Yoga creates a perfect harmony between the body and the mind. It has the potential to boost the immune system and reduce stress. The performance of asana along with specific breathing techniques can improve the physical and mental state of a person.
It is presumed that the practice of yoga dates back to pre-Vedic Indian traditions. Yoga puts a larger impact on physical and mental well-being. It has been found that by performing yoga a cancer patient’s physical, mental, and emotional state improves.
It helps to deal with the side-effects of cancer treatment effectively. Yoga also enhances the spiritual aspect of a person.
A cancer patient is able to cope with their anxiety and depression through yoga. It also helps in dealing with fatigue and sleeping issues.
Yoga is an ancient practice that focuses on a series of asana, pranayama, and meditation. It is the union of body, mind, and soul. Yoga must be performed under a qualified trainer.
They are the right person to guide cancer patients on their individual requirements. The problem of cancer patients differs from person to person.
So, the yoga medical therapist can help the cancer patient considering their physical and mental condition. By performing yoga on a regular basis the health condition of the cancer patient improves and they get strong enough to deal with the issue that arises during the treatment.
The physical ability of a cancer patient varies and they are recommended yoga accordingly.
It is better to ask the doctor before starting a yoga session to know whether it will be safe to perform or not depending on the health condition.
Impact of yoga on cancer patients
A cancer patient undergoes tremendous stress and emotional trauma. Yoga helps to fight cancer effectively.
It aids in healing the body, mind, and spirit during cancer treatment. The side-effects of treatment can be well managed with the help of yoga. Yoga has numerous benefits and some of them are mentioned below.
- Reduces stress level – Yoga has been found beneficial in reducing the stress level among cancer patients. A cancer patient goes through a lot of trauma physically, mentally, and emotionally. The disease and its treatment are very stressful for the patient. They also experience mood disturbance. Yoga helps in relieving the stress level and improves their condition.
- Improves the physical condition – Through yoga, a cancer patient can remain active and feel better. It helps to reduce the stiffness of the body and makes it more flexible to perform daily activities.
- Lowers fatigue – Fatigue is found in most cancer patients. By performing yoga on a daily basis has been found helpful in reducing fatigue in cancer patients.
- Helps to sleep better – The cancer patient faces insomnia due to mental stress or physical difficulties. Yoga helps in improving their sleep quality and duration of sleep. A cancer patient is able to relax at night and have a good sleep.
- Lowers the risk of recurrence – Overweight people may be at higher risk of cancer. Yoga helps to maintain healthy body weight and may reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
Yoga impacts the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of a cancer patient. It helps to cope with the symptoms and side-effects of cancer. Yoga is safe when performed under a qualified yoga medical therapist.
All the benefits of yoga can only be availed when a proper yoga chart is recommended after considering the health condition of a cancer patient. Some precautions must be taken before performing yoga.
- Always practice yoga under the guidance of a qualified yoga medical therapist.
- Practice yoga only after giving a gap of 2 hours (at least) of having food.
- Never perform yoga alone at home without any guidance.
- Always keep the yoga medical therapist well informed of any difficulty while performing the asana.
- Provide details on the medical issues to the yoga medical therapist before starting a yoga regime.
- Some asanas may not be suitable for those having cancer that has spread to the bone. For them, pranayama and meditation may be appropriate.
- Stay well hydrated after completion of a yoga session.
Yoga has an overall positive effect on the physical and psychological condition of a cancer patient. People performing yoga regularly have shown improvement in their sleeping habits. Yoga may not be a cure for cancer patients but it enhances the physical and emotional well-being of a person.
It helps to maintain the equilibrium or balance between body and mind. A well experienced and qualified yoga therapist helps to provide individualized therapeutic yoga to enhance the well-being of a cancer patient.
Research on yoga shows invigorating effects on mental and physical energy which may improve the level of fatigue in cancer patients or survivors.
It was studied that a significant reduction in fatigue was observed among participants who attended a greater number of yoga classes. More research needs to be undertaken to understand the impact of yoga on cancer patients.
Conclusion
Yoga helps to manage the adverse effects of a cancer patient. Yoga interventions may appear beneficial for a cancer patient during treatment. Before approaching a yoga therapist it is better to consult with the doctor.
Yoga practice is found beneficial in cancer patients suffering from anxiety, fatigue, depression, and other side-effects or symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment. Yoga helps in developing mental, physical, and emotional equilibrium.
It is better to acquire a customized yoga therapy depending on the health condition of the cancer patient. Yoga must be performed safely by understanding the physical limitations. Yoga has a greater impact on the way a mind or body functions.
It improves bone health, strength, mobility, breathing pattern, physiological systems, mental state, and spirituality.
It helps to manage pain issues, anxiety, insomnia, and stress. Yoga may not be a cure for cancer patients but it enhances the physical and emotional well-being of a person and improves their quality of life.
