Integrating yoga intervention into childhood cancer care

Pages: 144-146
Rajni Sharma (Department of Pediatrics, PGIMER, Chandigarh)
Radhyshyam (Department of Psychology, Mahrishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana)

Cancer is a term used to name diseases where abnormal/unhealthy cells grow without control. However the impact of childhood cancer is significant. Some studies has reported a decreased physical fitness and a poor social functioning, muscular weakness, reduced functional capacity, flexibility, mobility and affected quality of life in cancer patients. yoga teaches the patients to connect more strongly to their body and also helps them to experience being calm, to reduce stress, to experience well being, self empowerment and improve coordination and balance, help clear out toxins, increases the current of oxygen-rich blood to the cells, enhance one’s mood and may restore the physical function. Yoga is increasingly integrated into cancer care and also provides evidence of clinical benefits of yoga for pediatric oncology. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of yoga for pediatric cancer patients.