Yoga Therapy Across the Cancer Care Continuum

Cancer. The word itself can spark fear and sets off a flurry of appointments, tests, and decisions, often leading to interminable waiting for diagnostic results and next steps. Certified yoga therapists, informed by ancient practice and current science, are part of an evidenced-based supportive healthcare team uniquely qualified to meet the whole person by addressing mind, body, spirit. This book: Develops an understanding of the key principles of yoga therapy as a vital aspect of an integrative health practice, enhancing the quality of patient-centered care. Demonstrates the practice of Yoga Therapy to witness, accompany, explore, and ease suffering - informed by yoga philosophy and deepened by therapeutic relationship and compassionate presence. Acknowledges the shock and challenge of a cancer diagnosis and the way in which yoga therapists uniquely and holistically respond through therapeutic listening, supportive care, and the capacity to offer evidence-based ancient and modern mind-body practices to enhance wellness and mitigate treatment side effects at each stage of care. Highlights research and clinical practice within a wide range of therapeutic yoga practices (such as movement, meditation, breath inquiry) from both the West and India. Explains unique problems associated with type and stage of cancer (and comorbidities), as well as common problems associated with conventional therapies (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and bone marrow transplant) and their effect on the body, the whole person, and the support team. Explores the unique emotional and physical challenges at each phase of the cancer continuum, from the shock of diagnosis to the insistent fear of recurrence, from the lingering physical side effects to the underlying fear of death. Points to evidenced-based yoga practices and experts in the field of oncology-based yoga therapy from a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework, informed by both yoga philosophy and current neuroscientific knowledge. Offers considerations, guidelines, and contraindications when working with people facing cancer at any level of energy and ability (from bed-yoga to adapted asana practice) and highlights the advantages of both small group practice and individualized sessions. Outlines the unique perspective of certified yoga therapists with exceptional expertise working with all populations (pediatric, adolescent/young adult, adult, geriatric, couples, caregivers) and in various locations including hospital (in-patient, out-patient, ICU, infusion center), clinic, studio, retreat center, in-home, and via internet delivery. Highlights on-line sessions for those in self-isolation as seen in the care provided in the time of Covid-19. Portrays yoga therapy in real-time, one-on-one and/or in small groups, in an inquiry-based session to bring the voice of the client front and center. This book will prove essential to yoga therapists, physical therapists, cancer care providers, including oncologists and nurse practitioners, psychologists, and other health professionals interested in yoga as a therapeutic intervention in the management of the complexities associated with a cancer diagnosis. Patients, survivors, and patient advocates will also have a strong interest in learning what yoga therapy can provide in the care of people facing cancer at any stage in the continuum.