The role of yoga in cancer recovery is a source of solace, strength, and healing for those facing this formidable adversary. The emotional distress caused by cancer, intertwined with side effects due to the treatment, can lead to anxiety and depression. Regularly doing breathing exercises, which is part of yoga, helps to improve the lung capacity and function. The asanas in yoga help the body become flexible and improve the functionality of limb movements. Additionally, yoga's stress-reducing techniques can be beneficial for patients undergoing cancer treatment. 

 

In this regard, Dr Suneetha Mulinti who is a Radiation Oncologist at American Oncology Institute (AOI), Hyderabad said, "Beyond its physical benefits, yoga serves as a sanctuary for the mind and soul. It fosters resilience, empowers individuals to regain a sense of control, and offers a path to emotional and psychological well-being. Furthermore, yoga's ability to reduce stress and anxiety is vital in cancer recovery."

 

Talking about a latest research, she added, "Stress and anxiety not only impair the immune system but also influence cancer progression. Yoga's mindfulness techniques empower patients to manage the emotional turmoil associated with cancer, promoting a sense of control and resilience. Yoga is a powerful and complementary tool, it has the capacity to alleviate physical discomfort, mitigate emotional distress, and enhance immune function. The integration of yoga into cancer care promotes holistic healing and improved outcomes for our patients."


Dr. Deepika, who is a Doctor in BNYS at HCG Cancer Centre, Bengaluru said, "Yoga also helps to decrease cortisol levels which is stress hormone. By doing that the rate of recovery In post operative is enhanced."


"Yoga's physical aspect helps promote flexibility, strengthen muscles, and improve balance. It is particularly crucial for patients who have undergone surgery and are recovering from it or those grappling with treatment-related weakness. It help in overall recovery in all the cancers holistically. Side effects of chemo and radiation will be tackled with specific pranayamas and special relaxation techniques which is derived only for onco care," she added.


Lastly, Dr Hansaji Yogendra, who is the director of The Yoga Institute and the president of the Indian Yoga Association and the International Board of Yoga said that the practice of yoga asanas can offer physical and emotional support to people suffering from cancer. When regularly practised, these asanas can help in providing strength and resilience to the patient, improving hormonal balance, promoting relaxation and enhancing lymphatic drainage.


She also went on to list a few asanas/poses that cancer patients can practice and gain healing and therapeutic benefits from yoga.  



  • Parvatasana (Mountain Pose) - It is a seated posture which provides all five axial rotations of the spine. Improves postural defect, strengthens spine, aids digestion, removes constipation, makes spine flexible and addresses weight gain issues. Addresses lymphedema. 

  • Supta Baddha Konasana (Seated/Supine Cobbler Pose) - Provides with external rotation of hip joint, stretches muscles in pubic region and thereby helps in maintaining hormonal balance.

  • Setubandasana (Bridge Pose) - Stretches back, aids proper lymphatic drainage, strengthens quadriceps, stretches hamstrings and maintains hormonal balance. 

  • Matsyasana (Fish Pose) - Stretches shoulders and improves lung function. Maintains hormonal balance. 

  • Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose) - Opens up chest, increases lung function and helps in bone building process by strengthening quadriceps. 

  • Talasana (Palm tree Pose) -  Helps in developing neuro-muscular coordination, addresses lymphedema. Standing on the ball of the feet addresses peripheral neuropathy. 

  • Yashtikasana (Stick Pose) - There is a complete stretch of spine. Promotes neuro-muscular coordination, addresses neuropathy in toes. Improves breathing as it exposes chest muscles. 

  • Cactus Pose - One can do this posture standing, seated and supine. Very effective in stimulating the lymphatic system in the auxiliary region. Improves lymphatic drainage thereby addresses the side effects of lymphedema. 

  • Viparita karni (Legs Up the Wall) ­- Aids venous flow, improves digestion process, provides ample supply of blood to reproductive organs and thereby maintains hormonal balance. Energises the nervous system. Gives relaxation response.