FEATURE : CANCER TREATMENT : YOGA & MODERN MEDICINE
from side to side and putting the chin to the chest . “ The same thing goes for our lung cancer patients ,” Ross said . Yoga helps them master “ the deep part of breathing , as opposed to that surface or superficial part of breathing .”
Patients struggle with more than cancer on the inside . The emotions run deep . “ The pieces that you hold onto as being your ‘ foundation ’ are changed , shifted , or in some cases crumbled .” Ross said patients are constantly asking themselves “ Where has this spread ? Where will it go ? Where will I be in a year from now — three years from now ? Cancer gives a whole new perspective as to how you ’ re going to choose to live your life .”
How does yoga tackle this ? “ Sometimes cancer almost stuns people .” Ross said .
They don ’ t know where to go from this point . People need an emotional release , such as yoga can provide . People need to rid themselves of the guilt , the shame or the blame factor . Yoga gives one permission to accept where they are at , to be okay with the present moment ,” Ross said . “ In a world where we are constantly in production and consumption , life doesn ’ t always afford that for people . We ’ re busy working , going to school , and trying to fit all the modern tasks into a day . Taking a 45 minute or 60 minute session to focus on the moment is really critical to the patient ’ s overall wellbeing . Now they are finally able to stare their lion in the face .”
When discussing tobacco use and addiction , Ross showed genuine compassion for smokers who he often meets as cancer patients . “ They receive the brunt of our society ’ s harsh judgement . He believes yoga , at the very least , might lead a smoker to reduction of tobacco use or transition to more positive coping mechanisms for stress . “ Smoking is disdained , and there is some credence in that , but at the same time there is an addictive quality and a stress-relieving component that [ smoking ] provides .” Yoga can help one work through “ the gremlins ,” as he calls them , that are holding them “ shackled to 40-years of bullshit .” Ross said , “ You ’ re not going to wake up one day and say ‘ I ’ ve released every bit of negative energy , and my chakras are in alignment .’” That ’ s unrealistic . Guilt can keep a smoker smoking . “ Patients say to me , ‘ Fuck it , I already got cancer , so who cares ?’” Ross believes they don ’ t feel of value in their world .
48 INDIANA & YOGA MAGAZINE ISSUE 2