“The course is for yoga teachers of any tradition,” Laura says, “who want to make a difference in the lives of cancer survivors.” A breast-cancer survivor herself, Laura found that yoga helped her recover from her bilateral mastectomy. “During my first class, I could barely move. After only a few classes, my body was totally different.”

Now, through courses like these, Laura helps others learn the facets of yoga that are particularly helpful for cancer patients. “I’ve been teaching yoga to cancer survivors since 2005, at hospitals, clinics, and yoga studios. Many research studies have shown the benefit of yoga for cancer survivors, and there is a huge dearth of trained teachers and classes in this area. If you’ve ever thought of taking your teaching in a more therapeutic direction, and have a heart for working with cancer survivors, please consider participating in this course!”

What can you expect to learn at this six-day intensive? Laura says she’ll be teaching students how to work with survivors at any stage of recovery, and with any type of cancer. Her approach includes exploring the physical impact of a cancer diagnosis; as well the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. In addition to the regular course, there’s an “internship” phase in which you begin teaching classes or private lessons to survivors in your community, and complete additional readings and studying. During this phase you will be coached, supported, and mentored on both the teaching aspect and business aspect of creating, leading, and growing a successful class.

Finally, there will be a wonderful array of guest speakers and lots of opportunities for experiential learning. The only prerequisite is that you have to have been teaching yoga for at least one year.

“Yoga gives you this great toolbox of things you can use to feel better,” Laura says. “It teaches you to say, ‘Here’s how I feel right now, in this moment, and here’s what I need to do to take care of it.’”

To register, check out The Yoga Workshop’s website. You can subscribe to Laura’s newsletter, as well, which will have more information forthcoming.

Are you planning to attend this workshop? Please share your experience with us.

Ayurvedic medicine is no magic bullet for curing cancer, but it may help some cancer patients better manage side effects. An ancient system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago, ayurveda (meaning science or knowledge of life) is a holistic way of diagnosing illness and bringing the body and mind back into balance to help restore health. Treatments and techniques can include special diets, medications, detoxification, herbal medicines, massage, meditation, Yoga, and breathing and relaxation techniques.

In the United States, ayurvedic medicine is considered complementary and alternative medicine, and is still in its infant stages, as far as research goes. A few small clinical trials have shown some effectiveness, but studies on overall ayurvedic medicine, according to the National Institutes of Health, have had problems with research design, lacked appropriate control groups, or had other issues affecting results. Therefore, more research needs to be done before we can be sure of any positive effects.

However, some studies on particular aspects of ayurveda have shown some promise. Laboratory studies on a traditional ayurvedic herbal formula called “amrit nector” showed that it protected normal cells from chemotherapy injury. (We don’t know yet if this would transfer to the human body.) Studies from India show a recently released ayurvedic medicine reduced side effects of chemotherapy and improved blood-platelet count among patients. Other studies on curcuma longa (curcumin), boswellia serrata, and camellia—three ayurvedic botanicals—also showed some positive results. Curcumin displayed powerful antioxidant activity, and the potential to protect against cancer-causing chemicals like cigarette smoke. Boswellia serrata showed the ability to fend off cancer, and to reduce inflammation, and camellia (found in green tea) helped protect cells from DNA mutation.

Massage, yoga, and meditation—also part of ayurveda—are now accepted therapies in helping cancer patients to relax, reduce stress, and increase circulation. However, other common ayurvedic remedies—such as some herbal and cleansing treatments—have had harmful effects. Using enemas, for instance, or forced vomiting, can do more harm than good, depending on the patient’s condition, and aren’t typically recommended. In addition, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, caution is necessary when purchasing ayurvedic herbs, as many (especially those imported from Southeast Asia) have been found to contain contaminants such as lead and mercury. A 2004 study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that of 70 ayurvedic remedies purchased over-the-counter, 14 contained lead, mercury, and/or arsenic at levels that could be harmful—underlying the importance of finding quality brands.

What to do? Check with your doctor first, then if you’d like to try ayurveda, find a well-trained practitioner who can help guide you to quality supplements and treatments that will best help your condition. For qualified practitioners in your area, go to the National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine (NIAM) and ask them for a list. There are no licenses offered in the U.S. to practice ayurveda, but there are several institutions with educational programs that issue certificates. Many practitioners educated and licensed in India come to practice in the U.S. as well.

Have you tried ayurvedic medicine for help during cancer treatments? What did you think?

Photo courtesy Biji Kurian via Flickr.com.

Laura Kupperman, yoga instructor and Cinco Vidas expert, says yoga class eased her chemo side effects and helped her recover quickly from a mastectomy.

“A few years ago,” says survivor Dana, “when I found a lump on my breast, I felt so disconnected to my body. How could it betray me like this?”

“It’s weird,” says fighter Debi. “I feel as though my rational brain is disconnected from my body, because although I know in the end that I will be fine, my body is shaky and scared.”

It’s a common feeling among cancer patients: disjointed, disconnected, betrayed by the body. For decades this complex mass of organic material has taken you where you needed to go, and performed according to your commands. Suddenly, something’s wrong. It’s not a virus, nor bacteria that have invaded your hallowed walls. It’s your own cells, turning on you.

“Cancer can often cause a unique sense of separation between self and body,” says author Laurie Wertich, “as patients ‘fight’ their cancer….Ironically, they are fighting themselves. Yoga is a way to bridge this gap, to ease this sense of separation and to embrace the whole self.”

In fact, the word “yoga” means “union,” which most western practitioners take to mean the union of the mind, body, and spirit. There is the physical exercise component, which Laura Kupperman—breast-cancer survivor, yoga instructor, and Cinco Vidas expert—credits for her fast recovery after a bilateral mastectomy. “During my first class, I could barely move,” she says. “After only a few classes, my body was totally different.”

Those who haven’t tried yoga may believe the physical postures too difficult, but the whole philosophy is to do only what feels right and to listen to the body. “When people understand what yoga is,” says yoga therapist Jnani Chapman, “there is no time that a person can’t do yoga, even when they have cancer.” In fact, studies have shown that yoga can improve circulation, digestion, sleep patterns, mobility, strength, and relaxation, plus ease side effects like nausea, joint pain, and fatigue.

But for many cancer patients, it’s the mystical benefits to the mind and spirit that make yoga so valuable during and after treatment. According to womenfitness.net, “As we engage our physical selves in the precise body gestures of yoga, our minds come along, growing accustomed to focusing on the affairs of this movement and leaving worries and future-thinking behind. As we breathe and meditate, our minds grow more clear and steady.”

Part of this benefit comes from the deep-breathing technique. Considered the life force in yoga, the breath is meant to expand the belly, rib cage, and chest, which creates a true, full breath. Most adults breathe more shallowly, from the chest only, which delivers less life-giving oxygen to the body. Breathing more deeply improves respiration, and encourages clarity and calm—something cancer patients desperately need. “Because yoga has specific breathing technique,” says survivor and writer Jennifer Weiss, “it can help patients focus their attention and fight off the depressive intrusive thoughts and focus more on relaxing. It sure helped with me.”

In the end, you just have to experience it to know how yoga can help you. “I consider yoga class a life-saver,” says survivor Ann Getzoff. “When I was sickest from the treatments, yoga was the one steady thing I could do, no matter what.”

Virginia, a student of Kupperman’s, was so sold on yoga as a treatment adjunct that she wishes she had started it sooner. “I really wish I had gone to yoga when I was in treatment. That would be my advice to someone going through cancer or chemo.”

If you’re looking for a yoga class in your area, Kupperman suggests looking for one specifically designed for cancer patients and survivors. (Try yogafinder.com.) If you don’t have one, look for a restorative or beginner’s class.

Laura Kupperman, certified yoga teacher and therapist.

Want a new treatment for side effects like insomnia, mood swings, constipation, and other aches and pains? Never mind the drugs. Your body has had enough. Instead, try taking yourself to a yoga class.

“Something magical happens when you do a total and complete class,” says certified yoga teacher and therapist, Laura Kupperman
(also a Cinco Vidas expert).

Particularly if you go to a class for cancer survivors (recommended), you’ll enjoy a unique camaraderie you’ll be unlikely to find anywhere else. If you’ve just been diagnosed, you may meet up with someone who’s already been through the treatment, or someone who’s survived for years.

“There’s a great sense of acceptance,” Kupperman says. “Everyone’s been through something. But it’s not a support group. The focus isn’t on what’s going wrong, but rather, on doing something healthy and positive for our bodies.”

Since yoga requires a steady focus on the breath, it tends to quiet the mind. Kupperman comments: “My students tell me, ‘I come to yoga, and it’s so nice, as I have to stay focused on what’s going on, so I can’t think about all the other stuff.’ Through yoga practice, we learn to be more present in the moment, which is so helpful in all areas of our lives.”

Yoga also addresses specific physical problems. Kupperman, a breast-cancer survivor, explains. “If you’ve had a bilateral mastectomy, for instance, you’re going to have scar tissue and muscular guarding. It’s your body’s way of protecting the injured area, but it causes the chest to get tight. Pretty soon the whole front of the body is rounded forward, weakening the upper back and shoulder muscles, compressing the breath, and often causing back pain. Certain yoga poses gently open up the front of the body and strengthen the back, making it easier to breathe full, deep breaths, increasing energy, and reducing aches and pains.”

Many poses can help minimize the side effects of cancer. Look to future posts for more information on these particular poses and sequences. In the meantime, Laura recommends looking for a good class to get the full benefits. (Be sure to check with your doctor before starting.) Classes specific to cancer fighters and survivors are best. If you don’t have one, try to find an instructor schooled in working with cancer patients. (Check out the International Association of Yoga Therapists, or YogaClassSearch.com.)

“Yoga gives you this great toolbox of things you can use to feel better,” Kupperman says. “It teaches you to say, ‘Here’s how I feel right now, in this moment, and here’s what I need to do to take care of it.”

If yoga has helped you on your journey, please share your experience with us.

Photo courtesy of Laura Kupperman