Yoga
A whole body philosophy which
includes breathing, meditation and stretching/flexibility exercises and
postures.
Overview
Yoga is a
whole body philosophy, involving working with breathing, stretching exercises,
postures (asanas) and meditation. Yoga teachers promote yoga as a way of
staying healthy and preventing illness. They say that the postures will
stimulate your nervous system, make your muscles and joints more flexible and
relax your mind and body. The exercises combined with breathing improve your
oxygen and blood supply. In turn, this helps your circulation and breathing,
which promotes general good health.
What
are the benefits?
One of the
main reasons that people with cancer use yoga is because it makes them feel
good. Yoga teachers promote it as a natural way to help you relax and cope with
stress, anxiety and depression. It can help to lift your mood, enhance well
being and help you cope better with your cancer and its treatment. It could also help to reduce symptoms and
side effects such as pain, tiredness, sleep problems and depression.
What
is the evidence?
There is no scientific evidence to prove that yoga can cure
or prevent any type of cancer. But there are some studies to suggest that it
might help people with cancer to sleep better and cope with anxiety. See Cancer
Research UK or Macmillan
for more information on evidence and yoga.
Who would this
be good for?
Everyone can benefit from yoga exercises.
Those with cancer related pain may find stretching
particularly helpful if they can find exercises and postures which stretch
parts of their body which are tense due to the pain without causing an increase
in the painful part.
Yoga routines may be particularly helpful for those who have
had surgery as part of their treatment.
Who
should be careful?
If you do
yoga properly, under instructions from a qualified teacher, it is generally
very safe. Take care to find a qualified yoga instructor.
What
do I need to do?
You can attend group classes or see a private teacher. A yoga session usually lasts between 60 and
90 minutes, and involves a series of postures with breath work, and relaxation
time at the end of the class. Wear clothing that you find easy to move and
stretch in. You usually need a non slip mat. Your teacher may provide these or
you can bring your own.
You should only practise yoga on your own at home after you
have learnt the safe and proper way to do the postures. If you don’t do them
correctly, you could injure yourself. You can look at the Cancer
Research UK advice on finding a yoga instructor.
Setting
goals and monitoring your progress
Set a
goal to find a good yoga therapist near you and attend an initial class. Record your progress in your PlanBe
diary.
Summary
·
Yoga can aid your overall health.
·
You should always find a qualified instructor.
·
Set a small goal to attend an introductory class.
Resources
·
Your local gym or health club
·
Local physiotherapy clinics may offer advice on
yoga classes near you.
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