Yoga Divina Therapy Studio - The yoga mat is a good place to turn when talk therapy and antidepressants aren't enough. ~Amy Weintraub

How can yoga help people with cancer?

Cancer is a broad complex of illnesses in which a weakened immune system cannot cope with the proliferation of damaged cells. Of course yoga is not a "cure" for cancer but it can help to strengthen the immune system and encourage our inner healing forces. It works in various ways:

Relaxation - calms the nervous system and alleviates the stress and anxiety which lower immune functioning and hinder healing

Breathing exercises - improves respiration, releases tension and restores balance and calm

Meditation - develops the detachment and clarity that enables us to acknowledge and accept the realities of our situation and to cope with our fears

Physical posture - clears toxins, increases energy levels and enhances the functioning of our internal organs and systems

The simplest of yoga breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques can also help us to deal with the overwhelming emotions that come with the diagnosis of a life-changing illness: shock, anger, fear, guilt to name the most obvious ones. And they can be of help in managing the stress, anxiety and pain of cancer surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Yoga offers practical tools with which you can help yourself and mobilize your own inner resources. Yoga is empowering because you are doing something for yourself: no-one is doing it for you.

Recently Donna Karen donated $850,000 to Beth Israel in New York City for the study of yoga in the cancer ward. Donna Karan lost her husband to cancer in 2001. She is now is now taking those treatments to one New York City hospital.

Click here to read more on yoga in hospitals.

Click here to watch video on yoga in hospitals.

Yoga for the Divine in you!

The yoga mat is a good place to turn when talk therapy and antidepressants aren't enough. ~Amy Weintraub

How can yoga help people with cancer?