Yoga and Survivorship

Yoga is an ancient Indian philosophy and practice in which the yoga-practitioner attempts to create a union between his or her mind, body, and spirit.  The Yoga we most commonly know in the U.S. is simply a small branch of this ancient practice.  The Yoga we know is series of changing body postures and breathing exercises, which are gently combined to exercise and stretch the body's muscles.  Research shows that Yoga is a particularly good relaxation technique for cancer survivors during and immediately following treatment, and experts suggest that Yoga is a fantastic way for a survivor to "ease" into an exercise regimen following treatments.  Results from research into Yoga's effectiveness among cancer survivors has been positive; however, the most exciting finding in all the research is that Yoga seems to be well-tolerated by cancer survivors, and its side effects seem to be almost non-existent.  Whereas so many therapies have side effects, Yoga seems to be overwhelmingly positive.

Yoga involves

• meditation
• stretching
• slow movements
• breathing exercises
• visualization
• muscle development
• quiet relaxation

Research in cancer-affected and noncancer-affected populations shows that Yoga

• improves sleep patterns
• reduces cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) disease symptoms
• improves mood
• improves overall quality of life

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