27th January 2025

Yoga & Cancer Treatment

What Are the Benefits of Yoga for Cancer Patients?

Yoga, breathwork, and meditation can be powerful tools for improving physical and emotional health during and after treatment. Some key benefits include:

• Stress reduction: yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax and reduce stress. This can be particularly helpful if you often experience high levels of anxiety and are feeling overwhelmed by your diagnosis and treatment. 
• Better sleep: if you struggle with sleep disturbances, practicing mindfulness can improve your quality of sleep, which is essential for recovery and overall health.
• Pain management: by improving circulation, reducing muscle tension, and increasing flexibility, yoga can help alleviate physical discomfort and pain often experienced during cancer treatment.
• Reducing fatigue: yoga boosts energy levels by increasing oxygen flow to the body, which can be crucial for dealing with treatment-related fatigue.
• Enhanced immune function: reducing stress through yoga and mindfulness can have a positive effect on your immune system, improving the body’s ability to heal and fight illness.
• Mind-body connection: these practices can help cancer patients reconnect with their bodies, fostering a sense of control, self-compassion, and acceptance during what can be an overwhelming time.

How Can Patients Incorporate Mindfulness into their Everyday Lives? 

Mindfulness does not require long meditation sessions or special equipment. You can start small with 5-10 minute sessions by incorporating these practices into your daily activities. For example, focus on being fully present during routine tasks like brushing your teeth or washing your hands. Engage all your senses—pay attention to the sounds, smells, and sensations—allowing you to become more mindful and centred throughout your day. 

Do Patients Have to Attend a Class to Experience the Benefits of Yoga?  

You do not have to attend a yoga class to experience the benefits. Many people practice yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork from the comfort of their own homes. There are excellent online resources available, making it easy to get started. However, it’s important to first speak with your healthcare provider to ensure yoga is safe for you.

However, attending a yoga class has its own unique advantages, including:

• Guidance: an instructor can correct your alignment, helping you avoid injury and get the most out of your practice.
• Motivation: group classes can help keep you motivated and accountable, making it easier to stick with the practice.
• Structure: classes provide a structured way to learn yoga, which can be particularly helpful for beginners.
• Community: attending group classes can help creating connections with others going through similar experiences. This sense of community can be a vital source of emotional support.

Does Mater Private Network Offer Yoga Classes to Its Patients?

Mater Private Network offers yoga classes to those currently in treatment for cancer or in recovery; the classes are led by Sinead Murtagh our Breast Cancer Nurse Specialist. Sinead has been practicing yoga and mindfulness for over a decade and completed her 200-hour training with Yoga Alliance. She launched the "Inner Harmony" class to help cancer patients reconnect with their bodies and minds during and after treatment.

Incorporating yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork into your daily routine can be an empowering way to support your recovery and overall well-being. Whether at home or in a group setting, these practices offer valuable tools for managing the physical and emotional challenges of cancer.

For more information or to join a class, you can contact Sinead via email at info@arccancersupport.ie

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