Yoga in cancer rehabilitation

Back to life - with breath, mindfulness and movement

Cancer changes everything: the body, the psyche, the self-image. Even after completing treatment, many patients feel exhausted, insecure or physically restricted. The rehabilitation phase is more than just a medical reconstruction - it is a process of returning to life.

Yoga can be a powerful companion during this phase:
not as a fitness program, but as a holistic way to rediscover body awareness, confidence and vitality.

Challenges after cancer

Depending on the type of disease and form of therapy (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, etc.), there are a variety of after-effects:

• Fatigue (chronic exhaustion)

• Pain, tension, restricted movement

• Lymphoedema or scar adhesions

• Shortness of breath, muscle weakness or posture problems

• Fear of relapse, depressive moods, insecurity in one's own body

Yoga offers gentle, individually adaptable tools to get back in touch with your own body - and with yourself.

How does yoga work in cancer aftercare?

1. breath work & vegetative stabilization

Many patients experience inner restlessness or breathing imbalances after therapy. Pranayama (breathing awareness) can help to regulate the nervous system and reopen the breathing spaces.

2. gentle mobilization & functional movement

Improve targeted movement sequences:

• Posture

• Mobility after operations

• Function of the lungs, lymphatic system and fascia
  Without overstraining, adapted to the form of the day.

3. body awareness & self-efficacy

Mindful movement restores confidence in your own body. Yoga promotes the feeling: I can do something for myself.

4. space for feelings

The illness has often left psychological traces. In the silence of meditation, body journeys or yoga nidra , the unspoken can also be given space.

What needs to be considered?

• The yoga practice must be trauma-sensitive and individually adapted

• No pressure to perform, no dogmatic training methods

• Mindful sequence of movement - breathing - relaxation - integration

• Close coordination with therapists, doctorsor rehab teams recommended

Particularly suitable are:

• Restorative yoga, somatic yoga, yoga nidra, medical yoga, mindful fascia work

Conclusion: Yoga as a gentle path back to self-efficacy

Yoga does not replace medical therapy - but it can strengthen the foundation on which physical, emotional and mental regeneration is possible.

Not faster. Not stronger. But rather: truer, calmer, more connected.

One breath at a time - back to life.

For therapists:
In our training courses, we show how yoga can be used effectively in oncology and cancer aftercare - evidence-based, close to the body and human.

👉 More information at: www.hockenholz.com