Coping with cancer brings up many levels of physical, emotional, and mental challenges.
What if you can experience cancer differently?
“Cancer steals your breath, yoga gives it back,” says Tari Prinster, a cancer survivor and a founder of yoga4cancer. “Yoga practice can help to maintain strong immune systems, such as cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, lymphatic, digestive system, etc. The most commonly experienced physiological and psychosocial side effects of cancer chemotherapy/biotherapy are pain, tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, lack of appetite, shortness of breath, depression, and anxiety.
“Research suggests that yoga intervention helps to manage side effects and improves recovery; strengthens bones and muscles; increases balance, flexibility, and mobility; helps the flow of lymph and digestion, and boosts quality of life. Because meditation, breathing, and relaxation practice engage the parasympathetic nervous system, fear, anxiety, and being overwhelmed can be reduced. When the parasympathetic nervous system is active, it will help to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, feeling safe and relaxed.”
Yoga4cancer class is specially designed for those who have a current cancer diagnosis and who have previously experienced cancer. With specific training, a yoga professional is equipped to understand the unique physical and emotional needs and challenges of those touched by cancer. The class size is always small to ensure that the teacher can oversee all the participants.
Akiko Shima, is a certified oncology yoga teacher and IAYT yoga therapist, has 17 years of teaching experience in Comox Valley. She is offering a by-donation class on Monday, Oct. 16 from 11 a.m to noon at The House of Now. No yoga experience is required. Limited space available. To register and for more information email yogaandzen.comox@gmail.com.
