Yoga Babe Cafe Blog » Cancer

Yoga: Alternative Cancer Treatment

Adele Aldridge — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:45:23 +0000

This is a Guest Post by Krista Peterson

Those diagnosed with the potentially deadly disease often undergo rigorous treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and tumor removal surgery. What many don’t realize, however, is that, at times, the hardest part of cancer is the side effects of the treatment.

Cancers with Mesothelioma symptoms, (mesothelioma is one of the rarest and deadliest cancers), have little hope for recovery. Life expectancy is generally very short, often only a few months. Yet, cancer patients are finding relief from side effects and a renewing of energy through alternative yoga therapy and alternative treatment.

Studies show that patients suffering from cancer side effects saw improvements after breathing and yoga exercises. A four-week program proved that those cancer patients who practiced yoga saw double the improvement in sleep quality and fatigue reduction, even while reducing their sleep medication dosage.

Astanga yoga, power yoga, vinyasa flow, Bikram yoga, and hot yoga may be too vigorous for some cancer patients, and it is important to become overworked. Restorative yoga is often a safer yoga type. Here are a few poses that may be useful.

Hasta Mudra

While sitting in a cross-legged position, gently press the tips of all fingers together, creating a globe shape. Remain this way for up to 15 minutes. This pose directs breath into the body.

Healing Mudra

Bring the tips of all five fingers together, creating a point, then touch that point to any part of the body that needs healing.

Dawn Mudra

Interlace the fingers with the left thumb above and press gently on the right thumb. Use blocks under the elbows for support when reclining. This increase immunity and endorphin release.

Remedies

Astragalus

Astragalus is the root of a plant commonly grown in China. The Chinese believe that a combination of astragalus and chemotherapy may slow tumor growth, improve immune system capabilities, and relieve some of the negative chemotherapy side effects.

Ukrain

Ukrain is derived from the combination of the chemotherapy drug Thiotepa and a common root called greater celandine. When administered intravenously, Ukrain may improve the quality of life and life expectancy of some patients.

Iscador

Iscador is a species of European Mistletoe. For centuries, mistletoe has been used to improve health. Iscador may be able to alter the composition of cancer cells, strengthen the immune system, and improve general well-being. It may prevent the cancer from metastasizing in some cases.

Mesothelioma, breast cancer, and prostate cancer claim thousands of lives every year. In fact, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US. A proper diet, exercise, and relaxing, strength-building practices can lead to a better quality of life and a renewed sense of self. Yes, finding relief beyond cancer is possible.

About Krista Peterson

I am a 22 year old student, living in Orlando FL, working on getting my bachelors at the University of Central Florida. I aspire to be a writer and am particularly passionate about the health and wellness of our community. I have had many family members diagnosed with different kinds of cancers and various other issues which encouraged me to be a health and safety advocate. I have been practicing yoga for about 3 years now. Most recently hot vinyasa yoga and I absolutely love it.

Krista Peterson can be contacted at: krista.peterson925@gmail.com

Solar Eclipse, the “Secret Moon”

Adele Aldridge — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:19:46 +0000

The longest total solar eclipse this century started in India, sweeping east across China and into the Pacific Ocean.

This was an unusual new moon, not only because of the eclipse, but because is is also the second New Moon in Cancer. This rare event is called the “Secret Moon.”

Astrologer Lynne Hayes says, “Because Cancer rules the Moon, it is particularly powerful in Cancer and because this is an eclipse of the Sun, the lunar influence is even more powerful. The Moon presides over all issues of emotion, but also our emotional connections to each other and to our ancestral history. Cancer is known for its concern with family matters but that sense of family extends beyond the nuclear family, and even the extended family, to the entire tribe of which we are a part. Some of us have strong family ties; others of us create our own tribes that serve the family role.”

You can read Lynn’s full article about the new moon and the eclipse on her Astrological Musings.

Cap for Astro Cancer YogaBabes

This stonewashed cap looks great and wears well. It has an embroidered design of a Cancer YogaBabe, with a brass closure that allows for the one-size-fits-all design.

Happy Birthday Cancer Yoga Babes!

Adele Aldridge — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:34:08 +0000

And Happy Summer Solstice!

The sign of Cancer begins on the Summer solstice – longest day of the year on June 21st. This year the new moon in Cancer followed on the 22nd. This is my second anniversary for this Solstice time. You can check out what I posted for Cancer Yoga Babe last year.

My favorite astrologer, Lynn Hayes has an interesting post on Caner and this new moon.

From her article today,

“Cancer of course is the sign of the family and nurturing those we love, but it also extends to our ancestors, our tribal affiliations, the inheritance of our clan. Many of us have chosen our own clan and have created new family linkages, and these are extremely important to the development of humanity. The more aware we become and as our wisdom becomes deeper and broader, the more we need to share it with others rather than stay comfortably protected in a womb of safety. “

For Lynn’s entire article you can read it HERE.

Help save the planet while you rehydrate in style with an eye-catching BPA-free water bottle from SIGG. Made from a single piece of aluminum, it’s ultra-lightweight yet rugged and crack-resistant. To minimize unwanted tastes and scents, the inside is lined with a water-based, non-toxic epoxy resin that exceeds FDA leaching requirements.

* Holds 1.0L
* Recyclable & reusable
* BPA-free

Cancer Yoga Babe

Adele Aldridge — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:41:03 +0000

We’ve been in the Astrological sign of cancer now since June 22nd and I’m late in posting my Cancer Yoga Babe pose.

Cancer, the crab is the sign of the prophet or teacher. Cancer is a water sign born from June 22nd thru July 23rd. Your ruling planet is not a planet but the moon, associated with intuition and emotion. Your colors are blue-green and silver. Your gem is pearl. The body parts ruled by Cancer are the breasts and stomach. Your best quality is loyalty. Among other things you are Cautious, Clinging, Cyclic, and some times Crabby, ruled by Moody Moon.