FEATURE : CANCER TREATMENT : YOGA & MODERN MEDICINE
throat cancer several years ago , received treatment , and has been in remission for a few years since . “ I wasn ’ t aware that this program existed while I was in treatment ,” Drew said . “ I was weak from chemo and radiation , needing a wheelchair to get around .” She found the CSC and the yoga classes a couple years into remission and used yoga to increase her balance and flexibility . After three years , she appears quite fit and mobile . “ I am retired , so I have the time for yoga now .”
Time is definitely a key , and many cancer patients struggle to make time for the “ luxuries ” of yoga practice , especially when they are worried about their life being torn apart at the seams . Some struggle with transportation . Even if a patient is mobile enough to get through work and family life , with the added burden of doctor visits , they may live far away from any suitable yoga class .
Yoga is not only beneficial for the patient . “ Anybody impacted by cancer is welcome [ at the CSC ],” according to Eric Richards , president & CEO of the nonprofit organization . Yoga , among other programs , is offered to help both family and caregivers of the patients . Nurses , doctors and therapists who are fighting alongside the cancer patients for weeks and months at a time may need support after developing relationships and experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions during this traumatic time . “ We encourage our staff to participate in programs ,” Richards said . “ We [ CSC staff ] are impacted by cancer everyday , if you factor in the secondary trauma .”
The CSC will serve about 5,000 individuals in 2016 , according to Richards . “ We ’ re proud of that but we know it ’ s just scratching the surface .” He estimated there are 200,000 people with cancer in Central Indiana , with 20,000 diagnosed each year . Richards believes yoga is an “ anxiety , depression and isolation reducer ,” and those types of issues are multiplied by a cancer diagnosis . “ Forty percent of cancer patients suffer from extreme distress , to the point where they are choosing whether or not they want to live , or go to treatment , or just give up .” Organizations that provide yoga , counselling and other quality of life programs help alleviate some of that .
PranaYoga School of Yoga and Holistic Health in Fort Wayne is one of the first 25 yoga therapy programs approved by the International Association of Yoga Therapists , and the only such school in Indiana . Their 830 Hour Sattva
46 INDIANA & YOGA MAGAZINE ISSUE 2