Yoga for Survivors™

The Yoga for Survivors™ program evolved from my own cancer diagnosed in 2003. Yoga was one of the cornerstones of my healing process and I am honored to share this path with others. Since 2005 I have established and taught Yoga for Survivors™ classes at: HealthLinks Clinic, Longmont United Hospital, Tebo Cancer Center/Boulder Community Hospital, Treehouse Yoga Center, and Yo Mama Yoga and Family Center. I also work with clients privately, especially to aid in recovery from surgery and chemotherapy.

In addition to classes and private sessions I offer teacher intensives for other yoga instructors, workshops and retreats; I also present to support groups, conferences, and other organizations. If you are interested in reading what others have to say about Yoga for Survivors™ please visit the press page.

Teacher Intensive

Next Course: July 15-20, 2010, The Yoga Workshop, Boulder, CO

Make a difference in the lives of cancer survivors! Join us for this unique course that guides you through the process of teaching yoga to survivors of any type of cancer. Using the Pancha Maya model we learn to skillfully and confidently work with students on a physical level, and also to address the energetic, mental, emotional, and spiritual components of a cancer diagnosis. The course begins with the 6-day Intensive at the Yoga Workshop and continues with an internship in your own community, in which you will receive individualized support and coaching from Laura Kupperman. Both components must be finished within one year in order to receive a certification of completion.

The course will cover:
  • What is cancer? from both a Western and Eastern medical perspective
  • The most common types of cancer, treatments, and side-effects
  • The mental and emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis
  • Cancer’s impact on the patient’s family and friends
  • Addressing and working with end of life issues
  • Creating a safe and healing environment for your students
  • Building your toolbox: skillful use of asana, movement, pranayama, mudra and relaxation
  • Asana sequencing that supports individual needs of students
  • Tailoring classes to students at various stages of recovery and survivorship
  • Practice teaching within the classroom setting
  • Bringing your skills into the world: starting and growing your own classes

This course is open to yoga teachers in any tradition who have been teaching yoga for at least one year. For more information and to register, visit The Yoga Workshop. Space is limited - register soon!

Classes

I teach a weekly class in Boulder, Colorado, for survivors of any type of cancer. To find out when and where the class meets please check the class schedule.

Benefits of Yoga for Cancer Survivors

  • Cancer patients participating in regular yoga classes reported decreased stress and pain, and increased well-being.
  • Cancer patients participating in regular yoga classes reported improvements in their quality and quantity of sleep.
  • Yoga can help break down scar tissue, restore strength and range of motion, and improve lymphatic flow.
  • Yoga can enhance energy, digestion, joint health, circulation, respiration, and glandular function.
  • Yoga is a great way to live more comfortably in your body when you have been diagnosed with cancer.

Class Information
Classes include postures that safely stretch, strengthen, and relax the body. Group class is appropriate for you if:

  1. You are reasonably mobile and can move independently
  2. Your needs can be addressed in a group setting
  3. All surgical incisions are healed
  4. Your platelet count is 20,000+

For those people who don't match the above criteria, 1-on-1 sessions are available. Participants practice at their own pace; class is as gentle or challenging as you make it. You do not have to be experienced, coordinated, or feel good to come to class. Just come!

Before Your First Class
All classes are drop-in, meaning that you do not need to pre-register - just show up. However, you MUST contact the instructor prior to your first class. No exceptions. It is crucial that we are aware of your health history in order to maintain a safe and positive environment. You will also need to complete a health questionnaire and bring it with you to your first class. Please arrive at your first class at least 10 minutes early. Thank you for your cooperation!

What to Bring
Please bring your own yoga mat and wear comfortable (but not overly baggy) clothes in which you can move freely. You may want to dress in layers.

Private Sessions

Private yoga sessions are usually the best way to get your needs addressed, and are a great choice if you are new to yoga or trying to adjust to the way your body feels following cancer treatment. Private sessions are also the best option if you can’t attend the weekly group class and would like to develop a home practice designed specifically for you. After assessing your current condition and needs we work together to develop a program that will optimize your body's own healing response. While each yoga therapy session is slightly different, most sessions include: relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, postures, meditation, mudra, and guided imagery. Contact Laura for more information or to schedule a session.

Session Rates: 90 minutes - $110, 60 minutes - $80
Post-Chemotherapy home visits - contact Laura for pricing
Pre & Post Surgery hospital/home visits - contact Laura for pricing