"Yoga is standing on our feet, not just on our head."
-- Yoga Master Swami Satchidananda
Therapeutic Yoga
I believe that EVERYONE -- no matter their situation -- can practice yoga. Not only does yoga do wonders for the body and help soothe us, it is essential for staying calm, focused and centered when our lives take unexpected turns.
If you or someone you know suffer from any physical or stressful issues, the soothing stretches and mindful breathing techniques of yoga are a wonderful companion to your doctor's execellent care.
You and I will work slowly and gently together, addressing your unique need with poses and stretches specifically tailored to you and your body.
Yoga can also be extremely beneficial in conjunction with Physical Therapy. If you or someone you know can use Physical Therapy in the Central NJ area, please use the contact below or reach out to me for more information.
Donna Heleniak, Manager
Physical Therapy Unlimited
23 Mountain Boulevard
Warren, NJ 07059
phone: 908.756-8898
fax: 908.756.8899
In addition, Mesothelioma is one of many conditions whose symptoms have been relieved through yoga, as referenced in the article below:
Yoga Proven Effective in Complementary Cancer Care
By Jack Bleeker
The 21 Century has brought with it tremendous strides in cancer survival and the efficacy of therapies. Among the more important aspects of this progress is the implementation of integrative oncology as an effective model for cancer treatment. Integrative oncology emphasizes not only the use of traditional cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and surgery, but also complementary, non-curative therapies designed to ease the process of cancer treatment for the patient. These therapies can range from acupuncture to meditation, but have proven more often than not to be effective in assisting patients through the discomforts commonly associated with traditional cancer treatment. One therapy being incorporated into cancer care in recent years is Yoga.
The primary goals of integrative oncology are to achieve effective cancer treatment while maintaining patient comfort and relief of stress. Just as Yoga has been used for hundreds of years as an effective stress release mechanism for many people, so too is it now being utilized by cancer patients.
While further research is ongoing, preliminary studies examining the effects of Yoga among cancer patients and survivors support the efficacy of Yoga within cancer treatment regimens, including the combating of symptoms caused by chemotherapy drugs. Yoga has shown to dramatically reduce sleeplessness, cancer-related distress, nausea, and excessive fatigue.
Some aggressive cancers are difficult to treat with curative therapies. Many patients of malignancies such as mesothelioma choose to incorporate alternative therapies such as Yoga, not to supplant traditional therapies, but to improve quality of life and reduce anxiety associated with terminal disease. Therapies which can reduce stress levels and alleviate symptoms associated with aggressive chemotherapy cocktails and radiation treatments can be extremely beneficial not only to patients but also to family members and loved ones of patients. This is not to say however, that Yoga and other alternative therapies are appropriate for all patients. Patients of mesothelioma cancer, for instance, should speak with an oncologist from one of the various mesothelioma clinics as well as their regular physician to ensure that they are in good enough health to pursue any therapy which could induce mild stress on the body. However, support for Yoga and other well-being-based therapies is growing among the oncology establishment and many cancer centers are introducing sessions designed for patients and family members. If the ultimate goals of complementary cancer care are to introduce therapies which improve comfort levels and reduce stress experienced by patients and loved ones, Yoga will be at the forefront of integrative oncology now and in the future. Reference
Bower, Julienne E., Woolery, Alison, Sternlieb, Beth, and Garet, Deborah. “Yoga for Cancer Patients and Survivors.” Cancer Control 12 (2005): 165-71
Please contact me for more information on therapeutic yoga and for more information on mesothelioma, please visit www.mesothelioma.com.
Thank you!
