Commentary from Tari Prinster for our community.
I am thrilled to share a research project from Stephanie Blockhuys – a yoga4cancer Certified Teacher and cancer scientist. Stephanie recently published a research review article titled “Yoga as a Complementary Therapy for Cancer Patients: From Clinical Observations to Biochemical Mechanisms” in Krager (an International Health Science and Research Publishing House).
- Published on July 18, 2024 in Complementary Medicine Research
This is important work that I want to share with yoga4cancer teachers, students and followers. I encourage my trainees to read it in full. I thank Stephanie, and in addition, I offer some brief comments and observations. First, since the yoga4cancer White Paper was published in 2018, more research is being done on the benefits of yoga for cancer patients in many institutions worldwide. This has given us a plethora of strong research studies to further support the foundation of the yoga4cancer methodology and our trust in the future of Oncology Yoga. References as recent as 2023 are listed among Stephanie’s 86 citations. They include randomized clinical trials (RCT’s), meta-analyses and systemic reviews presented in an accessible comprehensible format.
Stephanie’s review article includes two summary tables (1 and 2) that are immensely helpful, easing the challenge of reading, comprehending and comparing complex scientific research. These tables are easy to understand, presented clearly with relevant details of the studies, such as, study size, cancer type, and treatment type, study design (e.g. yoga practice type, schedule, control group), as well as observed side effects and outcomes. While Table 1 focuses on RCT’s that apply a complete yoga practice, Table 2 stands out by focusing on singular practice components like pranayama, meditation and relaxation.
I discovered and share the following interesting facts and conclusion points:
- Overall, there is a growing body of compelling evidence supporting the claims that yoga – and yoga4cancer – can reduce inflammation, anxiety and fatigue; foster patient agency, boost immunity function, improve quality-of-life (QOL), general health, physical functioning, and potentially enhance longevity.
- Specifically, lowered cancer related fatigue (CRF) was observed across all practices, but with the most significant improvement seen in yoga groups that included physical activity and movement. This aligns with the y4c mantra: Movement is the prescription for fatigue.
- However, it is important to note that most studies conclude with statements like “warrants further study”. Our role is to continue to advocate for these studies, get involved, and share the growing body of evidence.
- Mouse model studies demonstrated that stretching practices reduced inflammation and tumor growth. I find this fascinating. Could this suggest that the inherent ingredient of a yoga practice might have potential effects on tumor progression or regression?
- It is reported that aerobic exercise can reduce the risk of mortality for breast, colon, and prostate cancers by an estimated 40–50%. This suggests that studies using a more ‘aerobic’ or active yoga practice, such as vinyasa, could help establish a correlation between yoga therapy and increased survivability.
- More studies over the past five years have been done on other cancer types, such as, prostate, lung and colorectal, shifting the focus beyond the historic emphasis on breast cancer. However, additional cancers types still need to be explored.
- According to a 2012 systematic review of over 65,000 patients across 18 countries, the percentage of cancer patients using complementary medicine has risen from about 25% in the 1970s to 49% after 2000.
- While studies are well-constructed to consider the emotional, psychological and physical effects of yoga on cancer patients undergoing treatments there is still no direct evidence how yoga influences the pathophysiology of cancer. Gaining a deeper understanding of these “mechanics” in the body would be a significant contribution to the future of complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) “prescription” supporting cancer patients’ healing.
The review concluded, “… it is reasonable to suggest that yoga therapy may affect the progression as well as the treatment outcome of cancer patients.”
I conclude that yoga4cancer is strongly supported by growing evidence. Moving forward, more research comparing different yoga lineages and identifying individual poses to manage specific side effects is necessary. Until then… Onward Medicinal Oncology Yoga!
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Onwards! Tari Prinster