Yoga, a mind-body interaction technique originated in India is currently a common practice around the world. Yoga is practiced as a healing technique as well as for refreshing the mind and body. It is now reported that yoga is beneficial for breast cancer survivors in increasing their quality of life.
Many women with breast cancer undergo surgery and chemotherapy, which are often followed by radiotherapy. As more effective cancer therapies are being introduced and because of the increased survival of cancer patients, palliative care employing alternative and complementary medicine are gaining more significance.
Though the available scientific evidence does not support yoga as an effective treatment for breast cancer or any other cancer, it may enhance quality of life. There is a great need to enhance the quality of life of patients who underwent drastic cancer therapies. The two most common problems haunting cancer patients following treatment are sleep disturbance and fatigue.
The online science news magazine SciGuru.com (Ref 1 below) reported the publication of a study from the University of Rochester at the the recent American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting detailing the benefit of yoga to reduce sleep disturbance and fatigue in breast cancer patients after cancer treatment. The study by these cancer scientists showed that yoga helps improve sleep outcomes, decreases the side effects of treatment, improves physical functioning aspects of quality of life, and leads to an increase in finding meaning from the illness experience as patients' transition from active treatment to cancer survivorship.
Yoga incorporates meditation, relaxation, imagery, controlled breathing, stretching and physical movements. Few previous studies also had suggested that yoga can improve sleep quality, mood, social well being and physical functioning for patients undergoing treatment.
The goal of yoga is to attain perfect unison with the supreme consciousness which is full self-awareness. Yoga combines ethical standards, dietary guidelines, physical movements, and meditation to create a union of mind, body, and spirit. Considering the requirement of strict adherence to discipline, it is a challenge to get people to continue to engage in these healthful practices after the initial instruction phase. The scientists admit that although some changes may be permanent, in the absence of practicing, the improvements gained will likely be short lived without consistent follow up.
It is important to note that many forms of complementary and alternative medicines have not been scientifically tested and may not be safe. According to American Cancer Society, pregnant women may want to avoid postures that cause pressure on the uterus, such as body twists. People who are sick, dehydrated, or pregnant may be harmed by some types of yoga, which is a vigorous workout practiced in a very warm, humid room. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor, before embarking on using such techniques.
Author: S. Pillai
Reference 1. SciGuru.com Science and Technology News
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_Pillai
