In this episode of The Cancering Show, Dr. JYP welcomes certified oncology yoga instructor Michelle Ryan-Day to discuss the transformative impact of yoga for cancer patients and survivors. Michelle shares her journey into oncology yoga, emphasizing its evidence-based benefits, including reducing recurrence risk, managing treatment side effects such as fatigue and neuropathy, and supporting emotional health. The conversation highlights the accessibility of chair-based yoga tailored for all fitness levels, the power of the breath, and the importance of self-compassion in healing. Listeners also get a bonus: a 60-second guided breath exercise to try out yoga’s self-care benefits.
Check out yoga4cancer.com for more yoga info!
3 Key Listener Takeaways
1. Yoga is accessible and beneficial for cancer patients and survivors
Michelle Ryan-Day emphasizes that yoga — especially oncology-specific, chair-based yoga — is accessible for everyone, regardless of physical limitations or where they are in their cancer journey. Oncology yoga classes are designed to be safe and effective, taking into account common cancer treatment side effects such as fatigue, lymphedema, neuropathy, and low bone density. The focus is not on advanced poses, but on gentle movement, community, and adapting practices to individual needs so that anyone can participate and experience the benefits.
2. Evidence supports yoga's role in recovery and survivorship
Dr. JYP notes that yoga is a well-studied intervention, supported by hundreds of studies and recommended by reputable organizations such as the American Cancer Society. Practicing yoga regularly can help treat symptoms including fatigue, emotional distress, and physical limitations. It may also reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and enhance long-term health and survivorship, making it a valuable, low-cost addition to cancer care.
3. Mindfulness and breathwork play a vital role in healing
They discuss the transformative power of awareness, especially through breathwork and mindfulness. Learning to control and be mindful of one's breath can regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote feelings of well-being and self-compassion. Michelle walks listeners through a simple breathing exercise, demonstrating how breath can be an immediate tool for physical and emotional balance. This focus on mindfulness promotes not only physical recovery but also the emotional healing and self-acceptance crucial to cancer survivorship.
Show Overview
02:05 Meet Michelle Ryan-Day
03:28 “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”
05:30 A different kind of yoga
09:30 Who can benefit from oncology yoga?
13:30 Special considerations for cancer patients and survivors
15:08 Learn to love yourself and your body
19:50 60-second breath exercise for listeners
23:00 What cancer patients say about oncology yoga
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