[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/10\/benefits-yoga-cancer-patients-qa\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/10\/benefits-yoga-cancer-patients-qa\/","headline":"Learn How Yoga Can Help Those Facing Cancer","name":"Learn How Yoga Can Help Those Facing Cancer","description":"Our experts weigh in on the benefits of yoga for cancer patients and discuss ways it can relieve stress, pain and anxiety. Learn about integrative oncology","datePublished":"2014-10-26","dateModified":"2022-03-25","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC Hillman Cancer Center","url":"https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-hillman-cancer-center\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/yoga-scaled.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/yoga-scaled.jpg","height":789,"width":2048},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/10\/benefits-yoga-cancer-patients-qa\/","about":["Cancer Care","Fitness"],"wordCount":778,"keywords":["cancer","cancer treatment","disease","fatigue","fever","infection","integrative oncology","lymphedema","meditation","pain","q&a","UPMC CancerCenter","yoga","yoga for cancer patients"],"articleBody":"The ancient art of yoga has numerous health benefits to people at all stages of life \u2014 including when people are battling a disease such as cancer.This relaxing form of exercise helps individuals get in touch with their bodies. It relies on deep breathing and gentle movements to increase strength and flexibility and promote relaxation.Under doctor’s supervision, cancer patients may be able to look to yoga as a way to incorporate physical activity and low-impact exercise into their treatment regimen.Find out how integrative oncology at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center helps those facing cancer.Yoga for Cancer Patients Q and AWhat Symptoms Can Yoga Help Reduce?Studies have shown that yoga can improve quality of life, fatigue, anxiety, and pain. In addition, aspects of yoga such as meditation, camaraderie, breath work, and improved posture can help with improved attention and breathing.How Soon into Treatment Can I Start Practicing Yoga?Yoga teaches us to listen to our bodies, which is one of its major benefits. That being said, you could practice breathing and gentle stretching during your treatments. There may be times to avoid certain aspects of any exercise program during treatment, for example, if you feel unwell, have a fever or have been told that you are neutropenic. These are things to discuss with your doctor or an integrative oncologist.Are There Any Risks Involved?A gentle yoga program started with a certified instructor with the support of your doctor should pose no risks.Would Yoga be Helpful for Individuals Suffering from a Mild Case of Lymphedema?Absolutely. Finding gentle poses that would help mobilize and strengthen the body would be helpful in this case. Always take care to avoid any trauma, in yoga or in any other setting, to the affected area to reduce the risk of infection.Can Anyone Teach Yoga to Cancer Patients? How Do I Find a Yoga Teacher That Is Familiar with the Needs of Cancer Patients?Cancer patients are a varied group so it is best to find direction from a person who knows about the yoga community. Working privately with an instructor would be ideal in this setting. Our program’s participating providers all have an understanding of working with cancer patients. We have a certified yoga therapist onsite at Hillman Cancer Center.If I Haven’t Exercised Before, Is It OK to Start Now?A gentle yoga program is an excellent way to start to exercise. Just make sure to listen to your body and take it slow and always tell the instructor you are just beginning an exercise plan. A private instructor is a very good way to start if you are new to yoga.Are There Any Easy Poses I Could Do at Home that Would be Helpful?Yes, after checking in with your doctor about considering any physical restrictions you may have, the yoga instructor could suggest starting movement with all the major joints to warm the body up. These movements could be performed lying down in a bed, face up, or sitting in a chair.Suggested Beginner Yoga RoutineBreathe deeply throughout the routineSmile and frown for simple face scrunchesSmall neck movements such as ears to shoulders, or chin to chestShoulder hunchesElbows and wrist circlesGently curl the back into a forward bendOpen the chest by lifting the chest and bringing shoulders together in the backKnee and leg liftsAnkle circlesWhat Can I Expect from a Yoga Class?If it is your first yoga class, it is strongly suggested that you contact the teacher prior to the first class and ask them. Attending a gentle, basics or restorative yoga class would include slow movements with an emphasis\u00a0on modifications to fit various students’ needs in class.How Do You Prepare for a Yoga Class? What Should I Bring?If possible, find out who is teaching the class and ask them how to prepare for their class.In general:Drink water before, during and after classWear a more fitted short-sleeved top under a long sleeved top, sweater or jacketPants could be made of stretch material or loose fittingBe prepared to take off your shoes and possibly your socks if you are comfortableDon’t wear perfumeEat a small meal at least one hour before classWant to learn more about integrative\u00a0oncology, including yoga and other practices for cancer patients? Check out our Medical Mondays segment focused on integrative oncology.Do you, or someone you love with cancer, feel you could benefit from yoga? To learn more, visit the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center online or call 412-623-7753 to schedule an appointment."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"10","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/10\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Learn How Yoga Can Help Those Facing Cancer","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/10\/benefits-yoga-cancer-patients-qa\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]