Yoga

A gentle but powerful practice that brings together movement, breath and stillness to support both your body and mind.  

What is yoga?

Yoga involves a series of postures, stretches and breathing techniques that can help improve flexibility, strength and balance while also promoting a sense of calm and wellbeing. Whether you’re looking to ease physical tension, find a moment of quiet in a busy day or simply move in a way that feels good, yoga can be adapted to suit all levels and abilities. You don’t need to be bendy or spiritual, just bring an open mind and a willingness to give it a go. Yoga is sometimes practised in conjunction with meditation but both work well as stand-alone practices, too.

Can yoga help if I have cancer?

Yes, yoga can be a wonderfully supportive complementary therapy for people living with cancer, during treatment and throughout recovery. Its gentle movements, breathing techniques and relaxation practices can be adapted to suit each individual’s needs and energy levels. For many, yoga becomes a way to reconnect with the body in a kind and compassionate way, especially after the physical and emotional strain of diagnosis and treatment, providing a sense of calm in the midst of uncertainty. It can support mental and emotional wellbeing by easing anxiety, lifting low mood and managing stress, bringing back a feeling of being grounded and control.

As well as the mindful aspects of yoga, research and personal experiences suggest that it may also help reduce some of the common side effects of cancer and its treatments, like fatigue, pain, stiffness and difficulty sleeping. Importantly, yoga for cancer doesn’t mean pushing through discomfort or doing difficult poses.  It’s about tuning in to your body, moving gently and finding comfort. Yoga is a great way of helping you get back into gentle fitness, using controlled, low-impact movements combined with breathing exercises. 

Above all, yoga can offer a space to pause, breathe and feel supported: a quiet moment just for you, whatever stage of the journey you’re on.

How to refer

If you are new to Wessex Cancer Support and have not already had a wellbeing assessment with one of our friendly team, we ask that you contact us to make a referral for an appointment. Our team will provide you with further information and availability of any activities you both decide on. As a new client, we’ll add you to our email newsletter list so you can keep an eye on forthcoming activities, too.

Alternatively, you can email careteam@wessexcancer.org.uk to refer to your initial chat or drop into your local cancer support centre in person.

I’ve never done yoga before, what do I need to know?

If you’ve never done yoga before, don’t worry.  It’s a very welcoming practice that can be easily adapted to suit beginners. Wear something comfortable that allows you to move freely, and many people prefer to go bare foot. We suggest you use your own yoga mat if you have one; in our centres, you may be able to borrow one at first but, at home, you could use a folded blanket instead.  You may want to have a bottle of water to hand, too, to stay hydrated during your session.

Our classes will guide you through the basics, including how to move safely and how to use your breath to support each posture.  You don’t need to be flexible or fit to start; yoga is about listening to your body and moving in a way that feels right for you. It’s perfectly fine to take things at your own pace and rest whenever you need to.  Yoga isn’t about getting every pose perfect; it’s about exploring how you feel, finding a bit of stillness and giving yourself time to slow down.

Our specialised yoga teachers are trained to work safely with people affected by cancer and they’ll know how to adapt postures and pace to suit your needs. 

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