Explainer | How breathwork – ‘meditation on jet fuel’ – helped a cancer survivor overcome her depression and hives
- ‘Breathwork is the art and science of conscious breathing,’ says one breathwork instructor – and its physical benefits including better sleep and recovery
- One woman, Melissa Yambao, experienced noticeable changes – not only did her hives lessen, she discovered a desire to reconnect with her Christian faith
Beating cancer is no small victory, but for some survivors, depression follows in the wake of the celebration.
After Melissa Yambao had surgery to treat early stage breast cancer in 2015, and started hormone therapy, she recognised the need for some fundamental lifestyle changes. She curbed her drinking and partying, began to exercise regularly, and looked for ways to usher in more calm.
Despite not having had to undergo chemotherapy to treat her cancer, she experienced hair loss, and later, red and itchy skin rashes known as hives, which triggered bouts of depression.
Yambao had been living in Singapore since she moved there from the Philippines in 2007 to complete her MBA. Around three years ago, a job opportunity gave the finance executive the nudge to move to Hong Kong to start a new life chapter.
