Yoga therapy: proven support for cancer recovery

Ann Stewart highlights the research of how yoga therapy aids in cancer recovery.

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When faced with cancer, many patients may wonder what they can do to help their bodies heal and cope with treatment. The answer is yoga therapy. 

Unlike conventional exercise, yoga therapy is gentle, adaptable, and deeply restorative. It’s not about pushing limits but meeting your body where it is. Through mindful movement, breathwork and guided relaxation, yoga therapy supports your whole being (body, mind and spirit) in a way that traditional workouts cannot.

Yoga therapy is more than just movement; it’s a powerful tool for healing, resilience, and self-care. It guides you toward greater peace, energy, and strength, one breath at a time.

Why yoga therapy stands out

Most forms of exercise focus on building strength and endurance, which can be overwhelming during cancer treatment. Yoga therapy, however, prioritises nervous system regulation, deep healing, and mindful movement, making it accessible even on the most challenging days.

A study conducted by the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center found that yoga therapy can reduce cancer-related fatigue by up to 37%. Additionally, research published by the Society for Integrative Oncology highlights yoga as a recommended complementary therapy for improving sleep quality and reducing stress hormones in cancer patients. More importantly, it provides a sense of control, a way to reconnect with your body and emotions in a safe, compassionate space.

Managing cancer-related fatigue

Fatigue is more than just feeling tired, it’s a profound exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest. Yoga therapy helps by gently increasing circulation, supporting lymphatic flow, easing muscle stiffness, and making daily activities more manageable.

Movements are personalised to your needs; simple breath-linked stretches in bed or gentle chair-based postures. The goal isn’t to work harder but to replenish energy without strain.

Emotional resilience: more than just coping

Cancer can affect mental health, and stress can negatively impact healing. Yoga therapy offers proven tools to shift the body from fight-or-flight mode into a state of deep rest and recovery. Simple techniques, like diaphragmatic breathing and yoga nidra (guided relaxation), help reduce anxiety and improve emotional resilience.

Through one-on-one or small-group sessions, you can be guided through personalised practices that make you feel supported, seen, and empowered in your healing journey.

Beyond stress relief: the deeper healing of yoga therapy

Unlike standard relaxation techniques, yoga therapy is scientifically designed to engage the parasympathetic nervous system, the body’s natural healing state. With consistent practise, it can:

• Lower stress hormones, reducing inflammation.
• Enhance oxygen flow, improving overall vitality.
• Improve digestion and immune function, supporting overall well-being.

Getting started

If you’re curious to experience the benefits of yoga therapy through cancer recovery, reach out today to explore how it can support your journey. You’ll be enthused by the experience and really encouraged by the results.