Yoga Therapy & Support
for Cancer & Recovery
Cancer creates a sense of separateness from the body, a loss of feeling whole. This is partly attributable to pain or the side-effects of treatment but is also due to the overwhelming focus on the cancer process itself rather than the person. Yoga Therapy is focused less on the physical body and more on restoring a relationship between the body and mind, increasing quality of life and providing a means of gentle, therapeutic self-care for women with cancer or in remission in Bloomington Indiana and the Indianapolis area. Yoga Therapy sessions and long-term recovery programs are offered by a C-IAYT yoga therapist.
In-Home Yoga Therapy for Cancer
We are all too aware that cancer, as well as treatments, take away energy and leave one depleted. Customized yoga therapy programs provide in-home support and therapy for women who are undergoing treatment or who are in recovery—with the intention of easing the hurry-worry associated with appointments and clinical visits, as well as to minimize energy expenditure. The perception that cancer must be "attacked" head on can, in and of itself, lead to further stress, chronic pain, and an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness or even anger. We endeavor to let you care for yourself and heal through the use of yoga as a therapeutic—rather than clinical—intervention. Yoga therapy sessions may be as simple and gentle as learning visualization techniques or how to use the breath naturally to ease anxiety during chemotherapy. By the same token, "restorative" yoga does not need to be without vitality if energy and circumstances permit. Minimal props are used in order to encourage body awareness, however if a client can benefit from a blanket, pillow or chair, they will be used as needed.
Nature, Nurture, Nutrition
Nature is medicine for the body, and the spirit. Most of us have been in a forest when the leaves are rustling due to a playful breeze, or smelled the damp earth and brisk scent of pine needles after a rain. The sparkling of snow on an open meadow, the delight of seeing ducks and geese on a lake or pond, and the awe of looking up at a vast blue sky, perhaps dotted with clouds of all shapes and sizes... These and many more are a balm to our inner being, creating healing at a level that is often forgotten in modern-day medicine.
Significant loss of weight is frequently a hallmark and consequence of cancer treatment. The thought of food can be nauseating, or foods may not stay down for long. As part of our whole-person approach, nutritional problem-solving can be discussed, as well as looking at food preparation and alternatives which may ease the way to more palatable eating and better nutrition.
Being a companion and second pair of hands to ease the daily challenges of essential errands, appointments, meal preparation, advocacy, or simply listening and providing solace when needed, are aspects of caregiving; however, each person has unique needs, both during and after treatment, or in palliative care at home. How can we support you?
Cancer is not a finite diagnosis. Survivorship and recovery from treatment occur over the course of years, perhaps a lifetime. Second Nature offers extended, thoughtful support over months or years, creating a client relationship that adapts and changes as needs change—providing a compassionate, open space for discussion of life, living, and perhaps even dying.