3 Benefits of Breathwork for Cancer Patients

We often use the terms take a breath or catch your breath when we are feeling overwhelmed or when we need to slow down. How many of you have said just breathe to help an upset child or friend calm down? Perhaps you didn't even realize you were saying it and that it actually has a purpose. 

Take a breath may be a term that you have taken for granted or not considered as a tool but when it comes to stress management and pain management your breath is very powerful. For people living with cancer it is important to have tools that will support stress reduction and that help to mange symptoms from treatment to surgeries to the disease itself.

What is Breathwork?

People have been practicing breathwork for thousands of years as part of ancient rituals. It is also called Pranayama (literally meaning “controlling the breath” — Sanskrit) in Yoga. Pranayama has over 50 techniques of controlling the breath — each meant for a specific purpose. The basic idea of breathwork is to release toxins and stress when you breathe out and nourish your mind and body when you breathe in and to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These practices can range from simple deep breathing exercises to more complex techniques that may involve specific rhythms and patterns.

What Does Deep Breathing Actually Do? 

Deep breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). This part of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the "rest and digest" response, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation. When you breathe in you create a heightened awareness in your body that something is happening which activates the sympathetic nervous system. By breathing in you are actually activating your fight or flight response. When you breathe out you activate the parasympathetic nervous system (think of this as the parachute to support you), which helps you to slow down and calm down. You may not consciously think of this when you are taking a breath but believe me, it can be very effective. 

3 Ways That Breathwork Can Support People with Cancer

• Stress Reduction and Anxiety Management: A cancer diagnosis, treatments and surgeries often lead to significant stress and anxiety. Breathwork techniques such as deep breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, or guided imagery breathing can help reduce stress levels. By focusing on the breath, you can calm their nervous system, lower cortisol levels, and improve overall emotional well-being.

• Improved Quality of Life: Cancer and its treatments can sometimes cause physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Learning and practicing breathwork may enhance your lung capacity, increase oxygenation, and improve overall respiratory function. This can lead to better physical endurance, reduced fatigue, and improved quality of life.

• Enhanced Coping Mechanisms: Dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally overwhelming. Breathwork techniques can serve as valuable coping mechanisms by promoting relaxation, mindfulness, and a sense of control over your body. Practicing regular breath work can empower you to manage the psychological and emotional challenges associated with cancer more effectively.

If you are new to breathwork and are considering deeper forms of breathwork practices you should consult your medical team. Some forms of breathwork can be very intense both physically and emotionally. It is also a good idea to work with someone who is experienced with breathwork and who can help guide you to practices that will support you and your well-being.

There is a lot to manage when you are living with cancer. Learning tools and strategies to support yourself is a key part of the healing process. When you support yourself and believe in yourself you are empowering yourself and taking back some of the control you may feel you have lost in your life. And, you can always seek out support from friends, family, therapists or a certified cancer coach to help you along the way.

Kathryn White is a Certified Holistic Cancer Coach who supports women to turn their cancer diagnosis into a thriving story one woman at a time.