Yoga benefits breast cancer patients

Breast cancer patients whose cancer cells have spread from their chests may benefit from a yoga exercise designed specifically for them, according to new research results from U.S. medical experts.

James W. Carlson, a professor at Duke University Medical Center, led the study. "The benefits of yoga include reducing pain and fatigue, increasing vitality, relaxation and self-identity," he told Reuters.

The related research article was published in the March issue of the medical journal Pain and Symptom Treatment.

Carlson's research points out that patients with advanced breast cancer need to adopt active and effective methods to control cancer-related symptoms, and the "awareness yoga" specially tailored for such patients has a good effect. Its exercise content includes some gentle yoga postures, breathing training and meditation, which can effectively relieve patients 'pain, fatigue and anxiety.

Thirteen breast cancer patients were the subjects of Carlson's study. Their average age is 59 years old, their average history of breast cancer is 7 years old, and the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. After participating in the study, they participated in "awareness yoga" training once a week for eight weeks. It was found that they had "significantly increased daily vitality and self-acceptance... the pain seemed to decrease, and people seemed to be more relaxed."

The study also found that the above effects not only appeared on the day of yoga class, but also persisted into the next day.

Carlson concluded that the study "provides for the first time some preliminary evidence of the potential benefits of yoga for breast cancer patients who feel hopeless and fragile." (Internship Editor: Lili)