Yoga and Cancer

October 2nd, 2024 | Cancer, Lifestyle

An Ancient Practice for Modern Healing

Yoga is an age-old practice that combines meditation, breathing, and physical postures to yield numerous health benefits. It may be particularly helpful for those undergoing cancer treatment as a form of complementary therapy. Although yoga does not cure cancer, it can significantly improve one’s quality of life while helping to manage the physical and emotional challenges associated with cancer.

Managing physical symptoms

Cancer frequently involves a chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or a combination of these three. Unfortunately, treatment is not easy, presenting an array of physical side effects such as pain and fatigue. Yoga is a gentle form of exercises that can help relieve some of these symptoms.

Practicing yoga can support your energy levels through both gentle movement and focused breathing. In doing so, it can help reduce fatigue, making it easier to go about one’s day-to-day. Additionally, many cancer patients will experience pain due to their tumors or treatment. Yoga can minimize pain by increasing blood circulation, flexibility, and strength while also promoting relaxation.

Mental health

A cancer diagnosis and treatment can certainly take a toll on one’s mental health, with many experiencing things like anxiety, depression, and fear. Yoga promotes a state of mindfulness and relaxation, which can help to calm the nervous system and lower cortisol levels. Less stress can improve sleep and mood in the long-term.

Additionally, yoga emphasizes the mind-body connection, which can be particularly helpful for those with cancer. Through mindfulness meditation, patients can focus in on the present moment and deep breathing, taking a step back from the emotional rollercoaster of cancer treatment. This can help to cultivate more positivity, thus improving one’s emotional wellbeing.

Support throughout recovery

Being a cancer survivor is certainly something to celebrate, but it doesn’t mean one’s journey is over. Oftentimes individuals will need to rebuild their strength, flexibility, and stamina after undergoing such intensive treatment. Yoga offers a safe and gentle way to regain function for those recovering from intensive treatment or surgery.

Restorative yoga can be particularly helpful as it involves holding poses for longer periods, helping individuals to slowly recover and heal. Group classes for cancer survivors are even available, with understanding instructors and a supportive environment with others that have gone through similar experiences.