The experience of cancer can have a significant impact on patient's quality of life. Using suitable alternative medicine like yoga helps to provide a holistic approach to cancer care. Clinical and anecdotal reports of yoga for cancer patients suggest physical and psychological benefits and an increased sense of participation in the treatment and recovery process. By using a combination of therapies, self care and life style based interventions can contribute to improve their quality of life. The specific objective of this study was to determine the effect of supportive therapy for women with cervical cancer on the non physiologic parameters. A convenience sample of women with cervical cancer (stages 1 to 3), newly diagnosed patients participated in the study. A total of 24 patients were enrolled in the experimental and in the control group. Demographic information and a baseline assessment of Stress, Anxiety and Quality of life were done before the intervention. The intervention consisted of 3 week duration of 30 minute duration 5 days a week yoga session. Participants participated in the yoga session under the supervision of a nurse trained in the Yoga practice. Majority of the participants were illiterate or functionally literate and belonged to the low income group. The mean anxiety score in both the experimental and control group was 48 (high medium anxiety) and the mean score for stress was 22 in both the groups. Both the groups had average quality of life with a mean score of 128 in the experimental and control group. Yoga can be integrated into the nursing practice as a supportive therapy for women with cervical cancers. Mind body therapies enhances the mind's ability to control bodily functions thus improving the end result of a longer and higher quality life for many cancer patients.
To read the full-text of this research,
Request full-text PDF
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any references for this publication.
January 2018
Mind Body Medicine (MBM) focusses on the interactions of mind, body, and behavior to treat physical conditions and their mental co-morbidities. This therapeutic approach goes back to ancient times and has been renewed in modern times through findings in stress and brain research. Based on Aaron Antonovsky's salutogenesis it focusses on the patient's resources as well as on stimulating
... [Show full abstract] self-healing, leading to a better quality of life as well as a healthier lifestyle, self-help and self-efficacy. In supportive cancer care, MBM aims at reducing symptoms and side effects of cancer and its curative or adjuvant treatment. It has been shown in meta-analyses that mindfulness-based stress reduction can significantly improve quality of life, fatigue, sleep disorders, stress, depression, and anxiety in women with breast cancer. Comparable effects were demonstrated for yoga: a recent Cochrane review demonstrated positive effects on quality of life and physical and mental symptoms in women with breast cancer. In randomized trials, hypnotherapy reduced pain and stress associated with breast biopsy and lumpectomy as well as in lumbar puncture or bone marrow aspiration. Moreover, studies found positive effects on fatigue associated with radiotherapy as well as on menopausal symptoms during endocrine treatment in women with breast cancer. In clinical practice, multimodal intervention programs are particularly promising for integrating MBM into supportive cancer care. In clinical trials, such programs demonstrated positive effects on physical and mental symptoms in mixed cancer groups. Given that individual interventions and multimodal programs seem to be not only effective but also safe, MBM can be considered as a valuable addition to supportive cancer care. Read more Article
Full-text available
July 2019 · International Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research
Background: Patients with rare and chronic diseases often face a long journey from diagnosis to treatment. Despite scientific advancements in medical field, and surgical methods available, to cure such cases is difficult. Several such cases were handled by Yoga Prana Vidya Ashram, where the patients were healed and now leading normal life with improved health conditions. This paper reports four
... [Show full abstract] such cases in detail. Methods: This is a case study method, going through full detailed records of the patients' health conditions pre and post treatments using YPV healing system observed through lab test records, as well as data collected from follow-up interviews of the subjects. Results: Analysis of each case shows positive results of improvements obtained with YPV healing methods used by healers and also, some self-healing techniques practiced by the patients, enabling them to lead normal life. Conclusions: This case study documents the evidence gathered on the effective uses of YPV in healing and treating multiple ailments, besides curing some chronic ailments. To produce holistic and optimum results, YPV uses a combination of approaches such as, (1) physical exercises including rhythmic yogic breathing, (2) Salt free diet; fruit diet, (3) Meditation techniques, (4) healing by trained and experienced healers, patient participation in group healing, self-healing by patients with regular self-practice of some specified techniques. There is ample scope to conduct further research on the application of YPV as alternative, effective and low cost medicine for various other medical conditions. View full-text April 2015 · Mindfulness
The conflicting challenges of increased patient demand and decreased health care resources require a partial shift in responsibility from the health care system back to the individual. Our objective was to see if participation in a group program (mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)) that reduces stress and fosters self-care impacted health care utilization. We did a prospective study of
... [Show full abstract] 1730 patients participating in an MBSR program comparing their health care utilization for 1- and 2-year pre-/post-periods with three different matched comparison groups. In both pre-intervention periods, cases had higher overall costs, numbers of physician claims, and utilization of lab facilities when compared with all three comparison groups. Participation in an MBSR program resulted in consistent decreases in utilization across all outcome variables at the 1-year pre/post interval. These decreases were significantly different than the patterns shown by the matched comparisons. Assuming 1500 MBSR participants (close to the number in the “closest” match) times an average savings of $250 would result in $375,000 in savings. These differences disappeared at the 2-year pre/ post interval with the exception of laboratory utilization. Our findings suggest that mindfulness training is effective for short-term reductions in health care use among a group of complex and heavy users. Anecdotal reports suggest MBSR participants stop their formal mindfulness practice within months of completing the program. It may well be that continuing the formal practice of mindfulness is a necessary prerequisite for maintaining the reductions in health care utilization. Read more May 2017 · Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Objective:
This study was intended to examine CAM among Australian hospital-based nurses, identifying their knowledge, attitude, personal and professional use, reasons for use, CAM referrals, and socio-demographic predictors of CAM users.
Methods and materials:
Nurses holding a qualification in nursing and working in surgical wards were included using a convenience sampling technique. A
... [Show full abstract] self-complete questionnaire was developed to achieve the aims of the study. Descriptive and non-parametric statistics were calculated to describe and analyse data.
Results:
Overall, 95.7% and 49.7% of nurses reported personal and professional use of CAM, respectively. The most popular CAM/CAM domain personally and professionally used by nurses was massage therapy and mind-body therapies. The primary reason for personal use of CAM was "[it] fits into my way of life/philosophy". Furthermore, massage therapists were the most commonly recommended CAM practitioners to patients. Only 15.8% of nurses would always ask patients about use of herbal medicines as part of nursing history taking. Over one-fifth (22.4%) of nurses rated their attitude as having a very positive, and 60.3% rated themselves as having very little or no knowledge of CAM. A positive correlation was also found between knowledge and attitude about CAM. Positive attitude and higher knowledge about CAM were positively correlated to CAM referrals. Several socio-demographic factors predicted personal and professional use of CAM.
Conclusion:
This study revealed that nurses generally believe not to have sufficient knowledge of CAM but are open to use CAM with patients. Nurses' positive attitude toward and personal use of CAM could be an indication that they are poised for further integration of evidence-based CAM into nursing practice to treat whole person. Read more Article
Full-text available
August 2017 · Current Oncology Reports
Purpose of review:
Many people living with cancer use complementary therapies, and some of the most popular are mind-body therapies (MBTs), including relaxation and imagery, hypnosis, yoga, meditation, tai chi and qigong, and art therapies. The efficacy of these modalities was reviewed by assessing recent findings in the context of cancer care.
Recent findings:
These therapies show efficacy in
... [Show full abstract] treating common cancer-related side effects, including nausea and vomiting, pain, fatigue, anxiety, depressive symptoms and improving overall quality of life. Some also have effects on biomarkers such as immune function and stress hormones. Overall studies lack large sample sizes and active comparison groups. Common issues around clearly defining treatments including standardizing treatment components, dose, intensity, duration and training of providers make generalization across studies difficult. MBTs in cancer care show great promise and evidence of efficacy for treating many common symptoms. Future studies should investigate more diverse cancer populations using standardized treatment protocols and directly compare various MBTs to one another. View full-text September 2017 · Forum
Mind-body medicine (MBM) focusses on the interactions of mind, body, and behavior to treat physical conditions and their psychiatric co-morbidities. In supportive cancer care, MBM aims at reducing symptoms and side effects of cancer and its curative or adjuvant treatment. Many MBM interventions have been evaluated in clinical studies. Meta-analyses have shown that mindfulness-based stress
... [Show full abstract] reduction can significantly improve quality of life, fatigue, sleep quality, stress, depression, and anxiety in women with breast cancer. Likewise, a recent Cochrane review demonstrated that yoga has positive effects on quality of life and physical and mental symptoms in women with breast cancer. The effects of these methods in patients with other cancer types are less clear. In randomized trials, hypnosis had positive effects on pain and stress associated with breast biopsy and lumpectomy as well as in pediatric lumbar puncture or bone marrow aspiration. Moreover, studies found positive effects on fatigue associated with radiotherapy as well as on menopausal symptoms during antihormonal treatment in women with breast cancer. In clinical practice, multimodal intervention programs are particularly promising for integrating MBM into supportive cancer care. In clinical trials, such programs demonstrated positive effects on physical and mental symptoms in mixed cancer groups. Given that all individual interventions and multimodal programs seem to be not only effective but also safe, MBM can be considered as a valuable addition to supportive cancer care. Read more November 2013
Movement-based mind-body therapy such as Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong (YTQ) are among the most popular alternatives in the US. However, previous study of mind-body practice has been limited to demographic characteristics and medical condition. Given the growing interest in the effect of physical activities and prayer on health, more research is needed to examine the broader context of health
... [Show full abstract] behaviors. Using cross-sectional data from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Alternative Medicine Supplement, this study examined potential correlates of engagement in YTQ practices (N = 23,393). The primary outcome for the study was practice of YTQ within the preceding 12 months, and correlates included sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, medical conditions, physical activity, drinking, smoking, and prayer for health. Results: Combining YTQ practitioners into a single category, there were more than 1,485 individuals (6.35%). YTQ practitioners are more likely than non-practitioners to be younger, women, college educated, and uninsured. They were more likely to have one to two chronic conditions. Those who reported psychological distress were more likely to practice YTQ, while those with cardiovascular problems and hypertension were less likely, than those who did not have these problems. YTQ practitioners adopted healthier lifestyles and habits in terms of regular exercise and maintenance of normal weight. This finding suggests that YTQ is being practiced mostly for health maintenance among general public and have the potential to enhance health behaviors and lifestyle change. Health care providers should refer their clients to an appropriate mind-body practice. Read more January 2013
Psychological stress in cancer patients has been identified as a significant and ongoing problem in oncology. Non-pharmacological interventions have been increasingly employed to facilitate coping with stressful circumstances. Mind-body therapies, which approach healthcare holistically as an interaction between mind, body, and spirit, have been studied as adjunctive therapies to reduce stress,
... [Show full abstract] enhance relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve health outcomes. Mind-body therapies, including mindfulness/meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, relaxation therapy, art therapy, Qigong, Taichi, and yoga have demonstrated efficacies in their potential to mitigate stress and improve the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors. Though the mind-body literature shows overwhelmingly positive results, methodological deficits hinder adoption as evidence-based palliative care for cancer survivors. Although additional research is warranted, the body of evidence presented in this chapter suggests that clinicians should give serious consideration to mind-body therapies when advising cancer patients and survivors on adjunctive treatment options. Read more November 2014
Background:
Vegetarian diets are a lifestyle choice made for various reasons, including health. Mindfulness practices may encourage lifestyle choices through cultivating awareness. This study explores the association between mindfulness practice and vegetarianism.
Methods:
Nationally representative data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Alternative Medicine Supplement (years
... [Show full abstract] 2002, 2007, 2012) were pooled for adults aged 18+. For the previous 12-month period, participants were asked if they followed a vegetarian diet for at least 2-weeks, and if they engaged in mindfulness-based practices such as yoga and meditation (n=67,625). Yoga/meditation practice information was combined into the following categories: 1) neither, 2) yoga only, 3) meditation only, 4) both. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, survey year, and complex survey design effects.
Results:
The prevalence of yoga, meditation, and vegetarian diet was 7.5%, 7.6%, and 1.9%, respectively. Compared to participants not engaged in either practice in the past 12-months, individuals practicing only yoga (Odds Ratio=3.37; 95% Confidence Interval=2.54-4.46) or only meditation (5.23; 4.22-6.47) were more likely to be vegetarian. Those practicing both were most likely to have been vegetarian within the past year (10.73; 8.88-12.96).
Conclusion:
There may be many reasons why mindfulness practitioners tend to be vegetarians, as such practice might increase one's compassion towards other beings (animals), a desire to decrease environmental impact, and as a manifestation of self-care. Regardless, given such a strong correlation between diet and mindfulness practices, both factors should be considered in health outcome and mortality lifestyle studies. Read more January 2013
Cancer is one of the leading killers in the world and the incidence is increasing, but most cancer patients and cancer survivors suffer much from the disease and its conventional treatments’ side effects. In the past, clinical data showed that some complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) possessed anticancer abilities, but some clinicians and scientists have queried about the scientific
... [Show full abstract] validity of CAM due to the lack of scientific evidence. There is great demand in the knowledge gap to explore the scientific and evidence-based knowledge of CAM in the anticancer field. With this aim, a book series is needed to structurally deliver the knowledge to readers.
Integrative therapies comprise a variety of non-pharmacological interventions that assist in alleviating physical and psychological symptoms. Apart from being a life-threatening disease, cancer and its therapy are usually associated with a significant deterioration in the quality of life. There is growing evidence that non-pharmacological therapies provide symptom and pain management in cancer palliation. This volume is a specialised book presenting the research evidence relevant to the application of a range of commonly used non-pharmacological interventions in supportive cancer care, including massage, acupressure, Qigong, yoga, mind-body therapy, mindfulness-based intervention, and aromatherapy. A number of scientific researches and clinical studies support that these therapies offer potential beneficial effects for cancer patients in terms of reducing pain, anxiety, and other symptoms. Indeed, non-pharmacological therapies are increasingly gaining acceptance in the healthcare community as complementary to conventional cancer treatments. Most of them are non-invasive, inexpensive, and useful in improving quality of life, and they may be accessed by patients themselves. Read more Article
Full-text available
January 2016
The objective of this study is to review the results of selected articles regarding the physiological effects of Yoga and Diet counseling. According to B.K.S. Iyengar, yoga is an ancient Indian science which includes all aspects of one's being, from health to self-realization. Yoga is self-management of life, which includes changes in diet, mental attitude and the practice of specific techniques
... [Show full abstract] such as yoga asanas (postures), breathing practices (pranayamas), meditation, to attain the highest level of consciousness. There is an increase in scientific research on yoga, but we do find very few reviews regarding yogic practices and diet counseling in health and disease. Keeping this in mind, review of relevant articles was done to evaluate the physiological effects of yogic practices and diet counseling. Review found that there were considerable health benefits, including improved sleep pattern, cognition, body mass index, reproductive health, respiration, blood pressure, joint disorders, diabetes and recovery from and treatment of addiction. It reduced stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, cardiovascular and cancer risk. Yoga also influenced overall well-being, quality of life, autonomic function and immunity. Therefore Yoga and Diet counseling is a novel emerging clinical discipline of mind-body medicine which is increasingly used worldwide under alternative medicine. View full-text June 2013 · The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
Neuropsychiatric symptoms affect 37% of US adults and present in many important diagnoses including posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and chronic pain. However, these symptoms are difficult to treat with standard treatments, and patients may seek alternative options. In this study, we examined the use of mind-body therapies by adults with neuropsychiatric symptoms.
We
... [Show full abstract] compared mind-body therapy use (biofeedback, energy healing, meditation, guided imagery, yoga, deep-breathing exercises, hypnosis, progressive relaxation therapy, qigong, and tai chi) between adults with and without neuropsychiatric symptoms (anxiety, depression, insomnia, headaches, memory deficits, attention deficits, and excessive daytime sleepiness) in the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (N = 23,393). Use of ≥ 1 of these therapies in the prior 12 months was the primary outcome of interest. We also examined prevalence and reasons for mind-body therapy use in adults with neuropsychiatric symptoms. We performed logistic regression to examine the association between neuropsychiatric symptoms and mind-body therapy use to adjust for sociodemographic and clinical factors.
Adults with ≥ 1 neuropsychiatric symptom used mind-body therapies more than adults without symptoms (25.3% vs 15.0%, P < .001). Prevalence increased with increasing number of symptoms (21.5% for 1 symptom, 32.4% for ≥ 3 symptoms, P < .001); differences persisted after adjustment for potential confounders (odds ratios, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.26-1.53] and 2.48 [95% CI, 2.18-2.82]). Reasons for mind-body therapy use among adults with ≥ 1 symptom included the ineffectiveness or expense of conventional medicine (30.2%). Most adults (nearly 70%) with ≥ 1 symptom did not discuss their mind-body therapy use with a conventional provider.
Adults with ≥ 1 neuropsychiatric symptom use mind-body therapies frequently; more symptoms are associated with increased use. Future research is needed to understand the efficacy of these therapies. Read more Last Updated: 05 Jul 2022
Looking for the full-text? You can request the full-text of this article directly from the authors on ResearchGate.
Request full-text
