Cancer. The word itself can spark fear and sets off a flurry of appointments, tests, and decisions, often leading to interminable waiting for diagnostic results and next steps. Certified yoga therapists, informed by ancient practice and current science, are part of an evidenced-based supportive healthcare team uniquely qualified to meet the whole person by addressing mind, body, spirit. This book: Develops an understanding of the key principles of yoga therapy as a vital aspect of an integrative health practice, enhancing the quality of patient-centered care. Demonstrates the practice of Yoga Therapy to witness, accompany, explore, and ease suffering - informed by yoga philosophy and deepened by therapeutic relationship and compassionate presence. Acknowledges the shock and challenge of a cancer diagnosis and the way in which yoga therapists uniquely and holistically respond through therapeutic listening, supportive care, and the capacity to offer evidence-based ancient and modern mind-body practices to enhance wellness and mitigate treatment side effects at each stage of care. Highlights research and clinical practice within a wide range of therapeutic yoga practices (such as movement, meditation, breath inquiry) from both the West and India. Explains unique problems associated with type and stage of cancer (and comorbidities), as well as common problems associated with conventional therapies (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and bone marrow transplant) and their effect on the body, the whole person, and the support team. Explores the unique emotional and physical challenges at each phase of the cancer continuum, from the shock of diagnosis to the insistent fear of recurrence, from the lingering physical side effects to the underlying fear of death. Points to evidenced-based yoga practices and experts in the field of oncology-based yoga therapy from a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework, informed by both yoga philosophy and current neuroscientific knowledge. Offers considerations, guidelines, and contraindications when working with people facing cancer at any level of energy and ability (from bed-yoga to adapted asana practice) and highlights the advantages of both small group practice and individualized sessions. Outlines the unique perspective of certified yoga therapists with exceptional expertise working with all populations (pediatric, adolescent/young adult, adult, geriatric, couples, caregivers) and in various locations including hospital (in-patient, out-patient, ICU, infusion center), clinic, studio, retreat center, in-home, and via internet delivery. Highlights on-line sessions for those in self-isolation as seen in the care provided in the time of Covid-19. Portrays yoga therapy in real-time, one-on-one and/or in small groups, in an inquiry-based session to bring the voice of the client front and center. This book will prove essential to yoga therapists, physical therapists, cancer care providers, including oncologists and nurse practitioners, psychologists, and other health professionals interested in yoga as a therapeutic intervention in the management of the complexities associated with a cancer diagnosis. Patients, survivors, and patient advocates will also have a strong interest in learning what yoga therapy can provide in the care of people facing cancer at any stage in the continuum.
Leigh Leibel, Yoga Therapist and Cancer Exercise Specialist, Director of Adult Mind-Body Therapy, Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, New York -Presbyterian/ Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA. Leigh is a journalist and mind-body specialist with an interest in cancer and non-communicable disease prevention and supportive care. She has a clinical practice in integrative oncology at NY-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center in New York City and is a 2018 alumna of the NIH/NCI Cancer Prevention and Control Fellowship Program in Bethesda, MD. Her research focuses on yoga and aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia in post-menopausal breast cancer survivors. Anne Pitman, Yoga Therapist and Integration Manager at the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre and Director of the School of Embodied Yoga Therapy. Anne is a practicing certified yoga therapist, and integration specialist working within the realm of cancer treatment and care across the continuum at the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre, where she works with staff and clients in one-on-one or small group practice. She is a Director of the School of Embodied Yoga Therapy (an IAYT certified program), where she educates certifying yoga therapists with a full understanding of the width, breadth and scope of yoga therapy for those facing cancer, working compassionately with accompanying mental health, trauma, and the many side effects of cancer treatment. She participates in research (currently heart rate variability after cancer treatment) and speaks internationally with regard to anxiety, diagnosis shock and the surprising health benefits of befriending death and the ending of days.
Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Yoga Therapy in Oncology: An Embodied Map of Care Chapter 3 Yoga Therapy in Clinical Practice: Practicalities Chapter 4 Understanding Cancer and its treatment Chapter 5 The Biological Intersection of Yoga and Cancer Chapter 6 The Cancer Care Continuum Chapter 7 Yoga Therapy in Oncologic Care: The Way Forward
