YOGA Practice For Cervical Cancer Patients

More women are affected by cancer in India and nearly 70% of the reported cases affect organs such as the breast, cervix, Ovary, uterus, and lung. Cervical cancer alone, for example, kills a woman every 8 min cancerindia.org.in)

Cervical cancer treatment presents with side effects which cause interruption in treatment outcomes, both financial and psychosocial. Alternative methods have been adopted, of which Yoga is one? Significant difference was observed with yoga in quality of life, stress, and emotional status, fluctuations in mood, depression, anger and confusion.

According to a study (Effectiveness of Yoga Nidra in Mitigating Stress in Women Undergoing Curative Radiotherapy for Cervical Cancer) the results clearly suggested that yoga nidra was effective in reducing the stress in cervical cancer patients undergoing curative radiation therapy.

Steps to Perform Yoga Nidra

Read slowly the following guided practice, which is an example of Yoga Nidra.

Preparations

1. The ideal time to practice is early morning or evening, in semi-darkness.

2. Practice in Savasana ideally after asana practice.

3. Beginners should learn with a qualified teacher.

4. Once learnt, you can practice from a tape.

5. Wear warm comfortable clothing. Be snug!

Relaxation

Lie on the floor, in the Savasana pose and keep warm. Relax your whole body, checking that your spine is straight and your head and neck are released. Let your limbs fall open either side of your spine, while your toes fall outwards and your palms face upwards.

Close your eyes, allowing them to soften, and turn your attention inwards.

Take a deep, full breath, and as you exhale, allow your body to drop deep into the mat.