Yoga

Yoga was originally developed in India over 5000 years ago. It has its roots in the Hindu religion and combines exercise, diet, philosophy, moral values and meditation in order to channel the 'life force', or prana, to reach a perfect state, where pure consciousness is separated from the surrounding everyday world.

Cancer is an illness is which the immune system cannot cope with the proliferation of damaged cells. Although yoga is not a 'cure', a gentle form can help to strengthen the immune system and encourage our own inner healing forces. It works in various ways:

·         Through relaxation - which alleviates the stress and anxiety detrimental to immune function and counter-productive to healing

·         Through breathing exercises - which improve respiration, release tension and restore calm

·         Through meditation - which develops the detachment and clarity that enable us to face and eventually let go of our fears

·         Through physical postures - which help to remove toxins and improve energy levels.

All these aspects of gentle yoga can help us to cope with the overpowering emotions that come with the diagnosis of a life-changing illness: shock, fear, anger, guilt, anxiety and grief. Effective simple breathing patterns, relaxation and meditation techniques play a role in creating mental and emotional harmony. They can also help to manage the stresses of cancer treatments: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Yoga is genuinely empowering because it gives you tools with which you can help yourself, and allows you to find and mobilize your own inner resources.