therapy to increase the successful outcomes. Yoga, once
perceived as spiritual practice in Eastern culture, is now being
adapted as a part of CAM across the United States.
Although more research is necessary to discover full benefits
of yoga on cancer treatment outcomes, recent studies suggest
that careful integration of yoga practice in daily activities is
beneficial for symptoms management during and after
different treatments and that it is favorable to maintaining
health and improving quality of life (QOL).
Being diagnosed with cancer brings numerous amount of
emotional and physical stress and anxiety to an individual.
Venes (2005) defined cancer as “Malignant neoplasia [tumorous
condition] marked by the uncontrolled growth of cells, often
with invasion of healthy tissues locally or throughout the
body” (p.323). Yoga is a silent friend that comes to help,
support and guide through treatment and recovery. Subedi
(2014) defined yoga as “a form of non-aerobic exercise that
involves different postures, breathing exercises, and
meditation” (p.586). In Integrating Yoga into Cancer Care (2008)
DiStasio described yoga as the “reflection of the union of the
body, mind, and spirit”, and that yoga “is believed to have
beneficial effects on physical and psychological health” (p.125).