yoga4cancer (or y4c) is an evidence-informed oncology yoga method tailored to address the specific physical and emotional needs left by the cancer and cancer treatments. The approach matches breath and movement to stimulate the immune system, improve flexibility & strength, reduce anxiety and boost overall well-being. Based on the latest research and recommendations, we mitigate the short and long term side effects that cancer patients and survivors face like bone loss, lymphedema, scar tissue, constipation, neuropathy, fatigue, anxiety and many more.

Oncology yoga is designed to help cancer survivors achieve the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services exercise recommendation of between 150 – 320 minutes of exercise per week to speed recovery or defend against cancer reoccurrence.

Oncologist and cancer organizations are recommending yoga and exercise as part of a cancer survivors recovery and management plan. Both the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends between to 150 – 320 minutes of exercise per week to speed recovery or defend against cancer occurrence and reoccurrence.

In the 2018 guidelines, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services highlighted that an active yoga practice (explicitly mentioning Vinyasa) was necessary and highlighting that gentle yoga (commonly used in many cancer centers) is not enough to achieve the recommendations.  Therefore, more and more cancer survivors are seeking active, informed yoga classes to gain both the physical and emotional benefits of yoga.

But, not all yoga is the same and for cancer survivors the needs are different. Oncology yoga programs are required to provide safe and effective support.

by Tari Prinster. Published in Kripalu.  Yoga for cancer patients—what better way to manage anxiety, gain strength, increase flexibility, and create feelings of well-being! A growing body of research points to this path, both during and after treatment. But it’s important for teachers to realize that teaching yoga to cancer patients and survivors is different than teaching yoga in a typical class. Here’s why.

Specialized Training Is Required

B. K. S. Iyengar said it best: “Do not imagine that you already understand and impose your imperfect understanding on those who come to you for help.” Most yoga teachers, whatever their style or practice, are trained to teach a general population. While 200-hour trainings typically include anatomy modules, there’s not enough time to cover specific physiological topics, such as cell development, or psychological challenges, like the acute anxiety induced by a diagnosis of a life-threatening disease. It’s not possible to cover the specific needs or risks of the survivor in a standard yoga training.