Yoga

Yoga includes a variety of body, mind, and spiritual practices originally developed in India as part of the Hindu and Buddhist religions. In the West, yoga is most often practiced as body work or meditation and does not involve religious belief. Practicing yoga improves muscle tone, balance, strength, and posture and can promote relaxation and reduce stress. Yoga can be beneficial to both caregivers and patients.

 

Yoga is practiced through a series of body positions that are combined with controlled breathing. There are hundreds of positions to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult. These positions both develop and require muscle strength and flexibility.

 

You can practice yoga alone or in a group setting. A typical yoga class lasts about an hour. The class may start with gentle warm-up positions and stretching before moving to more difficult positions. The instructor faces the class and demonstrates the position, and members of class do their best to take that same position. The instructor may move among the students, adjusting their positions. Class may end with a period of relaxation and meditation during which an easy, comfortable pose is held and deep breathing is encouraged.

 

Yoga provides increased flexibility and strength and reduces stress. The positions are combined with deep, steady breathing, which relaxes the muscles. Yoga appears to help promote restful sleep and reduce stress and anxiety.

 

If you are a patient with a chronic illness or cancer, discuss any health problems you have with your doctor or oncologist before beginning yoga. A consultation with a physical therapist may also help to assess whether yoga is safe for you. If you choose to work with an instructor, look for someone who has experience working with cancer patients. Discuss your situation, health needs, and any limitations with the instructor before attending a session.

 

The qualifications and skills of a yoga instructor will vary. The instructor should have a thorough knowledge of the yoga positions and breathing and know how they should be practiced at the beginner level.

 

Yoga classes range from $10 to $30 per session and are held in places such as dance studios, yoga studios, gyms, and parks. To increase your flexibility, you will want to participate in at least one yoga session per week, lasting 1 or 2 hours.