What is yoga?
Yoga is an ancient posturing and breathing technique from India. In Sanskrit, "yoga" means "union," and the practice is intended to unify the body, mind, heart, and spirit of practitioners. There are many different forms, or schools, of yoga that are now hugely popular throughout the Western world. Yoga also uses careful movement and stretching, precise postures (called asanas), as well as meditation and breathing exercises, to reach a state of relaxation that is deeply refreshing and rejuvenating.
Can yoga help people with cancer?
Yes. It can help people with cancer in the following ways:
- Reduce stress
- Create a sense of inner peace and well-being
- Reduce pain associated with cancer and other chronic illnesses
- Relieve headaches and insomnia
- Improve physical and emotional stamina
- Increase respiratory capacity
- Increase circulation of the blood and lymph
- Increase strength and flexibility
- Improve posture and alignment
- Enhance quality of life
Yoga alone is not a proven treatment for cancer, nor has not been found to affect either cancer cells directly or the biology of an individual’s disease. It should not be used as a substitute for conventional care.
How does yoga work?
Yoga works in many ways. On the physical level, it stretches the muscles, tissues, and organs of the body in a gentle and methodical way. It increases circulation, flexibility, and strength. It calms, deepens, and smoothes out breathing patterns and increases respiratory capacity. On the mental level, it calms and soothes the mind, increases one's ability to focus and concentrate, and relieves stress and anxiety. Emotionally, it helps create inner confidence and general well-being. Spiritually, it helps practitioners connect to their essential, spiritual core.
There are many different types and styles of yoga and many different kinds of yoga teachers. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the ancient teachings. Some are more focused on working with the breath and gentle stretching, while other types are quite vigorous and can be extremely challenging, both physically and mentally.
Yoga classes may be offered at various venues. About a quarter of comprehensive cancer care centers now offer yoga as a complementary therapy. It may also be offered in health clubs and community centers throughout your area. You may consider using an instructional book or videotape to learn proper yoga exercises and techniques.
Although yoga can be practiced as just a physical exercise, this would be overlooking its profound potential to help unify the body, mind, heart, and spirit, and to enhance all aspects of life.
Certified yoga instructors receive formal training and certification at a variety of institutions throughout the United States. However, there is no formal government licensing procedure for Yoga instructors in the United States. It is always wise to ask practitioners about their credentials and training before working with them.
Are there any risks or complications associated with yoga?
Yes, potentially. There are several things to consider about yoga before you begin.
Yoga involves stretching and arranging the body into unique positions, including some that may be difficult, inappropriate, or even dangerous for some people with cancer.
Make sure that you choose an adequately trained, qualified teacher. Always inform your yoga teacher about your previous experience with yoga, if any, to make sure you are in a proper class. Also, always tell your teacher about any physical or other issues you are currently experiencing.
Remember, yoga is not a competitive sport. The basic principle of yoga is to slow down, enjoy the experience, and not push yourself beyond your limits.
Yoga, as an addition to your cancer treatment plan, can be enormously pleasant and productive. However, as with other complementary therapies, consult your physician for more information.
How can I find a qualified yoga instructor?
It is important to select an instructor who is qualified, experienced, properly credentialed, and trustworthy. Click here to learn more about how to do this.