Yoga and Breast Cancer: A Journey to Health and Healing [Paperback]

Their hearts may have been in it but it was clear the authors knew little about yoga. I didn't see E-RYT or RYT credentials or a specific yoga system of study. It is important that breast cancer patients ask for the teachers credentials...right!

Models were in poor alignments, look unhealthy and unhappy. Poses for the most part were nonspecific to breast cancer patients. Where are the chest openers, backbends, twists and a large variety of resting poses? Lymphedema condition considerations, Trams flap and DIEP Flap procedures could have been covered .....BIG. Where are all the breathing techniques? Fatigue. Depression. Again, a lost opportunity to share with breast cancer patients...BIG.

The study they quoted or participated in is not qualified nor large enough to speak with certainty. However, there are large breast cancer and yoga studies that do substantiate the healing of breast cancer through yoga. Check out [MD Anderson Cancer Research]. Dr. Lorenzo Cohen was just awarded the largest grant ever to continue these studies ($4.5 million).

The authors Ingrid Kollak, RN, PhD, (Yoga proponent and Therapeutic Nursing expert) and Isabell Utz-Billing, MD from Germany have written this book as a resource for women with breast cancer who are undergoing therapy, recovering from their illness, or interested in further prevention. Medical evidence has shown that Yoga and Meditation has therapeutic benefits for breast cancer patients - from reducing mood disturbance, anxiety, depression, anger, stress, and confusion, and to improve sleep quality, cancer related distress, and cancer related symptoms. Significant reduction in nausea, vomiting and fatigue during chemotherapy was also observed in patients participating in Yoga programs.

This book is a great introduction to Yoga and Meditation for those who are determined to beat the odds and stay positive in the face of a new diagnosis, or at risk for breast cancer, or undergoing therapy, or want to support a loved one ailing from breast cancer or therapy. The language is simple and straightforward, hence the Yoga routines are easy to understand and follow. These routines, if followed, can help a cancer patient relax and focus. Although there is a section for Meditation, one needs to understand that all Yoga routines can be practiced meditatively and are for releasing tension.

I can say, a patient going through aggressive chemo or radiation therapy will rarely have the energy to start anew with Yoga. But, nothing can stand in front of the indomitable will of a human being. And, nothing can prevent a caring relative or friend or healthcare professional who wants to help or support a suffering cancer patient. Many routines such as eye, stretching and breathing exercises can be done while in bed with or under supervision. This book can be a great resource for someone who wants to help a suffering loved one get started on Yoga. The photos are realistic so the reader can understand that cancer therapy is not cake walk.

Yoga and Meditation can help anyone with mere Life and Living... I recommend this book for anyone at risk for or dealing with breast cancer including care-givers such as Nurses and Physicians, to focus on Healing and Health or for palliative care. Yoga and Meditation can help prevent breast cancer in combination with other preventive measures.

Here's a no frills approach to health and healing that would be useful for not only breast cancer patients but for anyone recovering from disease that requires a gentle program of discipline and encouragement. The authors, Ingrid Kollack and Isabell Utz Billing took great care to communicate their message: be aware of your body; take charge of your mental well-being.

Yoga is a rich and elaborate art that has positive influences on mobility, flexibility and overall physical fitness of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The practice helps women relax and reduce stress.

I teach yoga and found this book very practical and straightforward. The photos are black and white--not glossy airbrushed girls. The instructions are detailed. I would recommend asking a companion to read the instructions out loud while you follow the instructions, or record your own voice and playback the instructions so that you reap the full benefit of the details.

Book includes a brief overview of the history of yoga and explanation of diffferent styles of yoga, lots of basics, supine poses ( a good supportive place to begin recovery poses) , breathing exercises, eye exercises and special attention exercises for back and shoulders.

Reviewed by Christine Palamidessi Moore author of THE VIRGIN KNOWS and THE FIDDLE CASEThe Virgin Knows: an art theft thrillerThe Fiddle Case