According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, practicing yoga may help reduce your risk. Here are five yoga poses that have been shown to be particularly beneficial for preventing breast cancer.
What is breast cancer?
Before we discuss the yoga poses that can help prevent breast cancer, let’s take a moment to talk about what this disease actually is. Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the breasts. It can occur in both men and women, but it occurs more often in women.
Symptoms of breast cancer include
a lump or mass in the breast,
swelling or enlargement of the breast,
skin irritation or redness around the nipple, discharge from the nipple,
and pain in the breast.
The good news is that early detection significantly increases your chances of successful treatment. So be sure to familiarize yourself with these symptoms and see your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts.
Now that we have a basic understanding of breast cancer, it’s time to discuss the yoga poses that can help prevent this disease.
How effective is yoga for breast cancer prevention and breast health
Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical postures and breathing exercises to improve overall health and well-being.
A growing number of studies suggest that yoga may be helpful in preventing breast cancer. One study, which was published in the journal Cancer, found that women who practiced yoga were less likely to develop breast cancer than those who did not practice yoga. Another study, which was published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, found that women who practiced yoga had a lower risk of developing estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
So, if you’re looking for ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer, consider adding some simple yoga poses to your daily routine! These poses are gentle and can be adapted to fit anyone’s needs and abilities.
Yoga helps to improve the quality of life for breast cancer survivor
Yoga has been found to improve the quality of life for breast cancer survivors. A study, which was published in the journal Psycho-Oncology, found that yoga improved physical functioning, vitality, and mental health in women who had survived breast cancer. The study participants also reported feeling more empowered and optimistic after completing the yoga program.
Going through treatments, chemotherapy and surgeries can severely affect the mental health of breast cancer patients. Taking help of yoga, meditation, can help reduce the stress, anxiety and other symptoms.
So if you are a breast cancer survivor, consider adding some gentle yoga poses to your daily routine. Yoga can help improve your energy levels, mood, and overall quality of life.
The following five yoga poses are great for preventing breast cancer:
1. Vaksh Swasan (Thoracic Breathing)
This pose helps to improve lymph flow, which is important for breast health.
How to do it
Sit on the floor in sukhasana or padmasana, you can also sit in a chair with your back straight.
Place both the hands on your shoulders, now bring both elbows together in front of your face.
While inhaling deeply separate the elbows stretching them as further as possible, expand your rib and chest as much as you can, allowing as much as possible oxygen to enter your lungs.
Push your breast forward, and hold the pose for 10 counts.
Now slowly exhale and while exhaling contract your chest and rib and bring both the elbows together. Hold for ten breaths.
Repeat it for 5 times.
2. Skandh Chakra (Shoulder Rotation)
This pose is beneficial for the breast, shoulders and upper back. It also helps to open up your chest, which can improve posture and reduce tension in the neck and shoulders. If there is any tightness or lump in the breast , this pose can help to release it.
