Yoga

Stastics show that 1 out of 20 women are breast cancer survivors or are in the middle of dealing with this breast disorder. Breast cancer symptoms vary extensively — from lumps to swelling of the breasts to changes in the skin on breasts — and many breast cancer sufferers, at times, have no obvious symptoms at all. So the question is – how to prevent breast cancer?  Other than altering your lifestyle and limiting your alcohol intake and staying physically active, there are a few yoga asanas which will keep your breasts happy and healthy! 

Importance of a Healthy Lymphatic System

Breast health is sustained by the body's lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps in keeping potentially harmful substances at bay and ensures a clean flow of blood to the breast cells and tissues by fighting infections. And yoga, by maintaining coordination between breathing and movements, helps in circulation of blood and supplies vital energy all through the lymphatic system.

Yoga Asanas for Breasts #1: Diagonal stretch

In the diagonal stretch asana, the lymphatic system is set in motion by energetic movement and powerful breathing.

Method

• Sit in a comfortable position and place your thumbs on the palms of the hands, right at the base of your little fingers.
• Make sure that you rest your fingers in straight line. Now, slowly pull your arms to the sides, making sure they are parallel to the ground. Your palms should face downwards.
• Now raise your right arm and bring down the left arm.  Breathe in as the right arm goes up and breathe out as the right arm goes down. Continue this exercise for 1 to 2 minutes.

Yoga Asanas for Breasts #2: Reach for health

This asana is similar to a martial arts exercise.  The 'snapping back' movement in the asana helps in activating the lymph and breast tissues.

Method

• Sit comfortably on your heels and take the pressure off your knee joints by placing a firm pillow in between your buttocks and legs.
• Now, make a fist of your hands by tucking the thumb inside. Bring your hand to the level of your chests by pulling your elbows back.
• Now extend your arm in a frontward direction in its full length by inhaling powerfully. Now open your fingers as though you were about to grasp something. Then close them by making a fist of your hands and snap the arm to the side of your body as your breathe out.
• Repeat this with other arm and continue for 2 to 3 minutes.

Yoga Asanas for Breasts # 3: Frog pose

This asana ups the flow of energy to all parts of the body.

Method

• Stand in a comfortable position and place your heels together. Now squat down comfortably and keep your heels off the ground.
• Now touch the ground with your finger tips straightening your spine as much as possible.
• Now breathe in and straighten the legs by bringing the head close to the knees. The finger tips should continue to touch the ground.
• Now breathe out and return back to the squatting position.
• Perform this asana for one minute comfortably, and gradually increase the minutes.

Image and Article Credit: www.healthmeup.com