Spotlight on Yoga for Cancer with Krastina Stevenson

In our series of Spotlights, after Yoga for Skaters, Yoga for addictions, Yoga for Runners, and Desk Yoga, we are now talking to Krastina Stevenson who specialises in Yoga for Cancer in London.

Do you mind telling us about the journey that brought you to teach Yoga for Cancer?

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in March 2022, just after turning 40 and I had just completed my yoga teacher training. It was unexpected, and like any cancer diagnosis, it had a major impact on my life, not just physically but emotionally and mentally.

It was scary and disruptive at the same time. I had a breast surgery, then radiotherapy and further hormonal treatment. Of course, I had to put my teaching aside, while focusing on recovery and reclaiming back my body, building my self- esteem and confidence.

After I recovered from my treatment, in December last year, I gradually came back to teaching. My experience with cancer has given me a different perspective to yoga and how it can help people with cancer. I wanted to share my experience with others and find ways to give back- as a cancer survivor and as a yoga teacher.

In the last year, I attended a specialised yoga for cancer training which allows me to teach yoga for people who are recovering or in active treatment for cancer and I offer workshops and classes so that more people with cancer can benefit from the practice.

What are the main benefits of practising yoga when living with or recovering from cancer?

Having a Cancer diagnosis and then going through the treatments has a holistic impact on an individual’s life- our body, emotions or mind are challenged and taken out of the comfort zone. It’s disruptive to normal life and many adjustments are required. For a lot of people it is overwhelming and challenging to cope with, especially when living with uncertainty. In that sense, yoga can be therapeutic on many levels.

Research has shown that people who have a regular yoga practice during and after treatment, statistically have better outcomes overall, they are less likely to have re- occurrence and more likely to live longer and overall cope better with treatment.

Of course, it shouldn’t be seen as an alternative of medical procedures but rather a complimentary therapy- working on a physical level by building strength, regaining mobility, increasing energy and fitness while improving the quality of sleep and reducing pain. Yoga overall provides tools for stress management or fatigue, but also helps people to find acceptance and piece. Also coming to yoga classes gives people something to look forward to, perhaps some social interaction and a hobby.

Are there any precautions when practising yoga after a cancer diagnosis or during recovery?

It will depend on how soon after surgery a person would want to practice- it would generally be fine when the incisions have healed and settled down. However movement is healthy and so gentle exercises even quickly after surgery can be beneficial, for instance, after a breast surgery shoulder recovery exercises are recommended to start as soon as possible to avoid swelling.

Generally, 6+ weeks post surgery is a safe place to start from- joining a specialised yoga class in a group setting or with individual 1 to 1 sessions. It could be practical to join classes online as a nice way to fit the classes around any other appointments in the schedule.

Are there specific poses depending on the type of cancer you are living with or recovering from?

There are some contraindications and recommendations, depending on the type of cancer and the surgery you may have had. For instance, after mastectomy or breast reconstruction surgery poses lying down on the belly (e.g. like cobra or sphinx) are not appropriate as there may be tightness and discomfort in the chest area.

If you had an abdominal surgery, it is important to manage the abdominal pressure and gradually build strength in the abdominal wall. A semi- supine sequence (lying on the back to remove the element of gravity) can be a good way to start - with pelvic tilt and bridge pose.

Regardless of the type of cancer, students should feel safe and supported, so giving them time and space to feel the effects of the practice without putting pressure on aesthetics and tempo is paramount.

Are there specific poses depending on the type of treatment you are receiving?

As an impact from Chemotherapy, there might be anaemia or dizziness which could make challenging the continuous movements up and down during Sun Salutations. For this, a yoga sequence with separate sections would be better suited e.g. seated, then standing, than lying down etc.). Generally slowing down the flow and taking longer in the poses, simple postures and instructions help the students to get through but also calm and focus.

Common side effects of treatment are anxiety and fatigue, for instance post Radiotherapy there might be tiredness for a long time, even months after the treatment. Practicing breathing techniques, mediation, yoga Nidra, sound/gong baths to calm the nervous system can be really therapeutic.

What about the Yoga for Cancer teacher training course you took, how did you select it, what are the topics covered, would you recommend it?

I looked for courses that were specific to Yoga for Cancer and originally attended some workshops but then decided to do the full course with Jenni Stone and the Yoga for Cancer Academy. She is a renowned reflexologist and a yoga for cancer teacher and educator. Her style of teaching is informative and yet very practical and has given me so many tools, ideas and content to work from.

It was a 9 week course which included theory (from Understanding Cancer & Medical Treatment, through Communication Skills, Stress & Trauma in Cancer to Teaching specific practices, Sequencing, building your own classes and support network etc.).

We also had physical practice and live teaching, lots of discussions and sharing. I learned a lot and I feel that this course has influenced my teaching style, making me a much more aware and mindful teacher. I would highly recommend to those teachers who would like to specialise in this area.