An afternoon of yoga and support

Editor's Note: This article is written by Maureen Oar, RYT at YOGA Loft. She has met all the educational requirements needed to be registered with the national Yogo Alliance and has pursued additional studies in the therapeutic applications to yoga.

As I turned up the heat, turned on the lights, put on the music and swept the floor at the Yoga Loft, I wondered, “How many will come this afternoon?”

People began to arrive. I greeted familiar faces and welcomed new ones. Before I knew it, we had 21 people join us.

Within the group we had, men and women, old and young, people that had never done yoga before and those that were returning for more.

I thought to myself, “This is what yoga is all about.”

Yoga is for every body and can be adapted and adopted to fit all needs. As we introduced ourselves, some people shared what they felt comfortable with and others just spoke their name. What they shared wasn’t important; we knew we were all there to support one another.

Yoga is a way for survivors to manage the symptoms and the stress of cancer, beyond diagnosis and treatment. Just as important for the caregivers, yoga helps us manage the stress of a loved one dealing with the challenges that arise. Next Month, Sunday May 5th, the doors are wide open as we welcome you onto the path of Yoga...

Yoga for the Cancer Journey

Come and learn how yoga can help you to create, stimulate and maintain an optimum state of physican and emotional health.

Cancer survivor and certified yoga instructor Maureen Oar, RYT has met all the educational requirements needed to be registered with the National Yoga Alliance and has pursued additional studies in the therapeutic applications of yoga. This class is created to meet the needs of any level of health and fitness and to support you in modifying your practice appropriately.

Anyone living with cancer, survivors and caregivers are welcome. All classes are located at The Yoga Loft, 219 Legion Way SW, Suite 202, Olympia, 98501. View Flyer >>

• Sunday, May 5, 1-2:20 p.m.
• Sunday, June 2, 1-2:20 p.m.
• Sunday, July 7, 1-2:20 p.m.

Still considering Integrative Care Services? Here's what others are saying

Integrative Cancer Care Staff & Advisors: Back row: Jana Wiley, LAc, RN, BSN, MPA, OCN; Evan Hirsch, MD, ABHM; Chad Aschtgen, ND, FABNO; Maureen Oar, RYT; Chris Lower, Rosemary Spyhalsky, RN, OCN, HN-BD; Karen Buckley, LICSW, ACSW, OSW-C; Dennis Clarin, MTCM, LAc, Dipl.Ac Front row: James Stegenga, LAc; Joanna Cashman, RN, E-RYT Patients at Providence Regional Cancer System have access to body-mind-spirit resources, which complement traditional therapies, enhance quality of life and encourage the best possible outcomes for the whole person.

Here's what people are saying about these resources:

• I had cancer the first time in early 1980’s; there was no supportive care. I am so grateful to have it for my second (and recent) cancer diagnosis. It has made the healing process (including mental, physical, nutrition and support) all extremely valuable to me in my recovery. Thank you for being in Thurston County!
• I would not want to go through cancer treatment without these services − they all help so much.
• These programs are great and help in all ways to help us fight our battle with [being] 'just a statistic;' gives us more tools for the fight.
• My naturopathy visits have provided a wealth of information to strengthen my diet and supplement program. I feel this has given me the best possible plan to support my traditional treatments.
• One day, out of the blue, it dawned on me that the burning sensation was gone from my feet. Hooray for acupuncture!
• t’s great to have an experienced person doing the massage since deep tissue massage is not good for those during chemo.
• The yoga class is a wonderful journey, interacting with and supporting each other as we go through the cancer journey together.

Integrative Care Services

• Therapeutic Yoga
• Oncology Massage
• Naturopathic Oncology
• Acupuncture
• Nutrition

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• Integrative care basics and what others are saying
• Have you considered acupuncture?
• What happens in a yoga class for cancer survivors?

Yoga decreases stress for patients undergoing radiation therapy

A recent study by MD Anderson in Texas revealed that patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer benefit from participating in the practice of yoga.

Here are the facts:

• 163 women
• Average age = 52 years
• Diagnosed with breast cancer ranging from early onset to stage three
• Actively undergoing radiation therapy

Each woman was randomly assigned to one of three groups:

• Yoga: one-hour sessions, three times a week during six-weeks of radiation therapy
• Simple stretching: one-hour sessions, three times a week during six-weeks of radiation therapy
• No instruction in either

One month after each woman completed radiation therapy she was asked to report on her health and well-being. The same questions were asked three and six months after therapy. In addition, each woman was tested to measure heart functions and stress hormone levels.

Both the women in the yoga and stretching groups reported less fatigue than the non-exercise group.

Additionally, the women who studied yoga during their six-week radiation therapy reported, “greater benefits to physical functioning and general health and were more likely to perceive positive life changes from their cancer experience than either [group]” Source. 

The yoga group also benefited from a steep decline throughout the day in the stress hormone cortisol. Why does this matter? An increase in cortisol prepares your body for potential flight or fight from danger; it is released during times of stress, and its benefits are only for short term release. Extensive release of cortisol for prolonged periods of time can result in alteration of bodily functions, impairment of the immune system, and alterations in the reproductive systems. (see “What is yoga and how can it help me”)

At Providence Regional Cancer System we believe strongly in the healing power of yoga, which is why it is part of our integrative cancer care program. “Participants of our yoga classes continue to sign up session after session, and continually tell us that it is the highlight of their week. It offers not only relaxation, toning and strengthening, but a sense of community as well,” Rosemary Spyhalsky, nurse coordinator of Providence Integrative Cancer Care.

You might also like:

• What happens in a yoga class for cancer survivors?
• 4 obstacles to yoga defeated

4 obstacles to yoga defeated

The therapeutic benefits of yoga often take a back-seat to the obstacles we’ve set up in our mind. I often hear from students that they were scared to start doing yoga but now that they’ve started they couldn’t be happier with their personal growth.

Here are answers to some of the most common concerns I hear:

I’m not flexible.
Many people wrongly believe that you have to be flexible to begin doing yoga. The truth is you’re actually the perfect candidate for yoga. Yoga treats inflexibility in a natural and calming way.

I’m embarrassed.
Our yoga studio is a non-competitive, non-judgmental environment. You can wear whatever you want to class and if you’re still worried don’t be. Most yoga is done with our eyes closed. You’ll enjoy focusing inward on how your body feels with less emphasis on how you look.

It’s forbidden by my religion.
Some people have the misconception that yoga is a religion. It’s not. Yoga is a practice of self care. It is the application of Western medical science influenced by Eastern philosophy. Yoga is not trying to recruit you or change your beliefs. All people from all religions are welcome to attend, remember, yoga is non-judgmental.

It’s too expensive.
I can only speak for my studio but at Wild Grace Arts we offer many payment options which you can view on our website: http://www.wildgracearts.com/. It’s true that yoga does cost money, but I feel, when you consider the benefits, the cost becomes less important. Yoga is an investment in your health. A small price to pay for preventing stress related illness. You may find that after you have come to a few classes it’s something you want to do on your own, in which case we offer a cd that you can play for a similar “in-class” relaxation experience (call 360.754.3983 if you are interested in purchasing).

You might also like:

• What happens in a yoga class for cancer survivors?
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What happens in a yoga class for cancer survivors?

Chances are you have seen a yoga class, whether it be on television, in a photograph, or even walking past a studio. But at Wild Grace Arts a yoga class for anyone living with cancer, survivors and caregivers is just a little bit different.

First, we sit in a circle. I’ve found that this arrangement creates a unification throughout the class and encourages the feeling of belonging and community cohesion. While traditional yoga classes begin with silence and self-reflection we take the time to chat and check-in with each other. It’s this time when students can talk about how they are doing, what treatments they’re currently undergoing, what fears they may have, really anything on their mind. We also use this time to provide feedback. Maybe a fellow student has already been through the same treatment or feels exactly the same way. In this manner my yoga class is very much like a support group setting. Over the years I am continually reminded how therapeutic it is to be able to tell your story to a sensitive listener.

Of course, we practice yoga too! And again, don’t worry if you have never done yoga before. We are very skilled at adapting yoga poses to meet the needs of any health or fitness level. This class is gentle, designed to release stress and optimize immune system function.

We also work to improve our relationship with our bodies. It’s about expressing gratitude to the body that we have in the present moment. Self observation without judgment is an important part of our practice. In a yoga class for cancer survivors (remember, survivorship begins the day you are diagnosed) we don’t dwell on who you were before your diagnosis. Instead we move forward and think about who you are now.

If you are interested in joining the group I would invite you to come and check it out. The first class is free. We meet every Tuesday from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at Wild Grace Arts located at 507 Cherry St. SE in downtown Olympia. An 8 class card costs $80.00. Family, supporting friends and caregivers are also invited to participate. Give yourself the gift of a therapeutic yoga class. You deserve it! I look forward to meeting you on the mat.

Editor's Note: Yoga Loft located at 219 Legion Way SE, Suite 202, is also part of the Providence Integrative Cancer Care Program. Taught by Maureen Oar, RYT, classes are every Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. You can register for either class by calling 360.412.8951.

You might also like:

• What is yoga and how can it help me?
• Integrative care basics and what others are saying
• Therapeutic yoga: Support for the cancer journey