What's New in the World of Yoga:

This month, the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure will be recognized as just two of the many organizations whose messages of hope and support are the lifeline for many survivors of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is acknowledged as being the second leading cancer in women in the United States. The American Cancer Society has found that there are over two million women in the U.S. who have been treated for breast cancer. Current statistics indicate that approximately 178,480 women have been diagnosed with this invasive disease, with an estimated 40,480 of them predicted to succumb to it.

Survivors of this life altering disease constantly strive to find alternative ways to treat the many side effects that include fatigue, joint pain, sleep disruptions, and an increase in menopausal symptoms.

Recent research conducted at Duke University Medical Center and the Oregon Health and Science University have shown that a specially developed yoga program can help women cope with the increased physical and emotional distress brought on by breast cancer. This important study, which was supported by a grant from the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, required 37 survivors of early stage breast cancer to participate in an eight-week program called "Yoga of Awareness".

"Yoga of Awareness" instructors adapted yoga poses according to each individual's limitations, and also provided techniques on how to deal with stress on the mind and body. The women who participated in the study not only felt a decrease in hot flashes, but also experienced a noticeable relief from other symptoms, as well as a renewed sense of energy.

"Yoga of Awareness" is based on traditional yoga techniques and practices, all of which are "aimed at reducing stress and creating a heightened sense of awareness and acceptance about one's physical and mental state," explains Duke assistant professor and study co-author Laura Porter, who recently presented the study at the International Association of Yoga Therapists Symposium for Yoga Therapy and Research.

Although yoga is not being promoted as a treatment or cure for cancer, it can provide an avenue for positive self-examination, as well as a renewal of one's spiritual and physical well-being.

Updates from the Blog:

QiYoga: New Style of Yoga

If you are a student of QiGong Yoga from China or Hatha Yoga from India, then you will be familiar with the self-healing benefits that each practice offers. Continue Reading...

A Bumpy Ride Even Before Boarding

Aaaah...another flight with my 18-month-old son.

When he was a baby, it used to be an extremely easy way to travel. He would share my seat, gurgling and cooing his way through the flight. Now, of course, it's a different story. Continue Reading...

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• Yoga for All
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• What's in a Mat?