Well before Valium or Angry Birds, our ancestors probably used basic breathing (remember when your mom told you to count to 10?) to mitigate their stress levels. Yoga is the marriage of healthful breaths and poses, known as asanas, used to harmonize your mind, body and spirit while decreasing stress and promoting a relaxed state.
Medically speaking (Western school of thought, here), yoga is a complementary and alternative therapy used to accompany your medical treatment for colon cancer - not to replace it. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), the National Health Interview Survey showed almost 38 percent of adults have tried some form of complementary therapy, such as yoga.
The great thing about yoga? You don't need a membership, spandex leotards or even the yoga blocks sold at sporting goods stores to participate. You do need a clear mind, the physical presence to try and a doctor's clearance to start. The bad news? Some of the poses can be quite challenging. Remember, yoga is an exercise - take each pose slowly and do not force it. The point is to relax, breath and find your balance (pun intended).
You can find a yoga class with a focus on cancer survivors or the challenges associated with your treatment, such as the Kripalu Yoga (gentle, low-impact form), or a class on Jnana Yoga, which focuses on meditation and mind clarity. There are many different types of yoga; ask your doctor which form of yoga is right for you.
If you want more information, contact the American Yoga Association for general information about yoga or more about how to choose an instructor.
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Great article that can be applied to so much more in life. Thanks.
Unbelievable how well-written and infmroative this was.