Breast Cancer, Yoga and Healing Together

A yoga class for breast cancer survivors and those with breast cancer was held at Croton’s Hudson Yoga studio. The women were given guidance on how they could be active participants in their own healing, while taking part in a routine led by instructor Neva Goldstein. 

“Holistically, in order to heal, everything has to be addressed. So yoga deals with the part of the person that perhaps doctors may not touch upon. It’s not always enough to deal with the disease. The person can be a full participant in their healing in this way,” said Goldstein.

Multiple studies have shown that yoga may help lower stress and improve the quality of life for those with breast cancer. Lowering stress is important, because it lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Higher stress hormone levels have been linked to worse breast cancer outcomes, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Elisha Fernandes, founder of Laughing Hearts Yoga, who put the class together, says it isn’t just about healing, but it is also about creating a support group for those with breast cancer and beast cancer survivors. She got the idea for the class after four friends told her, within the period of one week, that they had breast cancer.

“That was very moving to me, and I wanted to reach out and do something to give them some type of support.  Being a yoga teacher, I thought it would be really nice to try to offer a class,” said Fernandes.

The goal of the class was to create a safe, supportive and comforting environment.  The organizers also wanted to help the participants focus on relaxation, balance and strength.  After the session the women relaxed, got to know one another and shared stories.

Fernandes says she would like to offer the class regularly.  If you would like more information on the class, you can send an email to her at info@laughingheartsyoga.com or you can call 914-319-4010.