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Yoga can be a powerful tool for healing particularly since it can help reinforce the immune system. For people suffering from cancer, Yoga is a real source of empowerment since one can practice it oneself. In yoga, we deal with various types of acute as well as chronic diseases via physical postures (called asanas). These invigorate and balance all the systems within the body whether they are circulatory system, respiratory, digestive, nervous system, and musculoskeletal, endocrine, reproductive and urogenital system. When something goes out of balance, the whole body gets affected. As a result a number of asanas are practiced in sequence to deal with the whole body. Yoga practice is always patient specific, depending upon which part is affected, the type of cancer one is suffering from and the patient's physical abilities. The physical exercises and asanas in Yoga work in a number of ways on the internal organs and the systems of the body, especially the nervous system. This also includes the joints, muscles and ligaments. Yoga affects ones breathing, posture, circulation, digestion, elimination, plus physical strength, stamina and flexibility.
When practicing a particular asana, the patient must do what he/she can without generating more pain. There may be some discomfort, but going to the point of sharp pain will not in any way benefit the practitioner. Thus Yoga helps cancer patients to cope with the traumas that accompany diagnosis and supports them and renders one free from emotions which can be rather devastating at times – shock, fear, anger, guilt, anxiety and grief. According to Yoga, the most effortless breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques can go a long way in helping the patient deal with them. They can also be of significant help in dealing with the anxiety of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Cancer patients often find themselves in a distracted state of mind as they are frightened, subjected to invasive, painful procedures, and not always compassionate medical care. When our minds are so grievously disturbed, we may find it impossible to make crucial decisions or relate satisfactorily to our family and friends. Practicing Pranayam, meditation and relaxation helps in reliving tension. When the tension is released, energy can flow more easily in the body and allow patients to experience a sense of well being and strength along with a balance of body, mind, and soul.
The most compelling reason why cancer patients are turning to yoga is:
- It shows us how a person stricken with a serious illness, instead of running away from their threatened body can fight back.
- Patients can connect more strongly to their body.
- Begin to experience self-empowerment and well-being.
- Improved sleep pattern.
- Provides strength to the weakened immune system.
As we engage ourselves in the precise body gestures of yoga, our minds come along, growing accustomed to focusing on the affairs of this moment and leaving worries and future behind. As we breathe and meditate, our minds grow more clear and steady. The physical benefits of yoga seem obvious in a cancer patient. Range of motion, flexibility, strength, relaxation, and a sense of bodily well being are enhanced by practicing the postures. But there is an additional, more mystical, benefit of yoga. Depending on what parts of your body are affected, what type of cancer you have and your physical abilities, your practice will be specific to you. You may not be able to safely or comfortably do the posture the way the teacher or someone else is doing it. You can easily modify or change the position so it feels good for you. You will find out what works for you, what you are able to do, and what helps you to move in a positive direction.
Pranayama combines prana, breath, with yama, meaning extension or control, and describes a crucial practice in yoga. This science of the breathing involves attention to inhalation, exhalation, and retention or holding. This is also of great help in Cancer patients. To open up the chest again, one can practice breathing techniques based on Pranayama, such as abdominal breathing, deep breathing, bellows breathing (with forceful abdominal exhalations), and alternate-nostril breathing. As breath practices can have powerful effects on the body, they should be learned from a qualified yoga instructor and performed properly, they can dissolve stress and emotional excitation, freeing the mind from anxiety. Meditation is also of great deal of help to patients as if one goes on to practice concentration (Dharana) and meditation (Dhyana) as in yoga it is of great benefit.
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