Yoga for Cancer Patients: Finding Union
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It's hard to imagine how much someone suffering so greatly would truly need a consistent practice.
Today I have been thinking about this along with the sanskrit meaning of the word yoga, which translates to "union." By putting our bodies in asanas, we cultivate union of the body's many systems, union of the mind and heart, union of the self and the outside world.
Body, mind, breath. By deeply experiencing these, you can find a deeper awareness of your self during moments of stress or pain.
A big thanks to Jillian for providing this content!
Photo via Center Yourself.
Yoga practitioners have said for years that yoga can provide positive benefits for those suffering chronic illnesses, and for the last decade, doctors have been prescribing yoga as a way to aid in treatment and alleviate symptoms in cancer patients at all stages of the disease. For instance, the American Cancer Society recommends yoga as a method to alleviate symptoms of chronic disease and to promote relaxation, physical fitness, and quality of life.
Many doctors now see the benefits of integrative oncology that not only uses traditional medical techniques to treat cancer but also employees other forms of treatment to increase patient comfort, mood, and outlook on life. This can be especially important for patients with mesothelioma cancer and other aggressive forms of the disease as it has been shown that outlook can have a significant impact on the overall prognosis of a patient.
Many doctors now see the benefits of integrative oncology that not only uses traditional medical techniques to treat cancer but also employees other forms of treatment to increase patient comfort, mood, and outlook on life. This can be especially important for patients with mesothelioma cancer and other aggressive forms of the disease as it has been shown that outlook can have a significant impact on the overall prognosis of a patient.
The benefits of yoga for cancer patients, both those undergoing chemotherapy and those who have already completed treatment, are varied. Some studies have shown that practitioners report an improvement to overall sleep quality (including sleeping longer, falling asleep faster, and needing fewer sleep medications). Other reports have shown a lower level of mood disturbances and stress than those in control groups who did not do yoga. However, despite these differences, nearly all studies show an overall increase in global quality of life than they did before they began the yoga regimen.
Prescribed as complementary care for a variety of cancers including mesothelioma, patients are typically advised to attend at least one- to- two yoga sessions per week with some doctors recommending daily practice. With regular practice, tangible symptom relief can contribute to extended mesothelioma prognosis.
Prescribed as complementary care for a variety of cancers including mesothelioma, patients are typically advised to attend at least one- to- two yoga sessions per week with some doctors recommending daily practice. With regular practice, tangible symptom relief can contribute to extended mesothelioma prognosis.
When first beginning, it may be helpful to find a licensed instructor in the patient’s area that can lead them through the poses and correct any errors. However, if this is not available, a number of available books and DVDs are on the market are tailored towards different needs within the yoga community.
As with any course of treatment, a yoga regimen should not be started without first consulting a physician to make sure that the cancer patient in question is physically fit enough to begin a yoga routine. Further, care should be taken not to overstretch joints and damage ligaments. Also, it should be noted that yoga is considered complementary care and should not take the place of the course of treatment prescribed by a patient’s medical team.
As with any course of treatment, a yoga regimen should not be started without first consulting a physician to make sure that the cancer patient in question is physically fit enough to begin a yoga routine. Further, care should be taken not to overstretch joints and damage ligaments. Also, it should be noted that yoga is considered complementary care and should not take the place of the course of treatment prescribed by a patient’s medical team.
Do you know of any cancer patients with a regular yoga practice or someone who could benefit from one? If so, please write to me at aliveinthefire [at] gmail [dot] com. I'd like to sponsor some classes. Namaste.
