Stress, cancer, radiation, sleep and family issues

Dear readers,

I would like to share with you my experience of using diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation techniques.

I am so grateful to Felix who taught these techniques and instructed me how to use them in stressful situations.

During the last few years I had several surgeries, radiation therapy (19 sessions) and family problems.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer and went to two professors- famous surgical oncologists for consultation, I asked them about the benefit of using diaphragmatic breathing. Both confirmed that it would be very helpful. I started practicing techniques regularly. It helped me to reduce nervousness and fear. Every radiation session lasted for 40 minutes on average. I had to lay still, face down with my left hand up. I felt a huge pain in my shoulder. It was hardly bearable. On the very first day of treatment, I decided to use diaphragmatic breathing and positive images of my memory. It calmed down my body and mind, and reduced body tension. Time was running faster, pain in my shoulder was reduced. I had the feeling that these techniques saved my life. I had treatments every day. They have affected my health condition, as I felt weak and tired. And once again, I continued to use the techniques.

The worst part during my surgeries was waiting time. To avoid bad thoughts and fear, I used diaphragmatic breathing, sometimes for a few hours.

During recovery time after surgeries, I continued practicing techniques which helped me not to concentrate on pain and other complications after surgeries.

I also had difficulties with sleep. Diaphragmatic breathing, tension release and imagery worked for me in a good way – I started to fall asleep faster.

When my close family member became very ill, bed-ridden in a rehab facility for almost six months, we used imagery exercises with him every day: taking a short vacation in our minds, imagining a happy place, walking on the beach, listening to the waves, smelling the ocean, and feeling warm sand underneath us. The benefits of using imagery techniques were remarkable. When I walked into his room, he looked very depressed and emotionally upset. After our “sessions” he smiled, his mood was definitely better; there were no negative talks, and he was more cooperative with treatment. What was very impressive is that he expressed more hope for recovery and returning to normal life.

I can’t even imagine how I would handle all of my problems without these techniques.

Going forward, I am doing the exercises I mentioned above daily in order to deal with stress better and maintain my current level of wellbeing.

One more time, Thank You, dear Felix.

Regards,

Your client.

Chicago, June 2025

Breath awareness and muscle tensions awareness

I can’t say enough good things about my experience with Felix Laevsky.  I felt welcomed from the first time I met him.  He is incredibly knowledgeable about biofeedback techniques, and his engaging teaching style makes it fun to learn about those techniques.

I came to him feeling overwhelmed and tense, struggling to find ways to breathe properly and relax.  Thanks to his guidance, I have learned how much mindfulness helps with assessing where I am with my tension levels and what to do to lower my stress.  Felix taught me practical techniques to breathe effectively and also to relax my muscles to let go of pent-up tension.

What I appreciate most is how deeply he cares for his patients.  He took the time to understand my needs and tailored sessions so that I could get the most benefit out of them.  Plus, his good sense of humor kept the sessions light and enjoyable, making it easier for me to open up and engage in the process over time.

I’m so grateful for everything that Felix Laevsky has done for me.  If you are looking for someone who can help you learn mindfulness to determine your breath awareness and muscle tensions awareness, and you are looking for proven techniques to help with decreasing stress and increasing your well-being, I highly recommend him!

Alisha B.