According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), up to 25% of all cancer patients experience depression, but these numbers may actually be much higher. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be experiencing overwhelming feelings of depression yourself, but the good news is there are numerous things that can help you out through these trying times. Yoga is a powerful way of not only batting depression, but it assists in pain management, reducing fear, and much more.
Yoga Benefit #1: Mood Increaser
Yoga has mood-increasing benefits that greatly helps people suffering from anxiety and/or depression Studies indicate that people who participate in two Yoga sessions a week for at least 90 minutes each time will begin to see significant benefits within three month.
Yoga Benefit #2: Pain Management
Unfortunately, pain is common for people with mesothelioma and other forms of cancer. Guided yoga can help with range of motion, circulation, and tense muscles, which can help you manage pain better and speed up the recovery process of cancer treatments.
Yoga Benefit #3: Fear Reduction
Doing yoga regularly results in breathing exercises that help reduce stress responses and help control fear. According to 2013 study on yoga published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH),
“Yogic breathing, defined as a manipulation of breath movement, has been shown to positively affect immune function, autonomic nervous system imbalances, and psychological or stress-related disorders.”
This essentially means that proper breathing exercises will boost your respiratory system, which in turn will help regulate your nerves.
Yoga Benefit #4: Reduces Chances of Cancer
According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas, participating regularly in yoga reduces the chances of you getting other forms of cancer. Per Alejandro Chaoul, Ph.D.,
“Some styles of yoga include postures and movements that may get your heart pumping. And, if your heart rate goes up for an extended period of time during yoga, you can count it as exercise.”
What Type of Yoga Should Mesothelioma Patients Do?
It’s important to note that there are different style of yoga, such as intense yoga, Vinyasa flow, and restorative yoga. Experts suggest that mesothelioma patients concentrate on restorative yoga, guided by a professional. Restorative yoga is considered a light form of yoga, and recommended for people who are undergoing chemotherapy. In fact, many doctors recommend that patients do restorative therapy at the same time they are undergoing cancer treatment, as a form of alternative therapy.
If you need assistance finding a yoga class and instructor near you, ask your physician for assistance, who may be able to give you a referral to a yoga instructor who specializes in cancer patients.
Additional Information and Resources for Cancer Patients
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other illness due to asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Use our free Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool to find a top mesothelioma attorney in your area. With over $30 billion currently in asbestos trust funds, now is the right time to take the first step in determining what you may qualify for. For questions or if you need additional assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-694-4856.
