It’s Complementary Archives

Winter 2007- Yoga, Coping, Healing and Cancer

Yoga is an ancient Indian science that has been practiced for hundreds of years. It incorporates various postures, breathing techniques, imagery, meditation and relaxation techniques, with the ultimate goal of reaching complete peacefulness in body and mind. While there has been no specific link to the benefits of yoga relative to bladder cancer, many complementary medicine enthusiasts are convinced that, due to the mental and physical aspects of yoga, it may be particularly useful for people battling many types of cancer, either early in the diagnosis and treatment process or in long-term survival.

According to an article in COPING by Kavita Chandwani, MD and Lorenzo Cohen, PhD, of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the first study of yoga in people with cancer was conducted in India and found it was useful in improving quality of life during radiation treatment and for some time immediately after completion of treatment. In another study that provided group support, meditation, visualization, imagery and stretches, people with cancer experienced lower total mood disturbance and decreased overall distress compared to those in the comparison group.

Similarly, a study conducted at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, which examined the benefits of yoga from the Tibetan tradition for people with lymphoma, found that the yoga group reported lower overall sleep disturbances during the follow up period than did the comparison group. Participants practicing yoga had better sleep quality, less difficulty falling asleep, slept significantly longer and used fewer sleep medications than did those in the comparison group.

Hatha yoga, the most popular form, focuses on physical poses and controlled breathing. In a typical hatha yoga class you might learn anywhere from 10 – 30 poses. Controlled breathing can help control your body and gain control of your mind. In addition to a good means of relaxation and stress release, other health benefits of yoga include increased flexibility; management of chronic health conditions, such as asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, low back pain, osteoarthritis of the knees or memory problems; weight loss and balance.

Drs. Chandwani and Cohen write that yoga may be particularly useful for people with cancer because of its holistic nature— relaxation techniques, meditation, breathing exercises and gentle stretching—can help to facilitate recovery. The lack of negative side effects, and some initial indication of efficacy, makes yoga an attractive stress management technique for people with a variety of illnesses.

As with any complementary or alternative medicine therapy, talk with your healthcare provider prior to starting a program.