How the Yamas & Niyamas Inform Oncology Yoga—and Why the World Needs It Now
When we think of yoga, we often picture asanas and breathwork. But behind the movement lie ancient ethical pillars: the Yamas (restraints) and Niyamas (observances) of the path of yoga as outlined in the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali. 
These principles aren’t just philosophical—they’re profoundly relevant when yoga is offered to people whose bodies, minds and lives have been profoundly changed by cancer. When applied with integrity, they become the foundation of ethical, effective, compassionate oncology-yoga teaching.
Why THIS is a pivotal moment
Over 20 million people globally are living beyond a cancer diagnosis. Many continue to face treatment-side effects, delayed recovery, long-term fatigue, bone loss, neuropathy, immune challenges, and the emotional aftermath of “What’s next?” research shows that yoga interventions for cancer survivors can reduce fatigue, improve sleep, reduce anxiety and depression—and enhance overall quality of life.
Medical voices now recommend yoga as part of integrative oncology care.
In this context, a yoga teacher who steps into oncology without specialized training risks doing less than they intend (or worse, causing unintended harm). This is where the Yamas & Niyamas are deeply relevant—they guide how we teach, what we teach and why we teach.
Applying the Yamas & Niyamas in Oncology-Yoga
- Ahimsa (non-harming). In oncology yoga, ahimsa becomes a living, active commitment: protecting the fragile systems of people in treatment, survivors with compromised bone density or immune function, and knowing when to modify or pause rather than push.
- “Do no harm—create safety first, always.”
- Satya (truthfulness). We speak the truth about what yoga can and cannot do; we ground our teaching in evidence (for example, yoga may support recovery but is not a cure).
- “Teach from evidence and kindness.”
- Svadhyaya (self-study / reflection). As teachers, we must continually examine our assumptions: “Is this posture safe for someone with lymphedema?”, “Am I aware of the emotional terrain this student is navigating?”
- “Know yourself so you can serve others well.”
- Santosha (contentment / equanimity). We honour the journey of the survivor: not demanding “back to baseline” but supporting healing in stages, celebrating small gains.
- “Peace arises when we stop trying to fix and start witnessing.”
- Tapas (discipline / dedicated effort). It takes rigorous training, ongoing study, and commitment to teach oncology yoga well.
- “Commit to learning; your discipline is their safety.”
What this means for you as a teacher
If you choose to specialise in oncology yoga, you’re stepping into a role of higher responsibility. You’re not just offering a class—you’re offering a therapeutic support structure. The ethic of yoga demands you know the science (treatments, side-effects, recovery trajectories), the movement (safe adaptations, sequencing, breath work) and the human experience (trauma, fear, hope).
Within a full certification—such as our 75-Hour Oncology Yoga program—you don’t just watch videos, you submit a practicum, engage in mentorship, and emerge ready to teach in hospital settings, studios, private practice or online with confidence and integrity.
Why now—and why your role matters
Because the survivor community is growing. Because research supports the use of yoga in oncology settings. Because people deserve more than “general yoga” when their needs are different. This is a moment of invitation:
- To align your teaching with integrity, ethics and evidence.
- To join a professional community committed to healing, not just movement.
- To live the Yamas and Niyamas in real time, in service of someone else’s recovery.
Next Steps for Yoga and Healthcare Professionals:
- Are you ready to bring your practice and your heart into focused service? To teach with compassion and competence?
- Explore our 75-Hour Oncology Yoga Certification today. Equip yourself to help survivors reclaim their strength, resilience and well-being.
- Because when yoga meets oncology with integrity, the difference is transformational.