BREAST HEALTH AND YOGA BY BOBBY CLENNELL
Attention to Breast Health in Pune Students come to the medical classes in Pune to be treated for heart attacks, Parkinson’s disease, vertigo, endometriosis, arthritis, scoliosis, stroke, obesity, and many other problems including those arising from accidents. In recent years, breast cancer has been added to the long list of diseases handled in the four weekly classes taught by the Iyengar family and qualified teachers. Guruji gave many guidelines for helping breast cancer patients. For instance, in the supported supine poses, students with breast cancer receive a notably soothing psychological response and a therapeutic effect on the blood and the lymph circulation, both of which help build up resistance to disease.
Breast Problem Causes One in eight women in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer. Even more women experience breast pain or discomfort because of pregnancy, nursing, being overweight (excess fat increases estrogen in the breast tissue), hormone imbalance, the menstrual cycle, menopause, or injury. Stress ranks high among risk factors for breast discomfort. Women give much of themselves to their families and relationships. Emotional wounds and losses affect the uterus and the breasts. Breasts are a part of the reproductive system. Though cyclical breast pain is usually related to the menstrual cycle, emotional stress can affect hormones—no matter where a woman is in her cycle. A recent study found that women who reported being under stress had twice the risk of developing breast cancer as those who managed to stay undisturbed.
Breast Pain and Discomfort Cyclical breast pain—which accounts for nearly 75 percent of all breast complaints—is related to how the breast tissue responds to monthly changes in a woman’s estrogen and progesterone levels. The breasts may feel swollen, painful, tender, or lumpy a few days before menstruation. Breast pain and swelling usually end when menstruation is over. Cyclical breast pain may last for several years but usually stops after menopause. Noncyclical breast pain is far less common and is not related to the menstrual cycle. Physical activity, especially heavy lifting or prolonged use of the arms, has been shown to increase breast
Fall 2015 / Winter 2016 Yoga Samachar
pain when the pectoral muscles, or muscles deep within the chest wall, become sore. Also, arthritic pain can occur in the middle of the chest where the ribs and the breastbone connect.
Exercise According to a dozen studies in recent years, regular exercise can substantially lower the risk of breast cancer. A Harvard study found that young women who exercised most were most protected against breast cancer as adults. Exercise balances insulin levels, delays the onset of menarche, and helps prevent abdominal fat, which increases estrogen. In other words, exercise decreases the amount of estrogen a woman produces during her lifetime. Exercise also encourages restful sleep, which is when the body goes into detoxification mode (and produces the anti-cancer hormone, melatonin).
Detoxing The detox pathways that are stimulated by a regular yoga practice are the skin, liver, colon, lymphatic system, and respiratory system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and plays a vital role in fighting bacteria and infection. It is a network of organs (spleen, thymus, tonsils, and adenoids) and vessels, nodes, and ducts. The lymph vessels branch throughout the body similar to the way the arteries and veins do, but the lymphatic system tubes are much finer than arteries. They carry a colorless liquid called lymph, which washes away bacteria. Lymph nodes—small, soft, oval structures—are connected to each other in chain-like fashion by the lymph vessels and act as filters for foreign particles and damaged cells. The nodes are spread throughout the body and congregate around the edges of the lungs, breasts, and heart, as well as under the arm or in the groin. The spleen, which is located on the left side of the body just above the kidney, is the largest lymphatic organ. If the spleen detects potentially dangerous bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms in the blood, it creates white blood cells called lymphocytes, which defend against invaders. The endocrine system is the collection of glands that produces, stores, and releases hormones. These hormones regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood. When everything is in balance, the body functions properly.
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