Helping those with cancer - the benefits of breathwork
The Fountain centre
The Fountain centre is an independent charity supporting cancer patients and their loved ones from diagnosis and beyond. Located on level B within the Royal Surrey Cancer Centre
I've been working with the staff at the Royal Surrey since December 2024 and became aware of the amazing support the Fountain Centre provides cancer patients and their families during this time.
I couldn't resist offering to become part of the Complementary Therapy team of volunteers, based at the hospital within the beautiful centre and its treatment rooms.
What attracted me to the charity was the number of complementary therapies available to help those affected by cancer. Complementary therapies are used alongside conventional treatments - as opposed to being alternatives.
The therapies aim to help people to relax, reduce stress levels, alleviate the side effects of cancer treatments and enhance feelings of well-being. Medical studies show that breathing exercises may help:
Breathwork and chemotherapy
A trial in Japan (Hayama and Inoue 2012) investigated the effect of deep breathing intervention on 'tension-anxiety' and fatigue in 23 Japanese women having adjuvant chemotherapy (chemo after primary treatment) and found both symptoms of the intervention group were relieved more than those of the control group.
Breathing exercises and the improvement in post-operative pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with lung cancer
Similarly, a meta-analysis study (W Liu et al 2013) - the aim of which is to establish statistical significance with studies that have conflicting results and develop a more correct estimate of effect magnitude - pooled 8 clinical studies with 398 lung cancer patients.
When all the eligible studies were pooled into the meta-analysis, there was a significant difference between the pre-intervention and post-intervention results of breathing exercises on post-operative pulmonary function.
Workshops
I’ll initially be running regular breath workshops every Thursday morning from 9.30 until 10.30. These workshops are aimed to help manage stress and anxiety as well as expand the respiratory system; boosting the immune system and helping to improve overall health.
Using a mindful breath, rocking movement and nurturing touch, the therapy will gently calm the mind and support the body in releasing what it no longer needs. I will focus on unblocking tension and emotions - peeling back the layers to allow individuals to reconnect with themselves.
To find out more, email me:
alan@breatherapy.co.uk
or call 07771 908727