Yoga and Cancer

Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Focus. Stretch. Relax.

Will this help cancer patients? For some individuals, the benefits of yoga may help ease suffering from the pains and stresses of cancer.

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice designed to focus on posture and breathing as a way of uniting the mind, body and spirit to further understand one's inner self. It is used by many as a form of deep relaxation. For some it brings about physical and mental strength. For others, it is a way of pursuing spiritual oneness.

Yoga works toward the goal of learning total body control. Postures, breathing techniques and stretching movements help to allow muscles to relax, circulation to improve, tension and anxiety to diminish. The idea is to bring about the feeling of wellbeing and relaxation.

It is this idea that causes some to believe that yoga may benefit cancer patients. The American Cancer Society recognizes using yoga as a complementary therapy for those suffering from chronic pain, fatigue and anxiety of the unknown. Stress, especially chronic stress, depletes the body's natural ability to fight off infection. Relaxation of the mind and body may help to revive and heal the spirit, which may make it easier to manage and confront the sickness.

For some patients, yoga helps them how to work with a diseased body instead of hiding from it or surrendering it. Physical bodies, as weak and frail as they may be, become engaged in the practice, allowing the mind to follow. Focus is on the positive moment being created, not the anxieties of what may be ahead. A sense of well-being, clarity and possibility may be achieved.

While it is recognized that yoga is not a cure for cancer, it may aid in the quality of life for those suffering from the disease. For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org and talk to your doctor about complementary therapies such as yoga.