Yoga against cancer: How movement changes the life of those affected

Yoga against cancer: How movement changes the life of those affected

In Eisenach, a special yoga program for cancer patients is very well received and not only offers affected people, but also a protected space for exchange and understanding. Jens Matthäi, who was confronted with metastases in the lungs 15 months ago and twice with intestinal or breast cancer, uses the advantages of the cancer yoga course to actively work on his recovery. MDR reports that Matthäi initially had prejudices about sporting activity for men, but he quickly found that the training is good for him and that he is good for him here.

Katrin Huber, another participant, describes similar experiences. After her diagnosis and the loss of her long blond hair, she felt uncertain and limited in normal yoga groups. But the course, which is led by physiotherapist and yoga teacher Katrin Ebert, offers an individual training concept that responds to the needs of the participants. mdr emphasizes that a medical examination takes place in front of each unit to ensure that all participants are fit for the exercises.

The importance of movement is also clearly underlined in oncological training therapy, known as Ott. According to more against cancer , this form of therapy is suitable for cancer patients of all stages and clinical pictures. Patients benefit not only before the start or during medical therapies, but also in aftercare and in chronic courses.

movement has proven to be extremely advantageous to relieve therapy -related side effects. In addition to reducing fatigue and depressive symptoms, there is also an improvement in quality of life and physical functions, no matter how far the disease has progressed. The Onkoaktiv-netzwerk even states that physical activity can significantly reduce the reinforcing rates, especially for breast, intestinal and prostate cancer.

a holistic approach to health

The idea of ​​establishing the yoga program for cancer patients came up during the corona pandemic by specialist Katharina Drescher, who noticed that her patients wanted to remain active. This initiative is not only a valuable addition to medical treatment, but also a way to experience mutual support in a protected framework.

At the moment, the weekly courses in the Oncological Care Center (OVZ) are not yet covered by the health insurance companies, which presents many patients and their families with a challenge. Nevertheless, offers such as that of Ebert essential contact points are brought back hope and joie de vivre. The progress that Jens Matthäi and Katrin Huber have made impressively show how valuable movement in the therapy of cancer