There is one thing that is consistent during this time of year – planning Breast Cancer Awareness events at SAS and throughout the community. I have a deep passion due to the family history, genetics and simply wanting to help others.  I’m also a strong believer in research, education and using complementary and alternative therapies. It makes me smile when I see studies that are also looking for ways to support and nurture the whole person. I want to share a study with you where yoga and meditation were found to help improve quality of life of individuals diagnosed with cancer.

Researchers looked at a variety of different therapies – over 80 – and found some interesting observations. Based on these particular findings, the Society for Integrative Oncology is making recommendations to help support those with breast cancer and cancer, in general. Let’s take a look.

• Utilizing music therapy to calm the central nervous system
• Practicing meditation and yoga for anxiety and stress reduction
• Improving depression with meditation and relaxation techniques including yoga and music therapy
• Receiving a massage to reduce stress and improve clarity
• Improving quality of life with yoga and meditation
• Receiving acupressure and acupuncture to help reduce nausea associated with chemotherapy

The great news is that a large majority of people with cancer (80%) use one or more alternative and integrative therapies. Now that evidence has evolved supporting these approaches, hopefully more will engage and find relief during this difficult time. Learn more!

Discover more about the practice of meditation and mindful breathing.