“Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured. – B.K.S. Iyengar”

Grassy Key
Florida

Downward Dogs
Galore

The beauty of yoga is that it is always with you. Things of the common and material world matter not. For me, yoga is ALWAYS INSIDE. I am learning and practicing both sides of what Iyengar taught – to fix what I can, and accept what I cannot. I liken it very much to the Serenity Prayer.

Me

My husband

Me

Yoga as Palliative Relief for Cancer Treatment

By: Jillian McKee

Practicing yoga is not just for soccer moms and enlightened masters from the far reaches of the world. More and more now yoga is being prescribed for all manner of ailments and illnesses including various forms of cancer including mesothelioma. While many view yoga as new age quackery many studies have found that yoga has a wide range of benefits for cancer patients.

Cancer and cancer treatment wreaks havoc on the body. Many patients and survivors complain of fatigue, aching muscles and joints, insomnia, and a host of other health issues that may not always be remedied by conventional medicine. Various studies have shown that yoga routines can ease and even eliminate some of these issues. A recent scientific study of breast cancer patients headed by researchers of the Anderson Cancer Center located at the University of Texas has shown that yoga can improve the side effects of cancer treatment.

Yoga is all about slow, measured movements, combined with gentle breathing. The combination of these two actions allows the practitioner to become aware of their body and mind. Becoming aware of emotional states allow patients to recognize negative states of mind such as depression. The patient will then be able to shift their mood of thinking. Having a good state of mind and positive outlook is crucial to combat the disease.

Insomnia and chronic pain are both common complaints for cancer patients. Often times, prescription medicine provides no relief for these symptoms. A gentle and regular yoga plan may actually help to relieve these issues. Yoga teaches calming breathing techniques and focuses on the moment of the pose, which takes the mind off of issues such the diagnosis and treatment.

The most basic fact about yoga is that it is a form of exercise and any exercise is good for the body. Cancer leaves the body weak so strenuous exercise is not always recommended or even possible so yoga being gentle and soothing in nature is a welcomed alternative. Allowing the body to stretch and move without over-exerting itself is crucial. While not a treatment in itself, a yoga routine will help promote a healthy mind and body. While yoga cannot change factors such as mesothelioma life expectancy the practice can reduce pain, insomnia, and even negativity in the patient. All these are crucial for cancer patients as they combat the disease.

xposted to http://blog.holistic-ontario.com/

“When you understand who and what you are, your radiance projects into the universal radiance and everything around you becomes creative and full of opportunity. ” – Yogi Bhajan

“Begin to live as though your prayers are already answered.” – Anthony Robbins

Cancer is an incredibly complex and aggressive illness, and treatment can be considerably obtrusive and painful. Cancerous cells assault the immune system, wreaking havoc both physically and emotionally, and leave the body weak and vulnerable.

A patient can benefit strongly by taking up yoga. Yoga is a holistic method of treatment that aims for the balance of the body, mind, and spirit, and helps to strengthen as well as restore the immune system. Yoga also helps to restore body balance that was jeopardized by the illness, and opens the door to help assist the patient in recovery.

Although not a cure for cancer, yoga certainly provides therapy and relief for cancer sufferers. Yoga incorporates a series exercises, breathing techniques, and meditation that help to increase energy throughout the body. This can help patients to feel a better sense of well being and strength in their self as well as help to rehabilitate the body by improving respiration, digestion, circulation, and relieving the stress on the nervous system.

Quickly growing as a viable treatment for those suffering with terminal illnesses, yoga directly relates to improvements in rest and relaxation among patients Yoga can provide for many afflictions even those more serious like fibromyalgia and mesothelioma, disorders related to asbestos exposure.

Patients suffering from terminal illnesses often suffer from fatigue and go without sleep for months, sometimes even years. Chemo and Radiation therapies take their toll on the body and are associated with some pretty debilitating side effects. The practice of yoga can help these patients feel better and more energized and ultimately help them sleep; reducing dependency on sedatives and sleep aids.

The growth of yoga can also be attributed to its versatility and convenience for patients. The multitude of routines and styles of yoga are great because they are extremely flexible in the treatment schedule of sufferers. Long sessions can be performed once a week, or shorter sessions can be engaged in a few times a week; fitting into the convenience of the patient. A yoga practice can be modified depending on the type of cancer and the area of the body most affected. Different poses and methods target and rehabilitate different areas of the body affected by cancerous cells.

Yoga will continue to grow as a cancer therapy with the knowledge continuing to spread about the benefits of its use. Research is expected to continue on the positives of yoga use, and should make it even more popular amongst medical and scientific communities as a viable relief therapy.

- Kristy Dawson

xposted to http://blog.holistic-ontario.com/

After attending my first class at Moksha Yoga Guelph, I would recommend them to anyone.
The instructor Kelly and owner of the studio was professional, knowledgeable, gentle, encouraging and an incredible source of comfort as I was intimidated to get back into a regular yoga practice due to my health challenges. I was highly impressed, as was my husband! We will certainly be back, again and again.