Written by Rebecca Budde, SIU School of Medicine

“Thousands of years ago yoga was developed in India as an integrated mind-body-spirit system designed to reduce human suffering,” says yoga instructor Carol Dunaway. Today, many are experiencing the health benefits of yoga, which has gained popularity throughout the world. “Several different branches of yoga have developed, but they all encompassed the same main practices: postures to work with the body, breathing exercises to work with the nervous system, chanting to work with the memory, meditation and contemplation to work with the mind and spirit. Each of these practices  can be of benefit used alone, but the greatest benefits come when they are sequenced in a specific way to suit the individual student.”

What is yoga?
More than 100 types of yoga exist, but the main emphasis tends to focus on breathing exercises, and postures or poses that stretch, strengthen and flex various muscle groups.

What makes yoga so beneficial?
Yoga has a variety of health benefits, including improving the body’s response to stress, which can lessen chronic pain, lower blood pressure and reduce insomnia. “Over time, stress and anxiety can cause unrest on our minds and bodies, leaving us tense, nervous and vulnerable to chronic illness, like cancer,” says Kristi Lessen, outreach coordinator at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU School of Medicine. “Yoga can help reduce stress and keep you healthier because it promotes relaxation and enhances your mood and overall sense of well-being.” 

Other benefits include

• Increased flexibility
• improved memory, focus and concentration
• improved digestion
• Increased muscle strength and tone
• Increased respiration and energy
• Balanced metabolism
• Weight loss
• Improved athletic performance
• Improved balance and coordination

I’m not very athletic/coordinated or in shape. Can I still benefit from yoga?
Yoga can benefit anyone of any ability level. Most yoga instructors offer beginner classes and each pose has modifications for all physical abilities. Instructors will work with participants to maximize the benefits.

Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU School of Medicine offers a Side by Side Wellness program for people living with cancer and their families. Classes, including yoga, and programs are free to cancer patients regardless of where they are receiving treatment. The Cancer Institute is located at 315 W. Carpenter St. in Springfield. Call 217.545.7493 for more information. The class schedule is here.

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