What is yoga therapy?

While yoga may draw to mind images of mat-filled studios, yoga can be practiced in many places, including healthcare settings. The use of yoga in healthcare is called yoga therapy. Yoga therapy is tailored to the needs of individuals who are managing health conditions, including cancer, explains Smitha Mallaiah, a senior mind-body intervention specialist.

“Yoga therapy is a very focused area of clinically applying these yoga principles and practices,” she says.

Here, she explains more about yoga therapy, how it is used in cancer care and how to get involved.

How is yoga therapy different from regular yoga?

Yoga is a mind-body practice. It is a physical exercise and a mental practice, as well as relaxation, that combines mindfulness, awareness and focusing on your breath.

Yoga therapy combines these mental and physical components while considering each person’s unique needs and health conditions, Mallaiah explains.

“Yoga therapy assesses the individual needs of the person with cancer and determines what safe and effective evidence-informed practices they should try,” she says.

While general yoga teacher training is 200 hours, yoga therapists complete an additional 800 hours of training along with hands-on work with patients. Yoga therapists gain a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, disease pathology, safety considerations, assessments and clinical guidelines, Mallaiah explains.

This allows patients to enjoy the benefits of yoga while staying safe. For example, Mallaiah notes hot yoga isn’t the best fit for cancer patients undergoing active treatment. That’s because increasing your body’s core temperature can increase the body’s inflammation response, lead to skin irritation in patients receiving radiation and cause overexertion. For patients with bone metastasis, it’s best to avoid strenuous activity as it can lead to excessive stress on weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures or other injuries.

“There are many things a yoga therapist considers when designing a program for cancer patients so it is safe and effective,” she says. “For cancer patients, it’s a safety issue.”

Who is yoga therapy a good fit for?

Yoga therapy is very adaptable, which makes it a good fit for almost all cancer patients, regardless of their fitness level or physical ability. Mallaiah has practiced yoga therapy with patients from all backgrounds: some are long-time practitioners, while others are trying it for the first time.

“There is always something that yoga can offer to anyone who is going through cancer care,” she says.

The only time yoga might not be appropriate for a patient is if they are experiencing delirium, Mallaiah notes. Beyond that, yoga is acceptable for all patients, whether they be in treatment or survivors, long-time yogis or brand-new practitioners, inpatient or outpatient.

“I've seen ICU patients who are intubated who could still meditate with me and benefit from yoga practice,” she says.

What are the benefits of yoga therapy for cancer?

For the past 20 years, MD Anderson has been researching how cancer patients benefit from yoga, Mallaiah says.

This research has shown that yoga can help with:

• Physical functioning, including strength, functional fitness and the ability to perform daily activities.
• Mental health, such as reducing anxiety, depression and stress.
• Symptom burden, or managing symptoms like pain, fatigue, nausea and sleep problems.

Additionally, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) lists yoga as a clinical practice that may help manage cancer symptoms including:

• Pain
• Fatigue
• Sleep disorders
• Distress, including anxiety and depression
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Hot flashes/night sweats
• Sexual dysfunction
• Nausea/vomiting

“Incorporating yoga especially during cancer treatment, and also into survivorship in cancer patients, can ease symptoms and improve quality of life in the long term,” Mallaiah says.

What equipment do I need for yoga therapy?

Yoga therapy requires only a few pieces of equipment, most of which you may already have. Here, Mallaiah talks us through her recommendations.

Comfortable clothes

Choose an outfit that allows you to move and stretch. This could be workout clothes or even pajamas – whatever is comfortable for you.

Non-slip yoga mat

Pick a mat that has light cushioning and enough grip to prevent your feet from slipping.

Chair

Practicing with a chair nearby serves a dual purpose: not only is it a place to rest between poses, but some yoga therapy is even designed to be completed from a seated position.

Props

While Mallaiah says comfortable attire and a yoga mat are the most important pieces of equipment, she notes that some people choose to bring additional yoga props like a block or towel.

Where can I try yoga therapy?

There are multiple ways to get involved in yoga therapy whether you are an MD Anderson patient or not.

Yoga therapy at MD Anderson

MD Anderson patients can try yoga therapy on either an inpatient or outpatient basis. If you are interested in a one-on-one yoga therapy consult at MD Anderson’s Yoga Therapy Clinic, ask your MD Anderson care team for a referral to meet with an Integrative Medicine physician and they will place the order for yoga therapy, Mallaiah says.

The Integrative Medicine Center also offers group yoga classes open to inpatient and outpatient attendees. Visit the Integrative Medicine Center website for a schedule and information on how to register.

Virtual yoga therapy

If you don’t have access to in-person yoga therapy, Mallaiah recommends looking for classes that are described as gentle or restorative.

You can also opt for online classes you can do on your own. Try these five free yoga videos led by Mallaiah. All you need is an internet connection and a chair.

• Chair Yoga 1: Introduction and Joint Loosening
• Chair Yoga 2: Yoga Postures
• Chair Yoga 3: Guided Deep Relaxation Technique
• Chair Yoga 4: Pranayama
• Yoga Nidra Meditation

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-378-0901.