Yoga For Cancer Patients​ - Know Best Poses & Its Benefits

• Written by Anjali Sharma

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Yoga offers cancer patients a powerful tool for recovery, helping to improve flexibility, reduce stress, and boost energy. Gentle poses can alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and promote emotional well-being during treatment and recovery. Key poses like Cat-Cow, Legs Up the Wall, and Child’s Pose offer physical relief while fostering a sense of calm and balance. Discover how yoga can support your healing journey and improve your quality of life.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient practice that combines physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), meditation, and ethical principles to promote mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. It originated in India thousands of years ago and has evolved into many different styles and schools. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word *yuj*, which means "to join" or "to unite," reflecting the goal of bringing together the body, mind, and spirit.

Why Yoga is Important for Cancer Patients?

Yoga offers numerous benefits for cancer patients, enhancing physical function, mental well-being, and overall quality of life by managing symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, while promoting relaxation and stress reduction.

Physical Benefits:

• Improved Mobility: Yoga enhances flexibility, range of motion, and mobility, especially after surgery or during treatment.
• Fatigue Relief: Gentle poses and breathing techniques reduce cancer-related fatigue.
• Pain Management: Yoga helps manage pain and discomfort from cancer and its treatments.
• Better Sleep: Relaxation techniques improve sleep quality.
• Lymphatic Flow: Gentle poses support lymphatic circulation, aiding in the management of lymphedema.
• Strength and Flexibility: Regular practice builds strength and flexibility, supporting physical function during and after treatment.

Mental and Emotional Benefits:

• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Yoga’s focus on breath and mindfulness alleviates stress and anxiety.
• Mental Well-being: Promotes a sense of calm and peace, particularly during challenging times.
• Enhanced Coping Skills: Yoga helps patients build emotional resilience and coping mechanisms.
• Self-Awareness: Increases body awareness, empowering patients to actively engage in their care.
• Improved Quality of Life: By addressing both physical and emotional needs, yoga enhances overall well-being.

Cognitive Support: Studies suggest yoga may improve cognitive function, beneficial for those experiencing treatment-related cognitive impairment.

What are the benefits of Yoga for Cancer patients? 

Being diagnosed with cancer can significantly affect an individual’s mental health. Therefore, it is important to incorporate self-care practices like yoga into your routine if you have been diagnosed with cancer. Research has shown that yoga can reduce fatigue and improve stamina even while living with cancer. Yoga for cancer patients helps heal their mind and body while fighting this disease.

The diagnosis and treatment of this serious illness can cause psychological stress that can impact your life. Yoga is one therapy that has become popular among cancer patients.

Read on to learn how yoga is beneficial for cancer patients.

• Boosts immunity: Yoga has been proven to improve immunity. It is considered one of the most natural immunity boosters that cancer patients should practice. It helps strengthen the body and soothe the mind. Cancer patients should [practice yoga for immunity 
• Reduces fatigue: Fatigue is one of the most common side effects experienced by many cancer patients. A study found that yoga helps reduce fatigue. Many cancer patients experience cancer-related fatigue. Yoga has positive effects on physical and mental energy. Various forms of yoga can help reduce tiredness.
• Enhances physical ability:In addition to affecting mental health, cancer affects physical functioning. Cancer patients often spend considerable time in the hospital, which can make the body inflexible and hinder their ability to perform daily chores.

 Yoga has been found to help activate the body. Regular yoga practice can improve the well-being of cancer patients.

• Improves the sleeping pattern: Experiencing physical and mental stress can affect sleep patterns. If you are fighting cancer, your body needs adequate rest. Yoga helps cancer patients relax and improves their sleep quality.
• Lowers stress: Fighting cancer can be stressful, both physically and mentally. A study found that practicing yoga for seven weeks can reduce the chances of developing a ‘mood disorder’. Reducing stress can improve appetite, lessen pain, and enhance overall quality of life.

>> Also read : What are Stages of Cancer

Yoga Poses Best for Cancer Patients

Yoga can be incredibly beneficial for cancer patients, helping with physical strength, emotional well-being, and relaxation. Gentle, restorative poses are often the best choice. Here are some recommended yoga poses for the cancer patients:

• Child’s Pose (Balasana): It relieves stress and fatigue and gently stretches the back, hips, and thighs. It also promotes relaxation and calmness in the body. 
• Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): It improves spine flexibility and mobility, enhances circulation, and relieves tension. 
• Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani): It reduces swelling in the legs and feet and promotes relaxation, and reduces anxiety. 
• Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana): It helps in opening the chest and hips. It also helps to encourage deep breathing and relaxation
• Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana): It gently stretches the back and hamstrings. Also calms the nervous system. 
• Corpse Pose (Savasana): It promotes deep relaxation and stress relief Supports emotional balance and mindfulness. 
• Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Opens the chest and shoulders. Also, helps relieve fatigue and mild depression
• Gentle Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana): It enhances spinal flexibility and aids in digestion and detoxification.

Final Word

Yoga is an ancient practice that dates back to the pre-Vedic Indian traditions. It has now gained immense popularity worldwide. It is a combination of meditation, breathing, and postures that improves your overall well-being. Cancer patients should consult their doctors about postures that are specific to their condition. Apart from taking care of yourself, it is advisable to opt for a cancer mediclaim that secures you and your family. 

Care Health Insurance offers comprehensive health insurance policies that protect you from cancer treatment's rising cost. You can opt for Cancer Mediclaim, which covers hospitalization expenses, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy cover. You can also opt for a Critical Mediclaim that can cover you against cancer and other critical ailments such as stroke, major organ transplant, and end-stage lung disease. 

Life is precious, and we always want our customers to live a healthy life.

Disclaimer: Underwriting of claims for Cancer is subject to policy terms and conditions.