Cinco Vidas

Are you a yoga teacher looking for inspiration? Would you like to learn how to use yoga to help cancer survivors? Then mark July 15-20 on your calendar (2010). On those days, Laura Kupperman—certified yoga teacher, yoga therapist, and Cinco Vidas expert—will be hosting a “Yoga for Survivors™” teacher-intensive course in Boulder, Colorado.

“The course is for yoga teachers of any tradition,” Laura says, “who want to make a difference in the lives of cancer survivors.” A breast-cancer survivor herself, Laura found that yoga helped her recover from her bilateral mastectomy. “During my first class, I could barely move. After only a few classes, my body was totally different.” (more…)

“Does anyone know anything about the use of ayurveda in treating cancer?” says caregiver auberon. “My brother-in-law has cancer…I just want to know all alternatives.”

Ayurvedic medicine is no magic bullet for curing cancer, but it may help some cancer patients better manage side effects. An ancient system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago, ayurveda (meaning science or knowledge of life) is a holistic way of diagnosing illness and bringing the body and mind back into balance to help restore health. Treatments and techniques can include special diets, medications, detoxification, herbal medicines, massage, meditation, Yoga, and breathing and relaxation techniques. (more…)

Laura Kupperman, yoga instructor and Cinco Vidas expert, says yoga class eased her chemo side effects and helped her recover quickly from a mastectomy.

“A few years ago,” says survivor Dana, “when I found a lump on my breast, I felt so disconnected to my body. How could it betray me like this?”

“It’s weird,” says fighter Debi. “I feel as though my rational brain is disconnected from my body, because although I know in the end that I will be fine, my body is shaky and scared.”

It’s a common feeling among cancer patients: disjointed, disconnected, betrayed by the body. For decades this complex mass of organic material has taken you where you needed to go, and performed according to your commands. Suddenly, something’s wrong. It’s not a virus, nor bacteria that have invaded your hallowed walls. It’s your own cells, turning on you. (more…)

Laura Kupperman, certified yoga teacher and therapist.

Want a new treatment for side effects like insomnia, mood swings, constipation, and other aches and pains? Never mind the drugs. Your body has had enough. Instead, try taking yourself to a yoga class.

“Something magical happens when you do a total and complete class,” says certified yoga teacher and therapist, Laura Kupperman
(also a Cinco Vidas expert).
(more…)