The Langeloth Foundation, and Other Private SourcesYou have probably heard a lot about yoga recently in the press, from friends, associates, or local advertisements. Much of this popularity is based on its many benefits. In addition to increasing physical fitness and flexibility, research has shown that yoga can improve the health of patients with a heart disease, diabetes, asthma, chronic pain, migraines, and anxiety. But what about cancer? We know that cancer patients can experience a number of physical and emotional symptoms and side effects from the diagnosis and/or its treatment. Recent research has begun to show that yoga can help improve overall quality of life, emotional well-being, physical symptoms, and emotional distress among cancer patients and survivors.
Here at the Albert Einstein Cancer Center, researchers are studying the physical and emotional effects of yoga on patients with breast, lung and colorectal cancers. Below is a specific description of our yoga program:
How do you do yoga?
The Yoga in this study involves three exercises:
- Stretching - simple movements involving all joints of the body one after another including the hands, elbows, shoulders, neck, spine, hips, knees and feet.
- Breathing exercises - sitting in a comfortable position and learning how to quiet the mind into a state of deep relaxation.
- Relaxation exercises - slow, deep and gentle breathing.
How do I participate?
There are 3 parts to participating in this study:
- First, you can participate if you have been diagnosed with or had a recurrence of breast, lung or colorectal cancer within the last 5 years. This includes newly diagnosed patients and those currently on cancer treatment.
- Second, you will be asked to answer some questions (usually over the telephone) about how you’re feeling both physically and emotionally every month or so, for up to 6 months.
- Third, you will be asked to attend weekly yoga classes led by a certified Yoga Instructor. We will also give you an audiocassette or CD to help you practice yoga at home.
Yoga in the News
Yoga Therapy - Channel 4 News | Yoga Therapy | Yoga News | Yoga News 2
Our yoga program is provided in both English and Spanish, and there is no charge for participation. Click the images to enlarge.
For more information, please call (718) 430-2380, or email us at: cancersupport@einstein.yu.edu