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How practicing Yoga can prove beneficial for lung cancer patients

Speeds up clinical trials

Dealing with lung cancer can be unnerving as one passes through a transition from treatment phase to survivorship. Frequent clinic visits, regular medications, and lifestyle changes make the sufferer restless and tensed causing a drastic fall in quality of life.

yogaPersistent mental turbulence reduces the patient’s longevity as well. However, recent evidence regarding the beneficial aspects of yoga for cancer patients are bringing in new hopes for the patients and survivors though not much clinical trials with lung cancer survivors are reported.

The objective is to live a quality life beyond survivorship:

stressed woman

Cancer symptoms are painful and so are the treatment procedures. Worst apprehensions rule the patient’s mind amidst the existing pain creating a traumatic situation which is not easy to cope up with.

Relaxation techniques practices through yoga are believed to provide the desired outlet of mental stress helping in rejuvenating the mind and body. Cancer patients can find mental tranquility through yoga, which would help in improving their quality of life and develop an enhanced sense of belongingness.

How can yoga help lung cancer patients?

bloodYoga and pranayama can bring substantial relief to lung cancer symptoms.

  • Pranayama helps in regenerating dead cells.
  • Boosts body immunity.
  • Releases stress and depression.
  • Improves blood circulation.
  • Breathing exercises strengthens lungs
  • Rejuvenates mind, body, and soul.
  • Induces positive energy in the body.

Lessening the burden of symptoms:

yoga

In an article published in Oncology Nursing Forum, the effects of yoga in a pilot case study on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were brought to light by Fouladbakshsh Davis and Yarandi.

Lung cancer patients in the phase of survivorship often encounter a cluster of symptoms which include sleep disturbances, depressed mood, fatigue, restlessness, breathlessness, chest pain, cough, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Of all insomnia is the most disturbing symptom that initiates from the treatment phase and gradually intensifies during the survivorship taking a severe toll on the patient’s overall well-being. Energy levels decline, physical functioning gets impaired and the mood remains depressed which persists for years after the treatment.

Observations in yoga intervention for lung cancer patients:

lung cancer

The pilot study was carried out with only 7 NSCLC survivors. A series of yoga poses were picked which coordinated with the breath of the participants and the focus was on expanding the diaphragm and rib cage for effortless breathing. Deep abdominal breathing and exhalation were suggested.

In a yoga class, the participants underwent a 25-minute session of various poses, a 10-minute session of breathing exercises followed by a 3-5 minute meditation session. The sessions were conducted weekly and ran for eight weeks. The participants were also encouraged to practice yoga back home with the help of a yoga manual handed out to them.

The following effects were observed as a result of Yoga intervention:

  • Marked improvement in sleep efficiency though there was no change in overall quality and duration of sleep. The necessity of sleep medications reduced by 65%.
  • Marked improvement in the patient’s mood.
  • The mean salivary Cortisol levels decreased indicating stress reduction to some extent.
  • Significant improvement in the quality of physical and mental health. Mental wellness spiked in the first two weeks of the yoga intervention that sustained throughout the duration of the session.
  • Encouraging self-reporting from patients who enjoyed the session. They felt more relaxed and could handle stress better when out of the class. Most importantly, all of them stuck to the regime even after the completion of the session. This clearly indicates that yoga intervention also restored their motivation and zeal to lead a quality life.

The benefits of exercise and movements for cancer patients are well established. Yoga can be adopted as a safe alternate route to exercise. But it is important both for the patient and physicians to understand the effects of yoga on mind and body and appropriate application for the diverse group of cancer patients.
It is important to consult the physician prior to taking to yoga:

yogaYou need to confirm whether yoga is suitable for you or not. There may be physical limitations. Instead of yoga, other relaxation techniques can produce better effects. Even if you opt for yoga, finding the right place and due support is important as well. Some types of yoga are physically demanding which may not be right for you.

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