Yoga Therapy for Cancer trains professional Yoga instructors in several different styles of Yoga therapy, including breath control exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques.
For the aspiring yoga therapist, it’s a great place to start their career. The goal of Yoga Therapy for Cancer is to encourage healing by building on the strengths and providing support to the whole person. It also helps patients deal with the emotional side of cancer, the fear of recurrence, and the limited ability to do daily things. Many people suffering from cancer have limited ability to perform basic activities. Yoga Therapy for Cancer trains professional Yoga instructors in several different styles of Yoga therapy, including breath control exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques.
Candidates are evaluated for basic health and fitness level, as well as their degrees of understanding and skill with breathing, meditation, and relaxation. In a practice called “Yoga as Natural Treatment,” certified yoga teachers evaluate candidates’ knowledge and abilities in these areas. Once certified, yoga teachers help the patients with the breathing exercises and other treatments and refer them to a physician or clinical nurse for additional treatment. Some doctors prefer to use yoga therapy in addition to traditional medicine.
Through certification, yoga teachers can help reduce stress while helping patients increase their overall sense of well being. Yoga training helps students learn breathing and meditation skills that will facilitate better overall health. Candidates learn about stress relief and stress management methods, and they learn how to incorporate those into their daily lives. Most programs also include practical classes like massage and exercise to enhance recovery and provide comfort. Some programs require intensive clinical experience, but candidates are welcome to take part in programs that do not. Candidates who complete a training program are eligible to become full licensed or certified yoga teachers.
Continuing education is required for yoga therapists, because continuing education helps keep them current on changes in laws and regulations related to practicing Yoga Therapy for cancer patients. Candidates are expected to renew their certification every two years or as required by the state in which they live. They may also choose to participate in a continuing education training abroad program. The exact requirements and procedures will vary by each state, so it is important to check with each state’s regulations.
Once they have successfully completed their training, yoga teachers can become certified or registered in different states or countries. They can continue their education in more advanced training programs or pursue employment with a medical practice that offers yoga therapy as part of their program. Candidates can work with oncology or radiation oncology practices or other cancer clinics. There are a variety of positions available at training facilities, including clinical instructors, instructor leads, and physical therapists, and positions in school or private practice.
There are a number of benefits for cancer patients who participate in yoga therapy and meditationThose participating in yoga therapy report higher energy levels and improved moods and feelingsMeditators have greater stamina and are able to focus on healing themselves and their cancer treatmentMany participants feel more balanced and mentally focused, and they are able to make informed decisions about their treatmentThey have increased flexibility and mobility, and are able to manage pain and symptoms much better than they did before
What Is a Yoga Therapist? | Home
