By Faye Martins
Recently, a
friend passed a brochure to me from the oncology building at Women and Infants
Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. To
see Restorative Yoga on the schedule for women going through chemotherapy made
so much sense. As Yoga instructors, we may
often feel like we’re speaking to a wall, when addressing the medical
community, but real progress is happening - right now.
Restorative
Yoga, with its gentle stretches and assorted props, looks deceptively simple;
studies, however, show that it evokes powerful results. Easing the physical and
mental bodies into what seems almost like a moving meditation, the practice
induces a deep state of relaxation and renewal. While restorative poses are often
part of the cool down in rigorous Yoga routines, they are particularly appropriate for people
with health problems and physical limitations.
Much of the
research into the field of Restorative Yogic techniques involves cancer
patients. As a complement to traditional care, restorative poses relieve
stress, reduce pain, improve mood and boost immunity.
Scientific
Evidence Supports Use of Restorative Yoga for Cancer Recovery
• A 2009 study
at Wake Forest University found that breast and ovarian cancer patients who
practiced Restorative Yoga for ten weeks were less stressed and more energetic
than members of the test group who did not participate. Depression decreased by
50%, and feelings of calm increased by 12%.
• In 2005,
results of nine studies completed at the University of California suggested
that cancer patients who practiced Yoga had less anxiety and insomnia, fewer
cancer-related complaints and an increase in feelings of general well-being.
• In 2007 and
2008, Canadian researchers at Queens University examined the effect of Yoga on
the psychological health of cancer patients. Although modest positive results
were noted over the course of ten studies, scientists indicated the need for
further tests to determine which interventions were most effective and which patients
might receive the greatest benefits.
• In 2009,
Harvard University released findings favoring the use of Yoga for pediatric
cancer patients and recommending additional research into the field.
• In 2006,
information released by the Research Council for Complementary Medicine in
London endorsed the use of mindfulness-based interventions in the treatment of
cancer patients and recommended further exploration of the topic.
• At Stanford
University Cancer Center, Yoga teachers say that Restorative Yoga reduces fatigue, restores calm and aids in the recovery process. They also recommend
the practice for caregivers.
Although most
studies have been small and limited in scope, the general consensus suggests
that Restorative Yoga enhances the lives of cancer patients and warrants
additional research. As its value has become more evident, so will its role in
complementary health care.
©
Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
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