Yoga and Cancer - The Mental Benefits of Yoga

Many people who do regular yoga report increasedwith disabilities and illness to enjoy the benefits of yoga.
feelings of well being with reduction of depression andThis can be used in a care setting and with the
low mood but until a controlled study is done, suchsupport of a yoga teacher, the best positions can be
reports are only anecdotal and not considered prooffound for you. As you are supported in positions with
by the medical profession.walls and cushions it enables the person to experience
A recent study reported in Psycho-Oncology indeeper relaxation without fear of injury or falling. Many
February 2009, showed that 10 weeks of Restorativeyoga teachers incorporate these positions into their
yoga improved the mental outlook of women withrelaxation portion of their practice or when a student
breast cancer. In a controlled study of 44 women withhas injuries or limitations. Many pregnant women
or recovering from breast cancer, 22 women tookcontinue with their yoga well into their final trimesters
part in regular Restorative yoga and the other 22with the support and knowledge of their yoga teacher.
were in the control group, who did not practice yoga.Although this particular study used restorative yoga
Of the yoga group after ten weeks the majoritythere is no reason why other types of yoga will not
reported an increase in their feeling of well being and ahave a similar positive mental effect as long as
reduction of feelings of depression in comparison torelaxation is incorporated into your routine. It is great to
the control group.know that the effects of yoga are quickly felt,
Restorative yoga is a gentle form of yoga which usesencouraging you to continue with your regular yoga
props like chairs, blankets and bolsters to allow peoplepractice or plan to start a yoga class.