Restorative yoga: regaining wellness, inner peace and self-confidence in the fight against breast cancer

What is Restorative Yoga?

Among those the soft methods such as yoga and meditation, there is also Restorative Yoga, restorative yoga. This gentle, passive form of yoga was developed by Dr. Judith Hanson Lasater, physical therapist, psychologist and eminent yoga teacher. By opening up the organs in a particular posture, the body's cells receive a better oxygen supply, thus rebalancing the body's various systems. In this way, the immune system strengthens and the patient rebuilds his vitality.

In practice

The patient is placed in a very comfortable position and supported by a number of aids (blankets, bolsters, yoga blocks, elastic bands, chairs) to help relax the muscular system and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, a system that promotes relaxation and regeneration. Using the various support tools, the patient feels safe performing the pose. The mind comes to rest and a deep relaxation sets in. One learns to observe one's feelings and sensations, to accept them more easily and to be less reactive when faced with a difficult emotion. Thus we cast a gentler eye on our bodies and develop our capacity for self-compassion. Thanks to conscious breathing, we become more anchored in the present moment and anxiety diminishes. So Restorative Yoga is also a meditative practice that helps banish negative thoughts. By focusing on deep breathing, we take our attention away from the pain, which allows us to better cope with it. This gentle yoga can also be practiced in bed when we are very tired after medical treatment.

To achieve very deep relaxation, Restorative Yoga is based on 5 pillars.

5 fundamental pillars

- Immobility: when the body is not moving, our mind calms down. Learning to do nothing and just "be" helps us clarify our needs.

- Warmth: when we are cold, the body cannot relax, so we use blankets to create a cozy cocoon.

- Darkness: the calmness in our mind becomes deeper with fewer stimuli, such as light. Our "rest" mode is then activated.

- Time: thanks to the support, we can hold a posture for a longer time, allowing the mind to rest. This is how we rebuild our energy level. The duration of the postures varies from 3 to 30 minutes,but we respect our own limits.

- Silence: the teacher guides the patient at the beginning of the posture. Then one makes way for stillness, so that inner peace takes its place in the body. It is a wonderful learning process to find one's inner home and life force.

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A better quality of life for patients

Thanks to Restorative Yoga, stress, anxiety and fatigue due to illness and treatments decrease. One is more rested after sleeping and there are fewer problems with insomnia. By staying longer in a posture and thanks to the breathing exercises, concentration and attention improves and we let go of everything much easier. Our mood improves, our self-esteem increases and optimism returns, reducing the risk of depression.

As for the side effects of cancer treatments, specific postures that optimize lymphatic circulation help prevent and reduce lymphedema problems. Through gentle exercises performed in those postures, the patient also recovers mobility in different parts of the body.

Restorative Yoga is at the same time an important ally in helping patients get back to work. Many patients in remission still feel very tired and these yoga exercises will help them regain energy. By combining Restorative yoga with positive visualization exercises (exercises from sophrology), patients can return to work feeling serene and confident. Fear and anxiety about returning to work will also be reduced.

By taking control of one's own health, the patient regains strength and autonomy, whether practicing at home or in group sessions. With Restorative Yoga, he or she puts himself or herself first and chooses to live better in the present moment, in the now.

Restorative Yoga thus supports the patient on a physical and emotional level. Thus, it promotes healing and helps maintain quality of life.

Books

- RestorativeYoga for breast cancer recovery, Diana Ross.

- Relaxand Renew, Judith Hanson Lasater

- RestorativeYoga, Lou de Vitry and Marie Guyot