Natural Health Expert Says Yoga May Help Heal Breast Cancer Survivors

Breast cancer patients and survivors know the standard treatments can be rough—surgery, chemo and radiation therapies not only take a toll on your body, the leave long-lasting side effects. Fatigue is one, disruption of sleep is another, but depression, anxiety and weight loss also are common.

Few treatments are available, but there are options, according to Elaine Gavalas, an author; natural health expert, and blogger for the Huffington Post.

With few treatments available—antidepressants and sleep meds can have their own side effects—Gavalas notes that studies show that cancer patients can benefit from such therapies as stress reduction and exercise classes.

Yoga, she writes, can improve the quality of life for women undergoing breast cancer treatment. It also may help with sleep disorders, fatigue and boost mental health.

Here is a list of local yoga studios and programs for you to consider:

• Downers Grove Park District

• Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center, 3551 Highland Ave.

• Oak Hill Yoga, 1089 35th St.

• Power Yoga on Main, 5223 Main St.

• Yoga Among Friends, 4949 Forest Ave.

Gavalas notes that a 2010 study found yoga improved sleep problems and fatigue. About 75 percent of the patients were breast cancer survivors. Participating for 75 minutes twice weekly, the Yoga for Cancer Survivors program helped the group combat fatigue and sleep loss, the study found.

Gavalas also cites a 2011 study indicating yoga helped cut stress and improved the quality of life for breast cancer patients having radiation treatment.

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