An interview with Vicky Fox

We all know the advantages of yoga in our own lives, but did you know that there are now special courses for people with cancer? While the recovery rates are increasing today, we unfortunately know more people who either deal with a diagnosis, treatment or the recovery process. Yogamatters met Vicky Fox, a yoga teacher who specializes in courses for cancer patients to learn more about the advantages.

What are the advantages of a yoga course for cancer?

I help people to connect with their changing body again and find their breath. To hear that you have cancer, you take your breath away and yet it is our breath that leads us to the security of the current moment. Conscious breathing is strengthening, because although we know that we cannot control what happens, we can control our reaction. Anchoring yourself at the present moment can be the most difficult in class, but learning breathing techniques that you can take with you and use when you are waiting for an oncologist are afraid (the fear of waiting for scans) or your chemotherapy can help you to feel more calmer and controlled. Our breath is the fastest way to influence our nervous system, and by changing the way we breathe, we can also calm the nervous system and bring our body into the best place for repair or nutrition.

Why do you need a cancer specialist, although your breath is certainly taught in all yoga courses?

It's not just about breathing. An increase in survival rates means that more people live with the side effects of treatment, but are not necessarily supported after treatment. The course deals with the most common side effects of the treatment of scar tissue to lymphedema. You can learn cooling breathing techniques during hot flashes. Small movements for strengthening hands and feet to keep the muscles actively when the long peripheral nerves have been damaged.

cancer Related Fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common side effects of treatment and a tiredness that is not alleviated by a good sleep. Studies show that it can continue for years after treatment. The courses should help the participants to sleep better, feel less tired and enjoy a better quality of life. It sounds contrary to do sports when you already feel tired, but by building muscle mass, which we lose with bed rest and inactivity, we have more strength and therefore use less energy that makes everyday activities easier. In the case of cancer treatments, hoses or openings can be inserted into your body for some students, such as: B. a peripheral central catheter line (PICC line), port cats or stoma. People may feel nervous when they train with it, but they can be reassured that the class already takes into account and adapts so that the class is suitable for everyone.

Do you take lessons in the studio or online?

The courses take place both personally and by livestream, so that everyone can take part in a course regardless of location or circumstances. In addition to the physical and emotional support of yoga teaching, the joint support of the class is. I would not have thought that this would be possible with online courses, but there is a real feeling of intimacy if you teach from home to other people's houses. The community and the advice of other people who are in the same way as they are are invaluable for the participants so that they feel loved and supported.

tell us more about your teacher training.

Teacher training is a 40-hour accredited course of Yoga Alliance Professionals. It enables teachers to teach these worthwhile classes. You will learn how to create a safe environment so that people have the opportunity to repair, nourish and strengthen their body and mind. We have wonderful guest speakers, including the oncological physiotherapist Louise Malone and the clinical palliative nurse Liliana Branco, who share her experiences in working with people with cancer. Ultimately, it is about giving people a better quality of life and yoga plays a crucial role for cancer. For more details and to book Visit Triyoga here.

About Vicky Fox

Vicky is registered with the Yoga Alliance as a senior yoga teacher and teacher trainer. She teaches at Triyoga in Camden, Ealing and Chelsea as well as in the Paul’s Cancer Support Center. She also teaches applied anatomy with Julie Montagu, High Yoga School and Carolyn Cowan's teacher training course and has an extensive private customer strain. In 2013, Vicky studied at Laura Kupperman in teacher training "Yoga for Survivors" and now teaches yoga for cancer patients at every stage of her recovery. Vicky conducts a training course for teaching yoga for cancer patients so that more teachers feel supported in teaching these wonderful and supportive courses. Yoga for cancer training is 24 The -27 das January, at Tiyoga Camden + Livestream for booking click here.