Embodied Yoga for Cancer & Wellbeing
My cancer journey
In September 2022 I was diagnosed with stage 4 “incurable” gastric (stomach) cancer. I was 57 years old at the time and had a different future for me planned than cancer had for me!
I experienced the usual roller coaster ride of being diagnosed, starting treatment and have been in treatment since. I felt very grateful that I had my yoga, meditation and body-mind practices to support me during this challenging time.
I wanted to share what supports me so dived into some training in both Lymphatics and Yoga (with Yoga Medicine) and Yoga for Cancer (with Yoga for Cancer Academy).
The training I have already completed in iRest Yoga Nidra, restorative yoga and Trauma Sensitive Yoga will support the above training well.
I am now “living with cancer”. My cancer is currently stable whilst I remain in treatments.
I bring both my skills as a yoga teacher, a pscyhologist and my lived experience of cancer to my teachings.
2024 offerings
1-1 online yoga for cancer -email me Sandra@integrativetherapy for more information and bookings. $150 or $650 for five one hour sessions
Monthly online 2 hour Yoga and Lymphatics for Cancer (or Long Term health conditions) - 1.5 hours of gentle movement, meditation, mindfulness, breathwork and rest and an optional half hour chat, time for questions and connection. You will need to register on Hey Marvelous (the online platform I use) the first time you purchase. You will be directed there automatically.
Investment:
One day pass (access to the class for 24 hours) $25 (with a pay what you can option min $5)
Monthly membership to the Online Sanctuary $30 per month (unlimited access to the classes and the full library of practices). No minimum contract period.
Dates and times
March 26 1030am-1230pm NB new date
April 30 1030am-1230pm
May 281030am-1230pm
June 25 1030am-1230pm
July 30 1030am-1230pm
August 27 1030am-1230pm
September 24 1030am-1230pm
October 29 1030am-1230pm
November 26 1030am-1230pm
December 17 1030am-1230pm
One day in person retreats - see below for more details
Why yoga for cancer?
There are many ways in which yoga, meditation and body-mind practices can benefit those undergoing a journey with cancer. This includes:
helping manage the stress of diagnosis, treatment and posttreatment
improving sleep
reducing pain and inflammation
improving mobility and strength
helping people find peace and acceptance with their cancer journey
finding some agency in a process which takes it away
helping with cancer fatigue
My aim in 2024 is to share both regular monthly 2 hour classes, 4 week beginners courses and one day retreats - all with a focus on yoga (gentle movement and restorative yoga) lymphatics and how they can support people with their cancer journey.
How do Yoga for Cancer classes differ from other yoga?
Yoga for Cancer classes are very similar to other types of yoga classes. The main differences are:
more rest and pauses during the class
a focus on slow, gentle movement (whilst also building strength)
using a trauma informed approach to increase interoception (what we feel inside) and give agency of the body back
more inclusion of healing practices such as restorative yoga and yoga nidra
a focus on the lymphatic system to stimulate the immune response
Yoga and Lymphatics for Cancer (LT health conditions) One Day Retreat
The first One Day Retreat will be held at Bali Gardens on May 25th 2024. The focus will be:
understanding the lymphatic system and how it supports our immunity
learning 2 lymphatic massages
a gentle trauma informed yoga session
Yoga nidra
Restorative yoga
S