How Yoga Therapy Helps Cancer Patients

I post a lot on my biz page about my various offerings and trainings for yoga teachers but I wanted to remind you that I am first and foremost a yoga therapist and I specialize in working with cancer patients. If you yourself, or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer, I offer private yoga therapy session on Zoom or in person in the Triangle area of NC. We meet, you tell me a bit about your diagnosis, your treatment plan, and any symptoms or side effects you are experiencing, and I offer you a simple gentle home practice customized specifically to your needs.

I also each a FREE Healing Yoga for Cancer class each week that is sponsored by the NorCal CarciNET Support Group. Patients, survivors and even care-givers are welcome to attend, no matter how long it as been since you went through your cancer treatment. 

Free Healing Yoga for Cancer PROGRAMS

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Yoga seems scary from what I see in the media, is this what you teach?
No, not even a little bit. What I offer is very very different. It includes gentle movements from a chair, lying on the floor, and sometimes standing; lots of reminders to only move in a pain-free range of motion;  conscious breathing, hand gestures, and relaxation techniques that will help you mind stop racing.

I have never stepped foot on a yoga mat, will this work for me?
Absolutely! In fact, I have seen the most positive changes in clients who are brand new to yoga. I have decades of experience working with brand new beginners who also happen to be newly diagnosed cancer patients. 

I have limited mobility and cannot get down on the floor (or back up). Can I still participate?
Yes, rather than lay on the floor, you can lay on the surface of a bed. In class, we will either be lying on the back, sitting in a chair, or standing using the chair or wall for support. Do what works for you and remember, yoga should never hurt!

What equipment do I need? 
We use what are called 'yoga props' and some you should probably purchase, such as a yoga mat and two foam blocks, but for the others, you can use things from around your house. Go to the Prop Recommendations page for a short video describing what you will need, as well as purchasing links.

Will I be on camera?
The only time you will be on camera is in the beginning of class when we are checking in. I understand that not everyone is tech savvy with Zoom and if this is no possible, that is also fine. You are welcome to practice with your camera turned off and I will mute your video feed when I am teaching. However, I still require everyone to sign a Video Release, in case you have a question or appear on camera before or after class, since I am recording the sessions for the group, this is a legality that is necessary.

How does yoga help cancer patients?
Yoga can get you to slow down and start to focus internally in a way that is not self-deprecating or negative. You move your body gently which gets your lymphatic system mobilized to boost immunity, and those same gentle movements can help to relieve joint pain. There are also specific practices that can help insomnia, anxiety, depression, neuropathy, digestive distress, lymphedema, and cognitive fog.

I was just diagnosed, will yoga help me?
Yes, newly diagnosed patients often are faced with a thousand decisions about their treatment and end up overwhelmed and anxious. There are so many simple yogic techniques that can help you to calm down, be present, and face your diagnosis and treatment just a little bit more from your center.  

I am a 20-year cancer survivor, can I still come to your free yoga class on Tuesdays?
I would love for you to come to the free class and become a part of our online community. If that time does not suit you, I also post the class to the private Facebook group Healing Yoga for Cancer and you can ask to join that group and watch over a year of our classes. We rotate between Mat Yoga (reclining, sitting, kneeling, and standing poses), Chair Yoga (either seated in chair or using chair for balance), Yoga Nidra  (reclining guided relaxation), Restorative Yoga (using pillows and blankets to rest in longer-held poses that open the body gently which can be done on the bed or floor), and Subtle Practice which uses breathing, mudra, and sound practices to create calm.