Chemo, radiation, surgery, hormones, medications… the list of cancer treatments goes on, and so does the list of potential side effects. These treatments — that can last for years or even decades — are emotionally and physically draining. Of course, if you’re battling cancer, nobody needs to tell you that and you are probably looking for ways that can improve your quality of life while you undergo treatments. Enter: meditation.
Many studies have examined the benefits of mindfulness meditation during cancer treatments, and a review of the literature reveals the following:
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Additionally, mindfulness and progressive muscle relaxation reduced fatigue and increased ability to cope in one study. Another study found that mindfulness reduced depression and anxiety in people with recurrent ovarian cancer — a cancer that has been linked to genital talc and baby powder use.
The American Cancer Society also published a helpful guide for determining the usefulness and legitimacy of meditation and other alternative cancer treatments.
Meditation may seem difficult at first; like any other practice, you will get better and it will get easier as your “meditation muscles” become stronger. Finding the right type of meditation for you might take time. Meditation resources for cancer patients are ubiquitous. The following techniques offer approachable ways to begin a meditation practice, especially if the thought of “ohm-ing” in a quiet room doesn’t sound particularly appealing to you.
Proponents of mindfulness encourage people to focus on the present moment. Here are some ways you can try mindfulness:
As you practice mindfulness, you’ll begin to train your brain to focus on the here and now rather than your worries about the future or your regrets about the past.
Dubbed meditation in motion, tai chi combines breathing with slow, controlled movement. Learn some basic tai chi moves to be able to practice on your own. You can also contact your local gym, YMCA, or senior centers to inquire about tai chi classes.
Yoga also combines breath with movement, but the moves are typically more dynamic and physically demanding than those in tai chi. Similarly, yoga classes are likely offered by your local gym or YMCA. You can find many free yoga classes online as well; to get started, we recommend trying classes from:
Yoga can feel intimidating if you don’t think you are flexible enough to do the poses. Take heart, a yoga practice is accessible to anybody regardless of flexibility or physical ability.
During progressive muscle relaxation, you work through your body, relaxing muscles from head to toe. To practice progressive muscle relaxation:
Consider asking a loved one to read through a progressive muscle relaxation script or try a guided video.
Even after you understand the benefits of meditation and know what to do, beginning and sticking to the practice can be very difficult. Check out some of these resources to help you meditate during cancer treatments:
Once you find a type of meditation that works for you, you may begin to see some of the benefits observed in clinical trials, such as decreased symptom burden and increased quality of life.
We are here to help you and loved ones advocate for justice. Feel free to send us any questions you might have, either about an injury or the process for pursuing justice so we can help you exercise your rights.
© Copyright Jazz Media Ltd. 2021. All rights reserved
We are here to help you and loved ones advocate for justice. Feel free to send us any questions you might have, either about an injury or the process for pursuing justice so we can help you exercise your rights.
© Copyright Jazz Media Ltd. 2020. All rights reserved