Can yoga or meditation help my sister cope with breast cancer?

Ans: Namaste!
Yoga postures enhance blood flow and circulation throughout the body that is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When one has to deal with a serous disease like cancer, the body’s functions start to become less efficient. In addition, chemotherapy and radiation also lead to a buildup of cell waste and damaged tissues. I had gone through these issues the first time when I was detected with endometriosis leading to uterine cancer, but I was sure that I would never want to go through this treatment again. The pain, anxiety, loss of appetite, lack of exercise, insomnia and low blood counts caused by allopathy treatments are also huge contributing factors for me to refrain from Practicing allopathy again. So when I was detected with breast cancer 6 years later, I discovered powerful tools through Yoga, that helped me relieve cancer-related fatigue almost immediately. Asanas, mudras, pranayam, Dhyan etc. helped me navigate through this disease more holistically. The thing is that Yoga will help you deal with stressful situations of the mind and body more easily that any other form of practice. Yoga teaches you to remain calm in the most stressful situations and helps you develop a harmonious relationship, first with yourself and then with everything and everyone around you.

Ans: Namaste! Yoga helps combat prostate growth by strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor for better bladder control and lessens the severity of benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms in men. Try these five simple asanas to help your father in law. It is highly recommended that you help him learn these 6 postures by engaging a qualified yoga instructor before he starts to practice them on a regular basis.
Baddha Konasana, Janushirasana, Viparita karni, Virasana, Supta-Padangushthasana and Dhanurasana. Practicing these postures will help immensely.

Ans: Encouraging small moments of joy can also help. Whether it’s watching a lighthearted movie, listening to his favorite music, or simply sitting with him in silence, these little things can make a difference. If he believes in faith or spirituality, guiding him toward prayer, meditation, or talking to a spiritual mentor might provide comfort.

Financial stress can add another layer of worry. If possible, exploring government or NGO aid for cancer patients could lighten the burden. Helping him with everyday responsibilities, like managing appointments or sorting out paperwork, can also reduce his stress.

Most importantly, remind him that he is not alone. He has you and the rest of the family standing by his side. Even in moments of fear, the presence of love and support can give him the strength to keep going. How has he been handling everything emotionally? Does he open up, or does he tend to keep things bottled up?

Ans: Yoga cannot guarantee the prevention of cancer, but it can play a supportive role in maintaining overall health, reducing risk factors, and improving well-being. Many studies suggest that regular yoga practice helps reduce stress, improve immunity, balance hormones, and promote detoxification—all of which may lower the risk of cancer in women.

How Yoga Can Help:
Reduces Stress: Chronic stress weakens the immune system and increases inflammation, which can contribute to disease. Practicing meditation, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques keeps the body in balance.
Boosts Immunity: Gentle yoga poses improve blood circulation and support the lymphatic system, which helps remove toxins from the body.
Balances Hormones: Hormonal imbalances may increase the risk of conditions like breast and ovarian cancer. Regular yoga helps maintain a healthy endocrine system.
Supports Detoxification: Twisting poses and deep breathing help the body eliminate waste and toxins.
Recommended Practices:
Pranayama (Breathwork): Anulom Vilom and Bhramari help calm the nervous system.
Yoga Poses: Cobra Pose, Twists, and Forward Bends improve digestion and circulation.
Meditation & Relaxation: Yoga Nidra and mindfulness reduce stress and promote healing.
For personalized guidance, consult a yoga coach who can create a practice suited to your health needs.

R. Pushpa, M.Sc (Yoga)
Online Yoga & Meditation Coach
Radiant YogaVibes
https://www.instagram.com/pushpa_radiantyogavibes/