FEATURE : CANCER TREATMENT : YOGA & MODERN MEDICINE
Cancer Treatment : Yoga & Modern Medicine
By Ryan Baggett
A diagnosis of cancer is universally feared . There is no running away . The lion has you cornered . This initial reaction varies from person to person , depending on emotional health , support network , and many other factors , but there are emotional and social repercussions common among new cancer patients . The diagnosis alone is similar to facing the death of a loved one , with classic stages of grief including denial , anger , bargaining , depression and acceptance . The stages are very real and difficult to navigate .
Those are large concepts to deal with , but grief is a sorrow so large and powerful that one cannot help but be overwhelmed .
Grief is natural . The earth-shattering aspect of a cancer diagnosis screams out for something solid to ground the new patient . This is why yoga has been a growing component of cancer treatment alongside modern medicine . Yoga is large enough to encompass physical , mental and spiritual health .
Most cancer patients are unfamiliar with yoga , and few know that it is offered through many hospitals and partner organizations such as Cancer Support Community ( CSC ), Little Red Door , and Pranayoga Foundation . Yoga has found a home in our medical community as a powerful tool to improve the emotional and spiritual being while the body heals from cancer or other traumatic illnesses .
The CSC in Indianapolis occupies a beautiful spacious building with a central , high-ceilinged rotunda that emanates peace and tranquility . All types of classes , counselling , support groups and other services are completely free . This is made possible by donations , grants and fundraisers . The largest fundraiser is an annual event called “ Laughing Matters ,” and next March they are bringing Jay Leno to the Hilbert Circle Theater .
Elaine Drew , a regular attendee of the CSC yoga classes , was diagnosed with
44 INDIANA & YOGA MAGAZINE ISSUE 2