Guest Blogger: Yoga and Cancer Patients

In yoga, everyone has a story to tell and wisdom and information to share about their own experiences, but it should also be noted that Bikram Yoga itself really does have the ability to help individuals who are struggling with debilitating illnesses, and so I have had the privilege to finally be able to have a guest blogger on my site. Hot Yoga has many advantages that I have touched upon in previous blogs but today I would like to share the table with Krista so, without any further ado, here is Krista's insight she wishes to share with you all:

The therapy and treatment stages for a cancer patient can be excruciatingly difficult. Extended rounds of chemotherapy and radiation have been known to bring on many side effects that have an impact on quality of life. Luckily there have been growing options in complementary treatment options that are directed towards alleviating some of these symptoms. One of the popular and growing options includes Bikram yoga, primarily because of its ability to mix both physical and mental benefits for patients.

Bikram yoga has a great impact on regular participants for its ability to cleanse the body and its impact on cancer patients is no different. Patients have been known to help reduce their acidity through hot yoga. Acids are removed from the body during hot yoga through working the lungs with heavy breathing, the kidneys with increased metabolism and heart rate, and creating an alkaline environment within the body. All three of these elimination methods help to cut down on the acidity within these cancer patients.

Hot yoga also allows patients a chance to get more oxygen in the body. Because breathing is such a heavy focus during hot yoga, they help to move stagnant air out of the lungs. What this is doing is taking out acids and making room for oxygen to come in. This oxygen goes on to diffuse in the blood and be carried throughout the body of a patient.

Perhaps the biggest reason that hot yoga is so popular with cancer patients is because of the ability to connect the mind and body. The treatment stages of cancer can be busy, stressful, and fearful. Hot yoga provides a chance to reconnect the mind and body through tranquility and peace. All types of yoga, including hot yoga can help people to find peace of mind. A great example of the impact that hot yoga can have on cancer patients involves its help with mesothelioma patients. This is a type of cancer that results from asbestos exposure and forms within the lining of the lungs and abdomen area. These patients have an extremely low average life expectancy and hot yoga has been known to give them peace of mind and tranquility during the stressful and fearful time following diagnosis. The ability of hot yoga to have astounding mental benefits is one of the main reasons it is continuing to grow as a complementary treatment option.

While hot yoga is not as popular with cancer patients as traditional forms of yoga, it is continuing to grow. More research from physicians and scientific evidence will continue to make hot yoga a great option to cancer patients looking for a complementary therapy to alleviate some of their side effects.

Krista Peterson is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer. As a health and safety advocate, she shares a strong passion for the wellness of others in her community. Krista has been practicing yoga for 3 years and loves to encourage others to do so as well. Through her writings, she helps to spread awareness of such issues as cancer and chronic illness and how they can be treated." If you wish to contact Krista she can be reached at krista.peterson925@gmail.com

Set Yourself on Fire!- A Competitor's Goal

I open my eyes, slowly, aware that I am facing away from the clock I turn over to see the alarm; yet even as I gaze upon it I know already it's ten minutes to 7. I take a deep breath in and go over in my mind the days events that will take place. START. It's the same routine I have had for the last week and a half. Protein for breakfast and lots of water, tea to soothe my nerves and some fruit to quench the sugar and water fixes. Stretches to loosen my legs and a little music to lighten the mood before I head on over to my 930 Bikram Yoga class. I walk in the frigid January air trying to keep my body from cramping anticipating the heat that will wrap itself around me. The moment I see friendly and familiar smiles and faces from the receptionists and students, my mind is already a little more at ease. BREATH. My mind seems to time the minutes to each posture I've been waiting for, my legs holding out the endurance needed for standing head to knee and that released freedom I start to appreciate when I'm able to bring my elbows down and think about one symbol of my strength to keep my forehead on my knee. FOCUS. Class lets out and I lay in savasana knowing what comes next. I bring myself in bridge to stretch out the back and it lets out a little crack to tell me it's ready for some back bends. The wall bends are not my favorite but as I peer into the mirror to my side I see a beautiful display of an arch. RELAX. A familiar voice tells me it's time for practice to begin; more standing head to knees, more standing bows, more floor bows, more rabbits, more stretches. The hot room no longer has the same effect anymore, it becomes an immersement of energy now, a place to feel the forca of strength. PUSH. After two hours of practice I come out to the explosive fresh air; throat burning, ears in pain from infection, muscles screaming, blood pumping, tears overwhelming, hands shaking, elbows blistered, feet numb. PAUSE. I look into the mirror and notice there is something different about me; it's in my eyes.. A look of wanting, a feeling of needing... a confidence, a determination.. a desire. TIME.

...Beep...Beeep...Beeep...My alarm goes off and small smile stretches across my face, yeah, it's going to be a good day.

Namaste Yogi's!

After a few months I return again with more followers lol, thank you to everyone who has been to this page and I apologize for no response from me for awhile. It seems every time I thought of some idea or had a moment of inspiration the old writer's block floated on in and I could not put down one single thought.

I am officially in the 8th Annual Western Hatha Yoga Competition as of this Saturday. What have I learned or tried to incorporate into my test of skill (if you may)?

* A proper diet is essential in maintaining energy, flexibility, hydration, strength and endurance.

* I miss my sugar, dairy and wheat:(

* There are many challenges towards this type of goal and lots of stress factors that will rev up your emotions. It is normal to feel temporarily discouraged but the most important thing to know is that another day lies ahead to keep yourself balanced. Another day to revive your confidence.

* If you just ask for help, it is always there within your reach. My stubbornness can outweigh my need for support sometimes but through my favorite yoga guru, Frank (have I mentioned he is temporarily back in town?) I understand my body, it's abilities, my capacity for learning and most importantly the confidence I now have to firmly walk up on that stage and say 'I can do this'.

* I am in awe of the other competitors who I will have the privilege of competing with, I understand their struggles, their emotions, and their nervousness and they all have my utmost respect.

*The flu, ear infection, sore spine, bruises, sore elbows, sleeping problems and a stubborn cough are not going to get the better of me!

*I am going to order my favorite pasta with a ginger ale and a mouthwatering chocolate dessert the day after the competition. It's about balance, right?

Hello Everyone!

Hey Fellow yogi enthusiasts, it's been awhile but I have recently written a post for OhMyBikram and I would like to share it with all of you.

Enjoy and Namaste

http://ombyoga.com/2010/09/13/diary-of-a-yogi-the-difference-a-teacher-can-make/

The Cure for What Ails You

When I completed the challenge, I felt so many emotions including relief, sadness, sense of accomplishment but a lot of anxiety as well. I didn't know what to do with myself with the days following the challenge and I went on a roller coaster of ups and downs. One day I felt like I could work, clean, take on the world; the next I could barely manage to get out of bed. I felt lost with out this yoga in my life and I only went three whole days before I was back at my studio. I have taken days off here and there but the reality that hit me was I am truly addicted: the endorphins that run through my body shortly after class and the warm presence I receive at the studio makes me realize this really is a lifelong journey.
Monday-Anthea-4pm
We have had such beautiful sunny weather that I take a few moments before class to walk out on to the balcony and take into some refreshing sun and a light breeze that brushes over my skin. Brian, a fellow yogi and one of my favorite yoga buddies, surprised me with a visit to this class as well as another yoga buddy Gerta so we 'uni-sized' ourselves in a triangular formation to give each other a strong energy balance lol. Anthea is great at keeping the class in a strong formation but always adding such great humour to her dialogue. For example, once we completed the full locust posture she warns us not to come out too quickly "you don't want to come crashing down out of the sky like a 747". And I have given Anthea the title of sit up queen because..well..she loves sit ups always telling us the health benefits and making sure we do the proper form. There is no question her classes bring upon a sense of giddiness and humour which can seize any moment of unassurance and should be noted that in any sense of uncomfortability, humour can be the cure for what ails you.

Well Howdy Everyone!

I'll have to admit, I haven't ventured onto my own site in a while, I have been taking classes, not consecutively but I frequent at least five to six days a week. I come back here and lo and behold I have more followers! LOL ...
Since my "break" I have learned some new things about my practise
* There is so much more appreciation for this yoga when I don't feel the pressure to go everyday. My energy is more consistent and I don't feel so guilty about taking days off.
*There is life outside yoga and I have taken what I have learned inside class and used it as a tool to deal with all the issues I avoided for a few months.
*You have to find something that fills the time you would have spent going to yoga or you will go crazy and suffer yoga withdrawal which includes, anxiety, boredom, chocolate and carbohydrate divultion (or just plain gluttony), irritation, and spending time in a sauna just to get the similar sweat profusion.
*Karma really does work: shortly after my 150 day challenge my studio had a potluck with three month of unlimited yoga door prizes and I won!
*Appreciation for this yoga goes above and beyond myself- I have taken this time to reflect on all the people who gave me encouragement and love throughout those months- those are the ones I hold close to my heart.
*I want to pursue the Western Hatha Yoga Competition this year. That is my next goal in this yoga.
*I will never do another challenge again (at least in the limelight). You have to remember that it's about you, everyone and everything else is just surface.
* I think I will continue this blog though because I really miss writing about my journey through this amazing practise.
Before I sound out for the day, I would like to give a big congratulations to all the BIKRAM 101er's..you have inspired so many people and shared the word of Bikram love to all those unaware of what it's all about. Your hard work and determination never ceased...Much love.
Namaste

Day 30-150-March 2nd (Tuesday)

Instructor-Brad-615pm
Studio-Metrotown, Burnaby

150 days..It's hard to believe I have gotten this far. I started out in October just wanting to do the 30 day challenge, never would have imagined that six months later I would be in a hot room being taught by one of Bikram's Canadian right hand men, Brad Colwell, also the director of this studio. I choose to take Brad's class because both Candice and Frank spoke highly of him and it would be an interesting way to see someone else's view of my practise.
Unlike Langley and White Rock, this studio has two hot rooms (as they have classes running every hour) and our class was apparently in the bigger one of the two (could have fooled me, I felt a bit claustrophobic at first), with only one window in the corner it was a little isolated for my taste but the atmosphere was quite different than what I am use to. The lighting is a bit darker, and the room has a soft, beige color to create a deep relaxing state of mind.
Brad is a perfectionist but his focus on helping the student's perfect form is much different than what I am use to, for he literally made me redo postures like balancing stick, cobra and fixed firm to make me aware of the small details I was either slacking on or have not focused enough attention to. The heat even felt different where I literally felt nauseous at times but even in my moments of panic (he is not a lover of fans), I was determined to take in this experience, even if I dropped to my knees at the end, however, I kicked past the mind BS and kicked my own butt.
The greatest moment tonight was when Brad asked me after when I was going to take TT because he said my passion and energy were there, he was excited to see me pursue this-true honour and privilege to have him congratulate me and say " I hope to see you in Las Vegas soon, come back to this studio anytime". And of course I was speechless.
Great night, that's why I'm up till midnight writing this, too excited to sleep♥
Last note-I have learned so much from many instructors but I believe my true determination and drive has always been from Frank, and I feel like he was there with me tonight and everyday in my heart and spirit. I hope to see him soon.

Just breath.....

Just want to take a moment to say thank you to all my readers, I will be taking a break from yoga :(, a temporary one but a much needed one for my body and mind. I think the hardest thing I have learned is that I need to give myself permission to say it is OK to take a break, one piece of advice I have given out but not taken internally. There are many students who are taking the 101 and there may or may not be a hype to continue on after, listen to your body and your mind, you are the reason why you go everyday, you are the ones putting in the time, effort and energy; everything and everyone else is just "surface"-valuable when you need the encouragement and support but not the necessity to overdue it.



Most importantly, just breath and the answers will come to you:)



Thank you for all the comments, I will continue reading every one's blog (and I have), and now that I have more time, you will see more comments- there are some amazing writers here, I encourage you all to read each other's yoga adventures, it makes me feel less alone in my thoughts and attitudes.



Everyone, Namaste~

Day 29 (149)- March 1st (Monday)

Instructor- Stefanie-1245pm (Making up for Day 143)
The last of my doubles, when I came to the studio I felt very stiff, I knew this day wasn't going to be as smooth as the others but Stefanie's class was amazing. The woman has such power that you wouldn't be able to guess it outside of class. My body was starting to take a little bit of a toll on the standing bow and my knees did not want to lock out properly but I managed to get through feeling ok after. Have you had those days where a class can fly by or crawl? Unfortunately, this class was the latter and it made holding certain postures like standing head to knee a real challenge, taking all my mental strength just to hold the posture at an L for what seemed like eternity.

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Instructor- Candice-8pm
I was exhausted by the time I arrived for this class, just wanting to call it a day and crawl into bed but I made it out to complete my second to last day with Candice, it wouldn't be the same otherwise. I had to laugh to myself when I came out of full locust a bit early and she proclaimed that this was equal to disqualification in the Olympics, always go for the gold..hmmm...I wonder if she had read my bikram101 posting? lol
I'm going to leave it on this quote directly from Candice: you come into the room for you, no one else- you don't compare yourself to others as we are all at different stages and levels, as long as you give 100% of your best effort it is all you can ask of yourself. You are free. Always open your mind and open your heart. ♥

Day 28 (148)-February 28th (Sunday)

Instructor- Mary-4pm

Today was a great day! I had breakfast with a friend, watched Canada kick ass in hockey, then headed on over to the last class of the day with the lovely Mary. The doubles the day before gave me some tension in my neck so I was glad to have the morning off so my body could be limber. Most students were teasing Mary after about the class being tough (she loves to hold certain postures longer, stretching out the dialogue) but I found it to be an energetic class with lots of fan love lol. I have to say the camel is a posture lately I anticipate, as if my back is craving the extra stretch and I find myself arching more and bringing my hips up higher, it's such a great feeling. It was a rewarding end to a fun day.

I have a post on http://bikram101.blogspot.com/ as of Sunday February 28th- Check it out!

Day 27 (147)-February 27th (Saturday)

Instructor-Dianne-10am (Making up for Day 133 (this one I know for sure, day before V-day)
My morning started off rough: woke up late, felt nauseous and had some car trouble but once I reached the studio I was calmer but my mind was a thousand miles away. Have you ever had classes that go by so fast you think all you did was the praneama breathing? Dianne is amazing for keeping the tone of the class very soothing and she pushed me into record depths in my bow and camel.
The camel: I haven't really mentioned this posture too often- there is lots of love/hate for it but for the past week it has been my new achievement. I think the hardest part about the camel is the moments between the sit up and crawling onto your knees, the camel itself is not necessarily the part that gets my mind in a spin of dizziness or nausea (and the fits of crying). My lumbar region has given me more flexibility and I think I have gone into my deepest camel posture as of today.
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Instructor- Stephen 4pm
Another great class with lots of energy pouring out, I haven't felt this lively for classes in awhile, and I was quite limber this evening, stretching back with ease in half moon, holding my L form in standing head to knee, and lovely bow. I had one familiar student ask me tonight after class how many I've done so I told her and she asked am I going to continue? I have been on a see saw with what I should do and the truth is I'm not really sure. As much as I have loved the support and inspiration from so many people I'm starting to question who I am really doing this for anymore. The answer should be simple: for me-it's my body, my time, my effort but I have gotten caught up in the formalities, the surface of my challenge and I feel like I have lost my ground somewhere. The pressure seems to rise more and more...

Day 26 (146)- February 26th (Friday)

Instructor- Stefanie-4pm
I was feeling quite stiff and a little sore from the doubler the day before but overall I had a strong class. The mood was a bit melancholy it seemed or rather students and instructors were just starting to feel the exhaustion of the month coming to an end. I was feeling a bit of the twitches today, and a few short pains in my feet from too much weight in my toes. The half moon, eagle, standing bow, and tree/toe stand I find can be a bit straining on my feet if I don't balance the weight properly. So here I was shaking my legs and shuffling my feet many times during the standing series and I have developed a habit of moving my stance on my towel; for example, I will start the warm up series in the middle of my towel, then move myself to the back for the standing head to knee, then move to the front for standing bow. Not sure what possesses me to do so, maybe the idea that I will cool my feet down on the dry spots of my towel? lol Yeah, that's my random thought for the day....

Day 25 (145)- February 25th (Thursday)

Instructor-Ellena 930am (making up for Day 137?)
Yay...double day is here! The first of three...can you feel my excitement lol. But I was quite happy to see Ellena, the first time since her trips back from LA for the competition and Esak's seminar in Colorado. The lady has worked her butt off and continues to improve her practise all the time, as I told her when I came into the studio "this is your year for the competition". Never be fooled though, her classes are for people who come to improve and she is devoted to giving you the focus and confidence you need for your practise. I felt quite powerful this morning; waking up early, taking time for breakfast, vitamins, meditation and then pushing my body and stretching (to the best of my ability at 930am). Great way to start my doubles, I hope to see Ellena more often♥.

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Instructor-Anthea-4pm
Today I think I got off easy when it came to instructors, or maybe I was feeling energized; either way this class kicked just as much butt as the first one. I think it also helped that Brian, one of the many characters I like to do yoga with, boosted me before class talking and making me laugh, and Anthea who loves to joke and have some fun with us made this class so worthwhile. Sometimes I find even when I come into the studio feeling unengaged, moody or just not in the mood for yoga, these amazing people lift me up and fill me up with feel good endorphins. Even just a smile can do wonders for the soul♥

Day 24 (144)-February 24th (Wednesday)

Instructor- Colin-1245pm
After a day away on Tuesday I come back feeling a little more vigorous and not at all looking forward to making up three doubles lol.Colin threw in a few quirks here and there to keep us smiling, which makes the instructor always in my good books lol. I think he is starting to get his own flow rolling quite smoothly by incorporating dialogue and character. I don't think there is anything wrong with adding some improvisational humour, it releases wonderful laugh filled endorphins which boosts my energy in class. My standing series is taking on it's own metamorphosis: transforming into my own creation of strength and agility.
I think I am ready for the next step of standing bow, complete standing splits, just need to figure out the best way to arch my body and kick up.

Day 22 (142)-February 22nd (Monday)

Instructor-Dale-4pm
Overall, this was a great class but have you ever started to feel a bit impatient with new students? Maybe not necessarily the students themselves, just when the instructor is having to explain the form to them and sometimes repeatedly?When I have a routine going in my practise, having to pause for a minute while the instructor is trying to help out the newbies can put me off a little. Sure, it's nice to get a break, especially during the standing series but I feel my adrenaline slow down and I am not as pumped. Perhaps it is patience I need to work on, keeping the discipline and focus while I wait to start the next posture, but it can become repetitive hearing the teacher explain the steps. Then again, we become so accustomed to hearing the steps, but in fact, do we ourselves really listen to the steps in order to strengthen our practise?
One example would be my standing bow, in the second set Dale was there with me every step of the way: head straight, arms and fingers stretched like your going to touch the mirror, body down, hips down, arch your body, BREATH, kick up, kick higher like your going to kick the ceiling. The perfect balance sometimes is having that voice guide you to places you never expected to go.

Day 21 (141)-February 21st (Sunday)

Instructor-Mary-4pm
Mary had a tough female dominated crowd this afternoon (except for Leo lol) as we were all hyped about new gold medals and the much anticipated Canada vs US hockey game, which of course, started at 4. So I told Rachael to give us a heads up on the score every half hour if she could. The room was a bit humid but Mary was generous enough to give us some fan love and even though my practise was strong, my mind was completely distracted. I had breakfast with a friend of mine that morning, I have two articles coming up to complete for different yoga websites and the hockey game; all these were staring me directly in the mirror that day and Mary's voice wavered in and out of my brain, only to keep me centered enough to have an amazing balancing series and for the first time in a while, an energetic floor series.
Rachael posted the score during our half tortoise set and since I was close to the door I managed to see it before Mary whisked it away and said we needed to focus, she would announce the score after class lol.

Day 20 (140)-February 20th (Saturday)

Instructor- Stefanie-10am
...and the fresh blow of recirculated air makes me appreciate my yoga once again lol. I woke up with a great flow of energy and after a wonderful conversation with a friend, I felt pumped for this class! Stefanie is so warm and her voice is so soothing that it makes this yoga feel revitalizing and relaxing all at once. Today in our studio, they had a Canada patriotism *go for the gold* spirit and so we were suppose to wear red and white or anything to promote the Canada theme. Unfortunately, I forgot but it was great to see a couple students showing their spirit with colors and flags (yes, even flags) by their mats. With a wonderful medal standing right now during the Olympics I am happy to call myself Canadian and am proud of all our athletes going out there to show our talents.
I would like to give a shout out to Sandra, whom I have greatly missed and am happy to see back in the studio~she is a great source of encouragement and strength, I am privileged to park my mat beside you.

Day 19 (139)- February 19th (Friday)

Instructor- Colin-6pm
Another hot one! Colin is one of the newer editions to our yoga community and I have a feeling he hasn't been able to combine dialogue with his own character yet but I'm sure once he gets a flow rolling he will probably be one of the stronger teachers out there.
Ahhh..instructors...we all have favorites though we don't like to admit it, or maybe we have bits and parts of each instructor we like. We feel comfortable with the old guru's and we feel uneasy about new ones. Haven't you felt like some teachers you just know what to expect, you receive more attention from or you know if they will turn on fans or leave you gasping for air? Sometimes it's nice to come in to the studio not knowing what teacher to expect and other times your feeling so emotional that you have to know who's teaching to see if you'll make it through the class. Don't get me wrong, I have love for all my yoga family, I just get into a routine where certain instructors I like to see at certain times, or when I'm feeling a certain way emotionally.

Day 18 (138)- February 18th (Thursday)

Instructor- Joseph-6pm
The heat wave comes crashing down on me..this was an intense class to the point where I was crying and begging my mind and body not to give up on me. As much as I would like to say Joseph is mean and torturous, I stayed in that room because he believed we could get through it and he purposely had me up front and center just so he could help me push my limitations. Nothing short of fear and anger soared through me many times but I had to calmly tell myself "it's only ninety minutes to give you ninety years of life". I'm not too sure many people could have agreed with that statement while in that room, especially the ones who left ( I think that was the highest drop out rate I've ever seen), but yet I felt like I passed a personal challenge. One thing I noticed physically afterwards was the massive headache I received, not sure if that was due to dehydration or the heat or a combination.