Yoga Pose for Health– Standing Forward Bend
The Standing Forward Bend allows for the coming back after illness or cancer giving way to strengthening of our legs and knees. This pose helps in stretching the hamstrings, calves and hips. We need to have a degree of flexibility to help reduced muscle tightness and tension in the mind. After cancer treatments our body usually loses it’s flexibility and we can develop lower back pain. Just standing helps secure our balance of body and helps in calming the brain. This will reduce stress and mild depression. Try it; you will be pleasantly surprised. Benefits
- Big hamstring stretch
- Releases tension in the upper back, neck, shoulders, and chest
- Creates an extension for the spine
- Recommended if you have dizziness or fatigue
- Assist in the anti-gravitational pull which opens spine
- Helps alleviate stress and anxiety through parasympathetic activation
- Flexes the body’s internal organs and keeps them supple
- Lengthens and relaxes the lower spinal muscles
- Relieves neck and lower back pain when the head and torso are supported
- Gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles
- Normalizes circulation throughout the body
- Stretches muscles, tendons in the knees
Instructions
- Begin standing and separate feet hip distance or greater apart to maintain a safe balance.
- Place a large block or chair in front. Bend at the hips and place hands, and if possible head-on chair/block – use additional props if needed.
- Allow the arms and spine to dangle.
- Bring awareness to the breath going into the back body. Relax and breathe.
To experience the benefits of yoga for breast cancer, it is essential that you begin with simple, gentle yoga movements. You should also consult a doctor before you begin practicing yoga. It is also necessary that you follow a yogic diet that consists of a mainly vegetarian diet to enhance the benefits of yoga.
