Improve Your Breathing
Intended Audience
Members including people living with cancer, family members and significant caregivers.
Program Description
This program introduces a variety of breathing techniques designed to boost the delivery of oxygen to the body and brain, which helps to strengthen the lungs and muscles while improving overall breathing. The group will learn and practice simple exercises that serve a variety of purposes. Through demonstration, explanations and repeating exercises, students learn the correct physical posture and mental attitude for effective deep breathing. This program is effective for anyone, regardless of their level of fitness and strength.
“This program is therapeutic, healing, calming – highly recommended for healing.”
What to Expect at a Session
Class begins with a review of the elements taught in the previous weeks and a chance to ask questions. Each week’s breathing exercises are related to a theme, which may include posture, shoulders, arms, head, diaphragm, etc. A piano is used to set the rhythm and speed of the exercises and basic voice training is incorporated to help participants make the connection between using their voice and breathing. Student’s exercise at their own pace and are encouraged to stay present and relaxed. There is no pressure and no expectations from any student.
Benefits and Impacts
Research has demonstrated that meditation and breathwork can have important health-related benefits for those with cancer. Meditation has been reported to improve stress, sleep, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and quality of life in people living with cancer (Dhruva et al., 2012; Galantino et al., 2019; Shahriari et al., 2017). Research on meditative and yogic breathwork specifically shows similar effects (Dhruva et al., 2012; Shahriari et al., 2017). The observed improvement in stress in people living with cancer following a meditation program is also evident when it is delivered online (Trevino et al., 2020).
