Hypopressives and the benefit for those living with and recovering from Cancer.
“Physical and emotional states can be altered by changing the breathing pattern. ”
Cancer is a journey that can feel overwhelmingly out of our control. Between treatments, side effects, and the mental toll of uncertainty, it’s easy to feel like your body has been hijacked by something you can’t influence. But what if there was a way to reclaim some of that power? What if you could take an active role in your own healing and find moments of calm, relief, and even strength along the way?
This is where Hypopressives come in. Hypopressives aren’t just about core strength or pelvic floor function—they’re a gateway to deeper breath, mindfulness, pain relief, and nervous system reset. They also support fascia hydration and keep muscle chains moving, which is crucial when dealing with scar tissue adhesions and the inevitable tightness that can come after surgery or prolonged immobility.
One of the most incredible aspects of Hypopressives is how they create space—space in your body, space in your mind, and space for healing. They encourage deep diaphragmatic breathing without the belly push, which not only helps reduce abdominal pressure but also calms the nervous system. This breath work becomes an anchor when everything else feels chaotic.
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky, conscious breathing is my anchor. ”
There’s also a profound impact on the nervous system itself, rooted in the principles of polyvagal theory. When we practice Hypopressives, the gentle rocking and rhythmic movement stimulate the vagus nerve, helping us find that place of ventral vagal activation—where safety, connection, and calm reside. Similarly, TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) uses shaking and tremors to release deep-held tension, allowing the body to move out of a state of hypervigilance and into a sense of safety. This is particularly important for those navigating cancer recovery, as surgery and the looming possibility of mortality can trigger profound trauma responses, including PTSD. Finding that ventral vagal state can help disrupt the doom loop and reintroduce a sense of control and safety.
I’ve seen firsthand how these practices make a difference. My brother, who has been recovering from bowel cancer, has found both Hypopressives and TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) invaluable. Even though he knows his treatment journey will be ongoing, he has tools now—ways to alleviate the tension, stress, and pain that would otherwise feel relentless. It’s given him back some agency and control, allowing him to manage his experience rather than just enduring it.
Similarly, clients who have come to me after breast cancer treatments have shared how Hypopressives and TRE help them not just physically, but emotionally as well. Moving beyond that feeling of being trapped in a ‘doom loop’ of fear and uncertainty has been transformational. Releasing tension from scar tissue and keeping the body moving doesn’t just help with physical function—it positively shifts how they feel about their bodies and their futures.
Healing isn’t linear, and it’s not just about fighting cancer—it’s about finding the strength to move forward despite it. Hypopressives help create that shift, reminding us that while we might not be able to control everything our bodies go through, we can choose how we move, breathe, and release.
If you’re navigating cancer recovery, or supporting someone who is, consider incorporating Hypopressives and TRE into your routine. Whether it’s for pain relief, emotional release, or just to remind yourself that you have the power to influence your healing journey, these practices can be a profound addition to your self-care.
““Inhale the present moment, exhale the past.””
Start Right Now: The 360 Breath You don’t need to wait to feel the benefits. One simple way to begin is with the 360 Breath. This breath technique helps expand your ribcage laterally and posteriorly without pushing the belly out, creating space and stimulating the diaphragm without pressure on the abdominal wall.
How to Do the 360 Breath:
Sit or stand comfortably with a tall, aligned spine.
Place your hands on the sides of your ribcage.
Inhale through your nose, feeling the ribs expand outward and to the back—like an umbrella opening.
Exhale gently through pursed lips, letting the ribs come back in without collapsing.
Keep the breath slow and controlled, focusing on the feeling of expansion.
Practicing this regularly can help reset your nervous system and encourage calm. To dive deeper into Hypopressives and learn the fundamentals, check out my online beginner’s on-demand course here: Hypopressive Scotland Beginner’s Course
Your body is resilient. Your spirit is resilient. Let’s move forward with intention and strength, one breath at a time.
