Five Reasons to Practice Yoga During Cancer Treatment

The practice of yoga during cancer treatment can be helpful on many levels. Yoga can help manage side effects of cancer including nausea and fatigue. Yoga can also promote better sleep and deep relaxation.

Many people think of yoga as a very physically challenging practice, which is not the case at all. In fact, the simple act of linking of your breath with gentle movement is the essence of a yoga practice. Also, working with a yoga practitioner who is trained to work with cancer patients is important because he or she can better understand the unique needs of someone who is undergoing cancer treatment.

If you are thinking about practicing yoga during cancer treatment, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to learn if yoga is an appropriate activity, and safe for you to practice. Also, working with a yoga practitioner who is trained to work with cancer patients is important because he or she can better understand the unique needs of someone who is undergoing cancer treatment.

Here are five reasons to practice yoga during your cancer treatment, even if you have never done so before:

Yoga is a practice that becomes part of your everyday life.

Yoga does not have to be practiced in a studio or gym, but can be done in the comfort of your own home, or even during the course of your treatment. Some very basic movements along with instruction on breath work, called pranayama, can be practiced anywhere, anytime.

Yoga promotes peace and a feeling of well-being.

Yoga is about balance, in fact the word “yoga” means to “yoke” which means to unite. From diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship, yoga is a very supportive practice that can help to bring your mind and body into alignment to create balance in your life.

Yoga is something to look forward to.

Even if your yoga practice is ten minutes long, this is time out for yourself to help restore your energy and calm your mind.

Yoga allows you to become part of a community.

Many cancer centers, such as the Abramson Cancer Center, offer yoga programs for their patients. They are often smaller and more intimate classes with others who are going through treatment.

Yoga can help you to feel in control of your body, mind and spirit.

Linking breath and movement through the practice of yoga allows you to let go of negativity and reduce stress. It is your very own gift to yourself!

Do you practice yoga? Have you enjoyed the benefits of yoga during cancer treatment?

Fern Nibauer-Cohen is the associate director of program development in the department of radiation oncology at Penn Medicine. She received her certification to teach yoga from Yoga On Main in Manayunk, PA and has completed the level one certification of the “Teaching Yoga to Cancer Patients Program” from Integral Yoga. 

For more information about the yoga programs offered at the Abramson Cancer Center, contact Fern at 215-662-3919 or email her at fern.nibauer-cohen@uphs.upenn.edu