Yoga may be an effective stress management therapy for breast cancer patients.
While breast cancer is a physical illness, it would be foolish to think that this disease doesn't affect patients mentally as well. Bodily aches and side effects from therapy can take a real toll on one's morale. However, a study presented at the 34th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium suggests that yoga may be a suitable stress management therapy for these patients.
"Metastatic breast cancer patients experience tremendous psychological distress due to treatment, disease and uncertainty of their survival," the study authors wrote in their abstract.
A team of researchers from India conducted a study on 91 metastatic breast cancer patients. One-half of these subjects practiced yoga daily, while the rest underwent supportive counselling.
After three months, those who practiced yoga showed better signs of psychological health, based on results of questionnaires assessing variables such as quality of life and perceived stress, as reported in Medscape Today. These findings were supported by laboratory specimens from patients showing that they produced less cortisol, which is a hormone produced in times of stress.
Awareness of the value of Texas yoga classes and similar courses to medicine is increasing. As of 2008, nearly 14 million Americans practiced the mind-body regimen based on a recommendation of a doctor or therapist, according to the Yoga Journal.
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Tags: stress management, stress management therapy, Texas yoga, Texas yoga classes
