When it comes to women’s health, a recent survey by WHO reported a staggering 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer all around the world. Breast cancer is also a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in our country. These numbers are alarming and highlight the critical need for holistic approaches to support patients through their journey of treatment and recovery. It is observed that as soon as breast cancer is diagnosed or treatment is started, the patient may go through severe stress. This directly impacts the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, stress management techniques are essential to reduce treatment-related distress. Yoga helps cancer patients cope with the cancer diagnosis and treatment with some gentle yet powerful practices. 1. Yogendra Sukhasana ⦁ Sit with legs stretched out.⦁ Now bend one leg and place the heel under the opposite thigh.⦁ Then fold the other leg, placing the heel under the opposite thigh and keep the ankles crossed.⦁ Place the hands on the respective thighs, palm downwards.⦁ Keep the body straight, close your eyes and passively observe the breath.⦁ Mind may wander to other thoughts but gently bring it back to breath.⦁ Slowly open the eyes and gently stretch the legs.Benefit: Practicing this asana helps reduce emotional turmoil that often accompanies breast cancer treatment. 2. Yogendra Chandrabhedana⦁ Sit with the body above the waist straight and eyes closed.⦁ Hold the right fingers to the nostrils – the little and ring finger resting on the left nostril and the thumb on the right one; the forefinger and middle-finger bent.⦁ Releasing the left nostril, start inhaling from the left nostril.⦁ Keep inhaling as per your comfort.⦁ When a sense of fullness is felt, close both the nostrils momentarily.⦁ Immediately, release the right nostril and exhale.⦁ Start another round by closing the right nostril and inhaling from the left nostril.Benefit: It reduces heat in the body and is particularly helpful after radiation therapy, which can leave the body feeling overheated. 3. Nishpandabhava⦁ Sit and lean against a wall with legs stretched in front.⦁ Keep a distance of 2-3 feet between your legs.⦁ Place your hands gently on the upper thighs with palms facing upwards and close your eyes.⦁ Start by observing the breath for a few minutes and then gently direct the attention to a sound, which is continuous but feeble.⦁ Passively hear this sound, without any association with the object.⦁ Sit in this posture for 15 minutes.⦁ If the mind wanders, then gently bring it back to the sound.⦁ Make a cup of the palms and place on the eyes. Blink gently in the cup of the palms and then open the eyes.Benefits: Nishpandabhava helps the mind detach from stressful thoughts and helps the patient to maintain a state of calm, even in the face of challenges like doctor visits.Other Holistic TipsApart from the techniques, the yogic approach involves adjustments to lifestyle.⦁ Fresh juices like lemon water, coconut water, and aam panna soothe the body.⦁ Foods like lentils, spinach, and raisins are rich in iron, which may be low during cancer treatment.⦁ Sleep an extra hour daily to aid in rejuvenation.⦁ Gradually resume light household tasks to build confidence and stamina.⦁ Surrender to a higher power to find acceptance and peace.Regular yoga practice ensures that the lymphatic system, which helps your body to get rid of toxins and waste, to remain active. This aids in detoxification, reduces fluid retention, and boosts immunity. This is essential during cancer treatment because the body’s natural defense mechanisms are compromised. Yogic techniques help breast cancer patients respond positively to the diagnosis and treatment. They find joy in living life to the fullest by appreciating each new day with a sense of wonder.