What is Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)?
Supported Bridge Pose, or
Setu Bandhasana, is a popular yoga posture that involves lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. The hips are lifted towards the ceiling while the arms and shoulders provide support. This pose can be modified and supported using props like blocks, bolsters, or blankets to make it accessible and comfortable for everyone.
How Can Supported Bridge Pose Benefit Cancer Patients?
Yoga, including Setu Bandhasana, can offer multiple
benefits for cancer patients. These benefits include improved physical well-being, reduced stress, and enhanced emotional health. Supported Bridge Pose can help in alleviating some of the side effects of cancer treatments, such as fatigue, pain, and anxiety.
Ensure that the pose is performed under the guidance of a qualified yoga instructor who has experience working with cancer patients.
Use appropriate props to avoid straining the body.
Avoid holding the pose for too long, especially if it causes discomfort or pain.
Can Supported Bridge Pose Help with Pain Management?
Chronic pain is a common issue among cancer patients. Setu Bandhasana can help in
pain management by stretching and strengthening the muscles of the back and legs. This can alleviate lower back pain and improve overall spinal alignment. Additionally, the pose promotes relaxation and can help in reducing stress-related muscle tension.
How Does Supported Bridge Pose Affect Mental Health?
Mental health is a significant concern for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Supported Bridge Pose can have a calming effect on the
nervous system, helping to reduce anxiety and depression. By focusing on breath and body alignment, patients can achieve a meditative state, which can be particularly beneficial for mental well-being.
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground, hip-width apart.
Place a bolster or block under your sacrum for support.
Inhale deeply and lift your hips towards the ceiling while pressing your feet into the ground.
Keep your shoulders and arms relaxed on the ground.
Hold the pose for a few breaths, then gently lower your hips back to the ground.
Using a bolster under the hips can provide extra support and reduce strain.
Placing a blanket under the shoulders can offer additional comfort.
Performing the pose with the feet elevated on a block can reduce pressure on the lower back.
Conclusion
Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) can be a valuable part of a cancer patient's holistic care plan. It offers numerous physical and mental benefits, from pain relief to stress reduction. However, it is essential to practice this pose with appropriate modifications and under professional guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness.
