In a series of articles to be posted to this blog, I will show you the many ways that Yoga and other exercises designed to build energy can be helpful in preventing and treating cancer.
Yoga has similar principles as those found in Tai chi and Qi Gong.
It is not merely a set of stretching exercises; as it also involves the stimulation of the bodies energy, advanced breathing methods and meditation techniques for the mind and soul too.
Along with Qigong it is an exercise system that I highly recommend, not just for preventing or helping to treat cancer, but for gaining superior health and well being.
Yoga has similar principles as those found in Tai chi and Qi Gong.
It is not merely a set of stretching exercises; as it also involves the stimulation of the bodies energy, advanced breathing methods and meditation techniques for the mind and soul too.
Along with Qigong it is an exercise system that I highly recommend, not just for preventing or helping to treat cancer, but for gaining superior health and well being.
The First study we are going to take a look at was undertaken by the University of Texas MDAnderson Cancer Centre, and has been published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
In the study Lorenzo Cohen and his group of researchers created three groups of women who were undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer.
The first group just received the radiation treatment. The next group practised stretching exercises and the last group took three one hour yoga classes each week during the period they were receiving the radiotherapy.
The researchers found that the group just receiving treatment became fatigued and suffered from other common radiotherapy side effects.
Those in the group who were doing simple stretching exercises suffered from less tiredness.
BUT patients in the last group who participated in the yoga exercises which included breathing, meditation and relaxation techniques experienced many improvements over the other two groups. They had better energy, improved ability to engage in their daily activities, increases in general health and less stress. Women in this group were also found to be better emotionally equipped to find meaning in their cancer experience. Quite significantly their hormones when tested also showed reductions in stress hormones such as cortisol which has been scientifically linked to better outcomes in breast cancer.
Study Reference - Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2014; DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2012.48.2752
In the study Lorenzo Cohen and his group of researchers created three groups of women who were undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer.
The first group just received the radiation treatment. The next group practised stretching exercises and the last group took three one hour yoga classes each week during the period they were receiving the radiotherapy.
The researchers found that the group just receiving treatment became fatigued and suffered from other common radiotherapy side effects.
Those in the group who were doing simple stretching exercises suffered from less tiredness.
BUT patients in the last group who participated in the yoga exercises which included breathing, meditation and relaxation techniques experienced many improvements over the other two groups. They had better energy, improved ability to engage in their daily activities, increases in general health and less stress. Women in this group were also found to be better emotionally equipped to find meaning in their cancer experience. Quite significantly their hormones when tested also showed reductions in stress hormones such as cortisol which has been scientifically linked to better outcomes in breast cancer.
Study Reference - Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2014; DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2012.48.2752
From the perspective of Eastern Medicines, Yoga and Qigong, in terms of health are seen as two of the strongest methods to increase energy in the body. With more energy then every organ and other part of you is powered up to work more effectively. Which does not just help to prevent disease but also increases general health and well being.
I shall be writing much more about Yoga and Qigong in future articles.
I shall be writing much more about Yoga and Qigong in future articles.
