To cope with cancer and its treatment-related side effects and toxicities, people are increasingly using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).  The use of yoga as a CAM is proving to be beneficial and increasingly gaining popularity.

Yoga, the mind-body medicine of CAM, is comprised of a wide range of techniques, which gradually harmonize the body and mind as compiled by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. Because of its health-related benefits, yoga has been an integral part of Ayurveda, the oldest and indigenous medical system practiced in India and described in Charak Samhita and Susruta Samhita.

Yoga has long been known to decrease stress levels, lower blood pressure and boost yoga practitioners’ moods. But recent research is also showing that yoga helps reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Increasing evidence demonstrates that yoga provides physical and emotional support during and after cancer treatment. Cancer treatments leave patients with high-stress levels, fatigue, and poor sleep. Fatigue is a risk factor in increasing inflammation in the body.

Studies of breast cancer survivors were divided with half participating in twice-a-week yoga sessions and the other half not practicing yoga at all. The yoga group reported less fatigue and more energy than the non-yoga group after just three months. This study shows that yoga practitioners have lower inflammatory responses to stress than non-yoga cancer patients. Cancer patients need to accommodate the special needs of those going through treatment. Pain, fatigue, scar tissue restrictions, and loss of bone density and muscle mass are all issues to be considered in class.

Therapeutic activities like yoga can complement cancer-fighting medical treatment to help heal the body, mind, and spirit in the midst of the cancer battle. Several studies have demonstrated that yoga can combat fatigue and improve strength and range of motion for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Yoga has been used to manage many of the side effects that result from cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. A variety of different stretches and movements, which should be tailored to meet the specific needs of the patient, can reduce pain and stiffness.

Yoga is an ancient Indian science It deals with the physical, mental, moral, and spiritual well-being of an individual.

Yoga is a feasible intervention used to reduce symptom burden and improve QOL (quality of life) in cancer patients.

                                                          * DON’T STRESS BUT STRETCH *