Most people are familiar with yoga as a way to stretch and help the body relax. But not many people know that it can also benefit palliative patients. According to World Health Organization, over 56.8 million people require palliative care annually.

However, a huge percentage of that number can't afford it because they come from low- to middle-income families. This necessitates the need to develop alternative ways to manage whatever condition a patient is suffering from. One technique that has proven to help is yoga therapy.

How does yoga help palliative patients?

As a palliative patient treks through pain, self-pity, and loss of hope, the one constant thing is their emotional state, which is stress. Yoga is a mind-body technique that aims to create balance and harmony in the spiritual, physical, and mental aspects of life. People can do many things to maintain their health and sanity during this difficult time. You can check out Motherhood Community, a site that offers more insight into managing your health, especially through yoga.

As much as yoga has been practiced for over 5, 000 years, it has only recently been incorporated into the healthcare field. Research has shown that it can help improve sleep quality, reduce stress, enhance moods, and manage certain physical symptoms. These are some of the reasons yoga is good for palliative patients.

Eases muscles pain

Being under palliative care comes with a significant amount of pain. Yoga poses can ease cramped muscles and boost one's flexibility.

Promotes Balance

As expected, when someone has a serious condition such as cancer, their muscles might weaken, increasing the risk of falling. One of the aims of yoga programs is to help improve balance. This can be done by teaching patients how to hold poses for longer.

It can be adapted easily

The poses you see people doing on TV or in magazines are done by people who are in amazing health. But yoga therapy for palliative patients isn't necessarily done like this. Yoga instructors won't push you to the point where your body hurts or you injure yourself. They also don't expect a palliative patient to perform the same way as someone in optimal health or who has been practicing yoga for a long time. They will teach you simple poses that your body can handle.

Promotes better breathing

Yoga is about centering yourself mentally and physically. And to get there, you don't just focus on stretches but your breathing as well. It teaches you how to breathe deeper and better, allowing you to feel calmer and more relaxed. For instance, a condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes shortness of breath. Breathing exercises can help you breathe better. Hospice patients usually have different concerns and anxieties all the time. These breathing exercises minimize all this emotional stress, even if briefly.

One can do yoga anywhere

While yoga instructors usually have studios for people to practice, palliative patients may not have the energy to visit such centers. However, they can still enjoy online classes or find someone who makes house calls. And even when you're weak, the instructor can teach you modified poses that you can do on the bed or a chair.

Gives you perspective

Are you familiar with laughter yoga? This technique combines yoga breathing exercises and unconditional laughter, which can boost your perspective, especially during this difficult time.

Examples of Yoga Practices That Help in Palliative Care

Yoga consists of various components and styles. That means the instructor can use a particular technique based on your individual needs. The goal of yoga therapy for palliative care is to empower patients and help them face and accept a condition. Here are some of the common practices mentioned below.

Gentle yoga poses (Asanas)

Gentle yoga poses can boost strength, flexibility, and balance. These poses help ligaments and joints and strengthen muscles through movement. Asanas can be modified to suit one's needs. The technique has also been found to reduce pain and fatigue among cancer patients.

Meditation

Mediation is an important aspect of yoga that can lead to awareness and help you cope with stress. Understandably, palliative patients aren't just suffering from physical pain but stress as well. Meditation can ease the symptoms of mental fatigue.

Regulated Breathing Techniques

Diaphragmatic breathing involves using the diaphragm consciously to take deep breaths. Unlike normal breathing, in deep breathing, you use your lung's full capacity, increasing lung efficiency. This technique can reduce your anxiety levels. Anyone can practice these techniques, including a person in a hospital bed.

Mindfulness

This is another important component of yoga. It can be practiced anywhere, anytime, and by anyone, including a patient with disabilities. This practice can help traumatized patients cope with stress and face the realities of pain, sickness, and death.

Dynamic, yogic sleep (Yoga Nidra)

This is a simple technique that involves relaxing on a blanket, mat, or bed. A 45-minute session will leave you feeling like you just had the most peaceful nap. This practice promotes peace, relaxation, and self-awareness. As a result, it can reduce anxiety, rage, and emotional reactivity.

Consider incorporating yoga therapy into your treatment if you or a loved one is under palliative care. Doing so can help both your mental and physical health.