Benefits Of Yoga For Cancer Patients On World Cancer Day 2024

World Cancer Day is on February 4th, 2024 with the theme "Close the Care Gap", serving as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impact of cancer and the imperative need for heightened awareness to encourage prevention, early detection, and support for those affected. 

This day is not merely a moment of reflection; it is a resounding call to action, urging individuals globally to come together in the ongoing battle against this pervasive disease.

Yoga, an ancient Indian science and one of the six major Indian philosophies, has evolved over thousands of years. It serves as a path to superconsciousness, addressing physical, mental, moral, and spiritual well-being. Recognised for its ability to bring relaxation and alleviate stress, anxiety, and fatigue, yoga is deeply integrated into Ayurveda, the oldest Indian medical system, enhancing overall health and well-being.

But do you know that yoga can treat cancer? Well, as yoga is known for treating all ailments naturally, it can be said that cancer can be cured with yoga. In this blog, we will discuss numerous advantages of yoga for cancer patients. Read on!

Table Of Contents

1. Physical Health Benefits Of Yoga For Cancer Patients

2. Mental Health Benefits Of Yoga For Cancer Patients

3. Which Mudra Is Best For Cancer?

4. What Is The Best Exercise For Cancer Patients?

5. The Final Say

6. FAQs

7. References 

Physical Health Benefits Of Yoga For Cancer Patients

Yoga has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including fatigue, sleep problems, loss of appetite, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), and pain in cancer patients. Various studies have investigated the benefits of yoga for cancer prevention and have reported some of the physical and mental health benefits. 

These yoga traditions are increasingly being used among cancer patients, cancer patients receiving cancer-related treatment, and survivors to reduce self-reported depression, anxiety, and personality traits. 

Also Read: World Cancer Day 2024: Know Types, Symptoms, Causes And Prevention Measures

Here are some of the important physical health benefits of yoga that you must know

1. Improves Physical Function In Cancer Patients

• Prolonged bed rest or chronic cancer exposure may impact muscle flexibility, strength and elasticity, making the body creaky. 

• CIPN is a serious complication of chemotherapy where it can present with pain as well as muscle weakness, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs. 

• A small pilot study in cancer survivors has shown that following yoga practice for eight weeks increased muscle flexibility and balance, thereby reducing the incidence of falls. 

• A meta-analysis of 16 studies reported that regular yoga practice moderately increases muscle strength, physical activity, and functional well-being in cancer patients and survivors.

2. Yoga Reduces Fatigue And Boosts Energy

• Fatigue is one of the side effects associated with cancer treatment. Cancer survivors can feel more energetic by practising yoga. 

• Mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation may decrease cancer-related fatigue. 

• A study revealed survivors who practised yoga had 57% lower levels of fatigue than those who did not.

• If you don’t have enough energy to perform your usual activities, everything is affected. 

• Once it was seen in the review of ten articles that yoga significantly reduces fatigue caused by cancer among women subjects. 

• Similarly, another study was published wherein it was noted that women with breast cancer who did yoga twice a week for eight weeks had reduced fatigue when compared to women who did not practice yoga.

3. Yoga Increases The Efficiency Of The Immune System

• Yoga helps lymph, a clear fluid with white blood cells, move around the body and improves the immune system. 

• Imagine it as the mechanism that eliminates waste from your body. 

• Thus, in the case of chemotherapy and radiation therapy with low energy levels, it is crucial to preserve lymphatic flow to keep the dead cancer cells moving throughout the body.

Also Read: How Yoga Can Help Boost Immunity? Discover 7 Ways To Enhance Your Immune System!

4. Yoga Improves Muscle Flexibility 

• Yoga improves a patient's muscle flexibility, strength and elasticity, leaving the body stiff and sore.

• A small pilot study was conducted among cancer survivors. Studies have demonstrated that eight weeks of yoga practice has increased muscle flexibility and balance and lowered fall risk. 

• A meta-analysis of 16 studies concluded that yoga performed regularly helps to moderate muscle strength, activity level and functional well-being in cancer patients and survivors.

5. Yoga Improves The Sleep Cycle

• Sleep cycle disruption is an adverse effect of treatment among some patients with cancer. 

• Moreover, stress and mental health disorders also influence the sleep quality among these patients. 

• Cancer patients require rest to heal, and various studies have shown that gentle yoga poses combined with breathing exercises and meditation can enhance sleep quality.

Mental Health Benefits Of Yoga For Cancer Patients

Besides physical health, cancer patients benefit from yoga treatment for mental health problems. Both cancer patients and survivors can manage their stress, depression and anxiety through yoga. 

1. Yoga Increases Mindfulness And Mental Focus

Yoga is a practice that encourages a sense of unity between the mind, body and spirit. It can help you slow down, become more in tune with your body and improve your mental focus through deep breathing. 

By listening to your body, you can better understand what it needs and take better care of yourself. By connecting with your body and living a more gentle life, yoga can help you prioritise your well-being over productivity. 

A systematic review of four studies concluded that mindfulness interventions have the potential to improve psychological outcomes, quality of life, and posttraumatic growth symptoms in men with prostate cancer. 

Also Read: World Cancer Day 2024: Know Types, Symptoms, Causes And Prevention Measures 

2. Yoga Lowers Stress, Depression And Anxiety

Practising yoga can reduce cortisol levels, the body's stress hormone. The National Cancer Institute has defined yoga as a health practice that combines controlled breathing, mental focus, and body movements to help relax the body and mind. 

Also Read: How To Deal With The Chronic Signs Of Depression?

Which Mudra Is Best For Cancer?

Mudra works on both subtle and physiological levels by removing blockages in intracellular and extracellular communication. It promotes the removal of toxins and metabolic wastes, improves blood circulation and cell regeneration, and returns the body's cells or tissues to the original state of their internal and external structures. 

The main types of mudras required for cancer treatment are:

• Vayu Mudra

• Sparsha Mudra

• Garuda Mudra,

• Prana Mudra

What Is The Best Exercise For Cancer Patients?

During cancer treatment and recovery, exercise reduces adverse effects and enhances the quality of life. Exercising before, during, and after cancer treatment has a lot of favourable benefits.  

The information below is a general guideline of exercise recommendations that you may refer to during and following cancer treatment to help maintain overall health.

Also Read: Diet For Cancer Patients: Nutrition, Foods And Tips For Longevity 

The Final Say

As we conclude this exploration of yoga for cancer patients and its potential benefits for cancer patients, let us remember that this ancient practice offers more than just physical postures. It's a journey inward, a path towards finding strength, resilience, and peace during a challenging time. Even if you can only walk for a few minutes, do it. It is the small things that matter.

Let World Cancer Day remind us that healing goes beyond medicine. It encompasses self-care, emotional well-being, and finding practices that nurture our spirit. May yoga be a source of light and strength on your journey, offering a gentle flow towards renewed energy, reduced stress, and a sense of inner peace.

FAQs

1. How to begin to practise yoga during cancer?

In case the cancer diagnosis makes you consider taking up yoga, consult with your doctor first to ensure he or she agrees that yoga is safe and helpful. And if it is your first time doing yoga, please know that no one knows how to do it when they start! Take it easy and give it a shot.

2. Is yoga good during chemotherapy?

Studies indicate that exercise is safe and beneficial to most people in the pre-chemotherapy, intra-chemotherapy, and post-chemotherapy phases. This can help improve your quality of life and the amount of energy you need to engage in your hobbies.

3. How is pranayama for cancer patients helpful?

Pranayama helps in improving sleep disturbance and mental quality of life. 

4. What is the benefit of restorative yoga for cancer patients?

Yoga for cancer patients is helpful as restorative yoga activates a relaxation response and may help your body by relieving feelings of anxiety with some physical effort.

References

• Exercise Recommendations for Cancer-Related Fatigue, Cognitive Impairment, Sleep problems, Depression, Pain, Anxiety, and Physical Dysfunction: A Review

• Exercise during cancer treatment: 4 things to know

• Benefits of Yoga for Cancer Patients - AmeriPharma Specialty Care

• Yoga Therapy During Chemotherapy for Early-Stage and Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

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