of meat puts one at greater risk of exposure not only to hormones and antibiotics, but additional pesticide exposure through animal feed. We fully understand that organic food is more expensive than conventionally grown produce and meats. However, so are the medical bills that we as a nation will be responsible for as a result of poor health practices. When deciding what to put in your bodies, this is not the place to skimp on cost. Always buy organic animal products and whenever possible, purchase those that come from animals that are pastuerized. There are produce items that tend to absorb less of the pesticides than others so if you must, the following items are the safer ones to skimp on.
- onion
- avocado
- sweet corn
- pineapple
- mango
- asparagus
- sweet peas
- kiwi
- cabbage
- eggplant
- papaya
- watermelon
- broccoli
- tomato
- sweet potato
Thursday, March 18, 2010
What's that Tingling?
For individuals going through cancer treatment, there may be a host of challenges related to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Hair loss and fatigue are well know side effects of chemotherapy, but the list is longer than that. One of the more common ones and yet seemingly lesser known is peripheral neuropathy. This ailment in cancer patients, which results in damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, is most often caused by chemo drugs. However, it may be caused by surgery or radiation and in cases unrelated to cancer, it may result from conditions such as diabetes. Neuropathy may persist after cancer treatment ends or it may be a temporary condition. There is no way of determining who will have to cope with this condition for the long-term. It is important to address it with your doctor as soon as you notice any signs, as early treatment may help you to control or decrease the possible nerve damage. Any of the following symptoms in the extremities may be a sign of neuropathy and should be discussed with your physician should they arise.
- weakness
- muslce loss
- loss of feeling in a particular area
- reduction in reflex responses
- a burning sensation
- tingling sensation in the extremities
- sharp, shooting or electric shock like pain
- pain from something that would not normally cause pain, like stroking the skin
- abnormally level of pain that would otherwise be mild
Less common symptoms:
- dizziness
- loss of balance
This can be a very troublesome side effect for many patients and there are things that can be done to help ease the discomfort. Avoiding extreme temperatures, always wearing shoes and slippers for protection and getting off your feet when the pain esclates are a few of options to keep you more comfortable. If balance has become an issue, physical therapy is a key treatment to stimulate the nerve pathways that have been compromised. With many, the lack of sensation can become a safety issue so be very careful of sharp objects and the surfaces you are moving on.
While this may be a difficult condition to treat, there are nutrition supplements and dietary measures that may lessen the degree of progression. Staying clear of alcohol is a good idea for those who suffer from neuropathy as alcohol damages nerves, particularly if the nerves have been exposed to chemo drugs. Also, controlling your blood sugar levels can be of great benefit due to the toxic effect of sugar on the nerves. Aside from this, these two health practices are highly recommended for increased survivorship for individuals who have had a diagnosis of cancer. Ask your doctor about certain vitamins and other supplements that have been used in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy to see if they can decrease your symptoms. Another treatment option may be available to you through some cancer rehabilitation programs. An electronic pain treatment device called a Rebuilder uses an electronic pulse to stimulate the nerves in the legs or arms. This treatment has been successful in over 50 percent of the patients who have been treated.
If you have been affected by this condition or your symptoms could indicate a possible concern, contact your doctor or e-mail our clinic for more information about treatment options.
wellness@healthlinksclinic.com
- weakness
- muslce loss
- loss of feeling in a particular area
- reduction in reflex responses
- a burning sensation
- tingling sensation in the extremities
- sharp, shooting or electric shock like pain
- pain from something that would not normally cause pain, like stroking the skin
- abnormally level of pain that would otherwise be mild
Less common symptoms:
- dizziness
- loss of balance
This can be a very troublesome side effect for many patients and there are things that can be done to help ease the discomfort. Avoiding extreme temperatures, always wearing shoes and slippers for protection and getting off your feet when the pain esclates are a few of options to keep you more comfortable. If balance has become an issue, physical therapy is a key treatment to stimulate the nerve pathways that have been compromised. With many, the lack of sensation can become a safety issue so be very careful of sharp objects and the surfaces you are moving on.
While this may be a difficult condition to treat, there are nutrition supplements and dietary measures that may lessen the degree of progression. Staying clear of alcohol is a good idea for those who suffer from neuropathy as alcohol damages nerves, particularly if the nerves have been exposed to chemo drugs. Also, controlling your blood sugar levels can be of great benefit due to the toxic effect of sugar on the nerves. Aside from this, these two health practices are highly recommended for increased survivorship for individuals who have had a diagnosis of cancer. Ask your doctor about certain vitamins and other supplements that have been used in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy to see if they can decrease your symptoms. Another treatment option may be available to you through some cancer rehabilitation programs. An electronic pain treatment device called a Rebuilder uses an electronic pulse to stimulate the nerves in the legs or arms. This treatment has been successful in over 50 percent of the patients who have been treated.
If you have been affected by this condition or your symptoms could indicate a possible concern, contact your doctor or e-mail our clinic for more information about treatment options.
wellness@healthlinksclinic.com
Monday, March 15, 2010
Start Your Morning Off Right!
Understanding how to eat the right foods at the right time is daunting with the conflicting nutrition advice out there. When dealing with a diagnosis of cancer, the answer to this becomes more complex and the solution can be hard to reach. Nutrition is critically important, but finding the time to eat what your body needs in a schedule full of appointments, family and perhaps work, is over the top. Your body needs healthy sources of protein and all the immune boosting nutrients it can get. So how do you fit this into your morning? Smoothies are a great way to combine all these healthful whole foods without keeping you in the kitchen for hours at a time.
During treatment, blood counts can be low which means that the immune system is challenged to fight off infections of bacteria, viruses and microbes. Double washing your fruits and vegetables with a citrus food cleaner is imperative to avoid exposure to these and any residual chemicals. So be certain to start your smoothies off with a good washing. Try the following recipe to get yourself off to a good start with relative ease. You can wash the fruits and veggies before the morning to make it easier on yourself. This recipe makes enough for 2 to 3 smoothies.
Everything Smoothie (adapted from Vitamix)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup almond or lite coconut milk
3 tbls plain whey protein powder (go for plain to avoid added sugar and other additives)
1/2 cup red grapes
1 orange, peeled and halved
1 carrot, peeled and cut into 1 inch sections
1/4 cup frozen peaches
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup chopped swiss chard
1/2 cup chopped broccoli
1/2 cup pineapple chunks
1/4 banana
1 cup ice
Directions:
1. Place all ingredients into the a blender in the order listed.
2. Blend until smooth.
Makes 3 cups
Make it organic for the best it can be. This tasty morning nutrition will provide you with protein and tons of beneficial phytonutrients with only a modest time commitment. Enjoy!
During treatment, blood counts can be low which means that the immune system is challenged to fight off infections of bacteria, viruses and microbes. Double washing your fruits and vegetables with a citrus food cleaner is imperative to avoid exposure to these and any residual chemicals. So be certain to start your smoothies off with a good washing. Try the following recipe to get yourself off to a good start with relative ease. You can wash the fruits and veggies before the morning to make it easier on yourself. This recipe makes enough for 2 to 3 smoothies.
Everything Smoothie (adapted from Vitamix)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup almond or lite coconut milk
3 tbls plain whey protein powder (go for plain to avoid added sugar and other additives)
1/2 cup red grapes
1 orange, peeled and halved
1 carrot, peeled and cut into 1 inch sections
1/4 cup frozen peaches
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup chopped swiss chard
1/2 cup chopped broccoli
1/2 cup pineapple chunks
1/4 banana
1 cup ice
Directions:
1. Place all ingredients into the a blender in the order listed.
2. Blend until smooth.
Makes 3 cups
Make it organic for the best it can be. This tasty morning nutrition will provide you with protein and tons of beneficial phytonutrients with only a modest time commitment. Enjoy!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Try These Homeade Beauties!
Once upon a time, beauty didn't come in a pre-packaged bottle. Through the ages, women (and men) used ingredients from nature to enhance their looks and they knew inherently which plants to use for each beauty remedy. Today, we leave this job up to the manufacturers of cosmetics and, unfortunately, few of them are looking out for our best interests.
We are exposed to a tremendous amount of toxic substances in our environment on a daily basis. It was once thought that the only source of toxic exposure was through ingestion or inhalants. We are now beginning to understand that our largest organ, the skin, is a gateway for substances. We are, in fact, absorbing a large quantity of what we apply to this delicate part of our body. When it comes to cosmetics, this chemical exposure is very high if we are not making the right choices. One such class of chemicals, called parabens, have been identified in biopsies of cancerous breast tumors. They have been found in almost all urine samples examined from a diverse sampling of the U.S. adult population. Many other chemicals follow suit with this one. Look for the following ingredients on your beauty products and keep them away and out of your body!
-any of the paraben compounds (methyl, butyl, propyl, etc)
-PEG, PPG or anything ending in "eth"
-oxybenzone, hydroquinone
-FD&C or D&C dyes
-triethanolamine(TEA), diethanolamine(DEA)
-creams with lactic, glycolic, AHA or BHA acids
-permanent hair dyes
-hand soap with triclosan
-nail products with formaldehyde, DBP or toluene
-products with unlisted "fragrance"
There are many products emerging on the market that are available without these toxic ingredients. Our governement does not regulate this industry so there is a complex maize for the consumer to sort through to keep it clean. One coalition of science-based environmental groups are trying to change this and help inform the public in the meantime. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics launched it's campaign in 2004 and organized the Compact for Safe Cosmetics to encourage manufacturers to sign and comply with a higher standard that will keep toxic ingredients out of their products and out of consumers' bodies. To find out more information about the Compact and it's organizations, please visit their website.
http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?list=type&type=51
Take a little time to prepare your own products from nature's bounty. Here are a few easy recipes for you to follow.
Thyme and Fennel Seed Cleanser (from spa index online)
2 sprigs fresh thyme, crumbled (or 1/2 T dried thyme)
2 tsps fennel seeds, crushed
1/2 cup boiling water
juice of half lemon
Mix the thyme and fennel seed in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Add lemon juice and steep for 15 minutes. Strain the infusion and store the liquid in a jar in the refrigerator. Dab on the face with a cotton ball and let sit for a minute before rinsing off with warm water.
Skin Toner
4 oz witch hazel
6 drops lemon essential oil
Combine and store in smallspray bottle to spritz on the skin after washing.
Skin Moisturizer
2 oz grapeseed oil (available in beauty section of health food stores)
6 drops lavendar essential oil
Combine and store in bottle with dropper to dispense. Use 2 to 3 drops on face after toner. This is a light and non-greasy oil that will absorb well after a couple of minutes.
If you would like a wallet size toxic ingredients list for safe shopping, please e-mail us at...
wellness@healthlinksclinic.com
We are exposed to a tremendous amount of toxic substances in our environment on a daily basis. It was once thought that the only source of toxic exposure was through ingestion or inhalants. We are now beginning to understand that our largest organ, the skin, is a gateway for substances. We are, in fact, absorbing a large quantity of what we apply to this delicate part of our body. When it comes to cosmetics, this chemical exposure is very high if we are not making the right choices. One such class of chemicals, called parabens, have been identified in biopsies of cancerous breast tumors. They have been found in almost all urine samples examined from a diverse sampling of the U.S. adult population. Many other chemicals follow suit with this one. Look for the following ingredients on your beauty products and keep them away and out of your body!
-any of the paraben compounds (methyl, butyl, propyl, etc)
-PEG, PPG or anything ending in "eth"
-oxybenzone, hydroquinone
-FD&C or D&C dyes
-triethanolamine(TEA), diethanolamine(DEA)
-creams with lactic, glycolic, AHA or BHA acids
-permanent hair dyes
-hand soap with triclosan
-nail products with formaldehyde, DBP or toluene
-products with unlisted "fragrance"
There are many products emerging on the market that are available without these toxic ingredients. Our governement does not regulate this industry so there is a complex maize for the consumer to sort through to keep it clean. One coalition of science-based environmental groups are trying to change this and help inform the public in the meantime. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics launched it's campaign in 2004 and organized the Compact for Safe Cosmetics to encourage manufacturers to sign and comply with a higher standard that will keep toxic ingredients out of their products and out of consumers' bodies. To find out more information about the Compact and it's organizations, please visit their website.
http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?list=type&type=51
Take a little time to prepare your own products from nature's bounty. Here are a few easy recipes for you to follow.
Thyme and Fennel Seed Cleanser (from spa index online)
2 sprigs fresh thyme, crumbled (or 1/2 T dried thyme)
2 tsps fennel seeds, crushed
1/2 cup boiling water
juice of half lemon
Mix the thyme and fennel seed in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Add lemon juice and steep for 15 minutes. Strain the infusion and store the liquid in a jar in the refrigerator. Dab on the face with a cotton ball and let sit for a minute before rinsing off with warm water.
Skin Toner
4 oz witch hazel
6 drops lemon essential oil
Combine and store in smallspray bottle to spritz on the skin after washing.
Skin Moisturizer
2 oz grapeseed oil (available in beauty section of health food stores)
6 drops lavendar essential oil
Combine and store in bottle with dropper to dispense. Use 2 to 3 drops on face after toner. This is a light and non-greasy oil that will absorb well after a couple of minutes.
If you would like a wallet size toxic ingredients list for safe shopping, please e-mail us at...
wellness@healthlinksclinic.com
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Pretty Nails...Healthy Body?
Having a colorful set of nails can make a woman feel pretty, but the reality is, most nail products contain harmful chemicals that really aren't pretty at all. The U.S. government does not regulate the ingredients that go into the beauty products that we use on our skin, hair and nails. Which means that you have to be your own advocate to keep you and your loved ones safe from exposure to toxic substances. For women, the body burden of chemicals is profound due to the tremendous number of products that are used. In addition, the high rate of cell division of the female reproductive system makes exposure to chemicals of great concern.
One of the big offenders in the beauty industry are the manufacturers of nail products. The three most toxic substances are formaldehyde, DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and toluene. All three of these chemicals are listed on California's Prop. 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer or repoductive toxicity. Does this sound like something you want to put on your body? The question of whether we absorb any significant quantity of chemical through our skin is now being answered with solid research. The largest U.S. body burden study to date measured the levels of 148 chemicals in approximately 3,000 people of varying ages, ethnicities and geographical locations. This study, by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, detected a common sunscreen ingredient, benzophenone-3 in 96.8 percent of individuals, and triclosan, an antibacterial agent often used in antibacterial soaps, in 74.6 percent of individuals. A CDC study found residues of four different phthalates in more than 75 percent of subjects. Unfortunately, we are taking it in and it is having a significant negative impact upon our health.
Under pressure from a number of health and environmental groups, three of the largest manufacturers of nail products listened to the crys and eliminated the three big toxic chemicals from their products. The companies, OPI Products, Orly International, Inc. and Del Laboratories, Inc. which makes the Sally Hansen brand, removed formaldehyde, toluene and DBP. So if you want those pretty colors, these are the safer picks. Or better yet, use a buffer to make those nails shine and avoid any unseen problems in the future.
One of the big offenders in the beauty industry are the manufacturers of nail products. The three most toxic substances are formaldehyde, DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and toluene. All three of these chemicals are listed on California's Prop. 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer or repoductive toxicity. Does this sound like something you want to put on your body? The question of whether we absorb any significant quantity of chemical through our skin is now being answered with solid research. The largest U.S. body burden study to date measured the levels of 148 chemicals in approximately 3,000 people of varying ages, ethnicities and geographical locations. This study, by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, detected a common sunscreen ingredient, benzophenone-3 in 96.8 percent of individuals, and triclosan, an antibacterial agent often used in antibacterial soaps, in 74.6 percent of individuals. A CDC study found residues of four different phthalates in more than 75 percent of subjects. Unfortunately, we are taking it in and it is having a significant negative impact upon our health.
Under pressure from a number of health and environmental groups, three of the largest manufacturers of nail products listened to the crys and eliminated the three big toxic chemicals from their products. The companies, OPI Products, Orly International, Inc. and Del Laboratories, Inc. which makes the Sally Hansen brand, removed formaldehyde, toluene and DBP. So if you want those pretty colors, these are the safer picks. Or better yet, use a buffer to make those nails shine and avoid any unseen problems in the future.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Yoga - Can It Help You Find Solace?
Cancer treatment has evolved over the years to include targeted treatments and the integration of complementary therapies that help patients cope with the challenges of facing a cancer diagnosis. From the moment an individual is told that they have cancer, the psychologic and consequent physiologic changes that the body goes through are tremendous and traumatic. The side effects induced by cancer therapies can range from disruptive to downright debilitating. Life may bear only a mild resemblance to what it once was. There is often a silver lining in such challenges, but each individual will have to find it in their own due time. This journey that often takes one inward can be more meaningful when it becomes a part of daily life. Many patients benefit from a practice that involves meditative techniques and movement of the body. Yoga is one such practice that has been included into cancer treatment plans with good reason.
While no studies have presented data that yoga can cure or prevent cancer, it's role in helping individuals ease the effects of treatment are well documented. In 2006, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center conducted a yoga study that followed 61 women receiving 6 weeks of radiation treatment for breast cancer. Half the women took a yoga class twice a week; the other half did not. Compared with the women who did not take yoga, the women in the yoga group reported having more energy and less daytime sleepiness, better physical functioning, and better overall quality of life. This kind of aid can make a world of difference to someone facing such a life altering medical condition. As well, this kind of exercise can quiet the nervous system and bring it back into balance. With the fast pace of our society, that can be one of the most beneficial elements of yoga.
Before jumping into any yoga class, find one that is guided by an instructor who understands the need to keep you at your own skill level and can make adjustments to the postures to keep you safe. Also, be certain that the instructor understands the need to incorporate the breath into each posture. The focus on breathing in yoga is truly an exercise in and of itself. The breath control, or pranayama, is a gauge for the yoga student to understand when they are moving beyond their own capacity. It is also the key physiologic function that allows the nervous system to find skillful and coordinated muscle action. This breath "awareness" helps students perform yoga postures under control and without revving up the nervous system into fight or flight. This physiologic reaction of "fight or flight" is under the control of our sympathetic nervous system which is over stimulated in our society. Yoga with good breathing technique has the ability to exercise and strengthen our skeletal system without triggering the stress response that we spend much of our day in. The more expansive the breath is, the more we can find this state of calm and control.
You can get yourself started on your own yoga practice by starting with pranayama or breath control. Prana is a Sanskrit word meaning "life force" or "vital energy". The common English translation of this word is breath. This conscious focus on breathing pattern will bring you more awareness of your body and quiet to the mind. If you are new to yoga, it is wise to learn the asanas or postures from an experienced instructor who can correct your form. Try the following exercise to condition your breathing muscles and to calm the nervous system.
- Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position on a blanket. Your sit bones should be grounded so that the pelvic floor is gently opened. The spine should be lengthened through the crown of the head. If this is uncomfortable, back yourself up against something supportive and use a pillow for your low back.
- Start by taking note of your breathing pattern without altering it.
- Setting an intension or mantra can be helpful to some as it gives the mind something to focus on rather than the stressors you are experiencing. A mantra is a word or statement with a positive affirmation.
- Place one hand to rest gently on the navel and the other should be in a relaxed position on the thigh. The shoulders should be relaxed with the chest open and the shoulder blades effortlessly drawn on to the back.
- Take an inhale and feel the belly rise as it lifts and moves your hand outward. Simultaneously, the kidneys should expand in the back of the body. The inhaling breath should be paced to last a count of four.
- At the end of the inhaling breath, pause and hold the low belly muscles for a one count before exhaling for a count of four.
- The inhale and exhale should be even and slow. Only count for a few cycles of breath to get an idea of the pace before turning your focus inward to your mantra.
- Repeat this cycle for 5-10 minutes or as your body feels comfortable doing so. Lengthen the time of the breathing exercise as you and your body tolerates.
While no studies have presented data that yoga can cure or prevent cancer, it's role in helping individuals ease the effects of treatment are well documented. In 2006, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center conducted a yoga study that followed 61 women receiving 6 weeks of radiation treatment for breast cancer. Half the women took a yoga class twice a week; the other half did not. Compared with the women who did not take yoga, the women in the yoga group reported having more energy and less daytime sleepiness, better physical functioning, and better overall quality of life. This kind of aid can make a world of difference to someone facing such a life altering medical condition. As well, this kind of exercise can quiet the nervous system and bring it back into balance. With the fast pace of our society, that can be one of the most beneficial elements of yoga.
Before jumping into any yoga class, find one that is guided by an instructor who understands the need to keep you at your own skill level and can make adjustments to the postures to keep you safe. Also, be certain that the instructor understands the need to incorporate the breath into each posture. The focus on breathing in yoga is truly an exercise in and of itself. The breath control, or pranayama, is a gauge for the yoga student to understand when they are moving beyond their own capacity. It is also the key physiologic function that allows the nervous system to find skillful and coordinated muscle action. This breath "awareness" helps students perform yoga postures under control and without revving up the nervous system into fight or flight. This physiologic reaction of "fight or flight" is under the control of our sympathetic nervous system which is over stimulated in our society. Yoga with good breathing technique has the ability to exercise and strengthen our skeletal system without triggering the stress response that we spend much of our day in. The more expansive the breath is, the more we can find this state of calm and control.
You can get yourself started on your own yoga practice by starting with pranayama or breath control. Prana is a Sanskrit word meaning "life force" or "vital energy". The common English translation of this word is breath. This conscious focus on breathing pattern will bring you more awareness of your body and quiet to the mind. If you are new to yoga, it is wise to learn the asanas or postures from an experienced instructor who can correct your form. Try the following exercise to condition your breathing muscles and to calm the nervous system.
- Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position on a blanket. Your sit bones should be grounded so that the pelvic floor is gently opened. The spine should be lengthened through the crown of the head. If this is uncomfortable, back yourself up against something supportive and use a pillow for your low back.
- Start by taking note of your breathing pattern without altering it.
- Setting an intension or mantra can be helpful to some as it gives the mind something to focus on rather than the stressors you are experiencing. A mantra is a word or statement with a positive affirmation.
- Place one hand to rest gently on the navel and the other should be in a relaxed position on the thigh. The shoulders should be relaxed with the chest open and the shoulder blades effortlessly drawn on to the back.
- Take an inhale and feel the belly rise as it lifts and moves your hand outward. Simultaneously, the kidneys should expand in the back of the body. The inhaling breath should be paced to last a count of four.
- At the end of the inhaling breath, pause and hold the low belly muscles for a one count before exhaling for a count of four.
- The inhale and exhale should be even and slow. Only count for a few cycles of breath to get an idea of the pace before turning your focus inward to your mantra.
- Repeat this cycle for 5-10 minutes or as your body feels comfortable doing so. Lengthen the time of the breathing exercise as you and your body tolerates.
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