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& Help for Those Dealing with Cancer
How practicing yoga can help in the prevention of cancer,
for relief of discomfort during chemotherapy and other treatments as well as the healing process and as
a release of stress for family and caregivers.
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Yoga & Cancer Prevention
The American Cancer Society recommends daily exercise as one of the best ways to prevent cancer.
Yoga is particularly beneficial, as it can be done by anyone at any age.
In addition, practicing yoga promotes healthier eating habits and relieves stress.
The benefits of a regular yoga practice are better digestion, lower blood pressure and cholesterol,
increased strength and flexibility, better sleep, less stress, better circulation, and an overall sense of well-being.
It is no wonder that yoga is strongly promoted by Dr. Bernie Siegel, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Dean Ornish,
Dr. Andrew Weil and countless others for a healthier lifestyle.
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Yoga for Cancer Patients
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center focused on 61 women who had surgery for breast cancer and were receiving six weeks of radiation treatment. Thirty women were assigned to a test group that took twice-a-week yoga classes. The others did not.
At the end of six weeks, study participants filled out detailed questionnaires grading their ability to lift groceries, walk a mile, and perform other physical activities. They were also asked about feelings of fatigue, their sense of well-being and other aspects of the quality of life.
Their scores were converted to a scale that ranged from 0 to 100. the researchers found that the yoga group consistently had higher scores in almost every area. It was most pronounced in physical function. Participants said they were in better general health, were less fatigued and had fewer problems with daytime sleepiness.
Yoga has been shown to help with nausea and fatigue associated with treatments and medications. The focused breathing techniques used in yoga practice can be used anywhere, allowing patients to use these same calming exercises while in the doctor’s office and before, during, and after treatments. The gentle stretches of yoga help prevent scar tissue from forming and provide greater long-term mobility.
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Yoga for Family & Caregivers
The stress and anxiety often felt by those who are dealing with a loved one who has cancer can be overwhelming. So much focus is placed on the person with the disease, it is not uncommon for caregivers and family members to suffer from increased blood pressure, sleeplessness, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, and fatigue.
Practicing yoga can provide much needed relief from the anxiety and emotions associated with caring for someone with a disease. While we recommend attending a therapeutic yoga class with the patient, we also recommend that family members and caregivers have a separate practice which will allow the focus to be on their specific needs. Once again, the focused breathing of yoga can be very beneficial during hospital visits and times of particular stress. Socializing with others, outside of the network of healthcare providers and family, can provide an outlet for emotions and a positive diversion.
Information provided by: Simple Abundance Yoga
Resources: American Cancer Society, MSNBC, WebMD, Medicine.NET and Yoga as Medicine, by Dr. Timothy McCall
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