How Yoga Helped Me Rebalance After Breast Cancer

My Journey To Yoga

My experience of breast cancer, at the age of 32, left me feeling shell-shocked and overwhelmed. Moving forwards with life was not as easy as I’d imagined; I felt that my whole body was out of balance, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yoga helped me find balance after breast cancer.

My GP suggested counseling, but it wasn’t for me. Back in 1998, there was a lot in the media around yoga, so I thought I’d give it a try. I loved the physical practice - the strength building and discipline of holding postures for several breaths. I’d leave each yoga class feeling energised yet relaxed and calm. It made me feel alive and in control of my body.

I was hooked after that first class, finding a practice and philosophy that resonated with me. I explored many styles of yoga over the years and built my practice up slowly and consistently. This is very important, especially if you are coming to yoga as a beginner or through breast cancer. Yoga teaches you to practice patience, to listen to your body, and become more interoceptive, sensing the internal state of the body.

Having experienced yoga’s therapeutic benefits first-hand, I wanted to specialise in teaching yoga to those with breast cancer. In 2016, I undertook general yoga teacher training, then trained to become a specialist Yoga for Cancer teacher.  

How Can Yoga Help?

Yoga has been proven to effectively reduce several side effects of breast cancer. One of the most common side effects is fatigue. The solution for fatigue isn’t necessarily resting; moving the body through a sequence of yoga poses in time with the breath can draw fresh energy (prana) into the body and leave you feeling uplifted and energised. I always include half sun salutations into my yoga for breast cancer classes. When we move the whole body with the breath, it increases heart rate, stimulating the flow of blood, as well as moving lymphatic fluid around the body. This is especially helpful to counteract the effects of lymphoedema.

Another common side effect that I see in my yoga for breast cancer students is reduced lower body strength. Lack of movement, due to fatigue or nausea, can weaken muscles in the legs. Standing poses such as Warriors I, II, and III are effective in building back strength in the glutes and quadriceps. Holding standing poses for several breaths can also help build back bone density and reduce the effects of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

After my mastectomy and reconstruction, I needed to build back strength and mobility in my upper body to regain normal functional movement. (I remember longing to be able to do mundane chores like hanging out washing or making a bed.) Many yoga poses are ideal for addressing this. Child's pose is a good example as it stretches the side body, armpits, and shoulders and can be modified with the use of yoga props. It has a restorative effect on the whole body, whilst allowing scar tissue to lengthen and release.

How To Get Started

Yoga provides many benefits to those with breast cancer both before, during, and after treatment. It is best practiced under the guidance of a specially trained Yoga for Cancer teacher. I offer weekly online classes, via Zoom, which focus on calming the body and mind, as well as building strength and mobility in the body. Before joining a group class, I hold a phone call to learn about a potential student’s diagnosis and treatment. This is followed by a complimentary private lesson. This allows me to observe the student closely and gain feedback as they move through their practice. I also teach weekly face-to-face classes in London at the Breast cancer charity, Future Dreams.  

If you can’t find a specialist teacher, look for a beginner-level Hatha or Iyengar class and tell the teacher of your condition before the class begins, so that poses can be modified. Some poses taught in a regular yoga class, such as plank and downward-facing dog, are not suitable for someone who is recovering from breast cancer.

What Do I Need To Take For My First Yoga Class?

If it’s your first time trying yoga, just make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothing that is easy to move in – you don’t need the latest leggings! If you want to invest in anything, buy your own mat. A basic yoga mat costs around £22 and needs to be quite thin, around 4-5mm. If you’re attending a studio class, you can use the mats they provide. Get creative with home props, using sturdy books instead of yoga blocks and a dressing gown belt for a yoga strap.

About The Author Marcia Mercier is a Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher and breast cancer survivor, specialising in teaching yoga to those affected by cancer. Website: www.marcie.yoga Instagram: @yogaforbreastcancer Facebook: @yogaforbreastcancer