Yoga Yoga instructor, Marcy Covey Yoga, which is believed to have first been practiced in India more than 5,000 years ago, is one of the oldest mind-body-spirit practices still in existence today. “Yoga” actually refers to a variety of practices, or “paths”.  The most commonly known form of yoga is Hatha Yoga, based on Raja Yoga (the meditative path).  The other paths of yoga are Karma Yoga (the path of service); Jnana Yoga (the path of wisdom), and Bhakti Yoga (the devotional path).  The type of yoga taught in classes at The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing is Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga, also known as the “Yoga of Postures”, is about achieving balance between body and mind, as well as attempting to free the more subtle spiritual elements of the mind through physical poses (Asanas), Breathing Techniques (Pranayama), and Meditation. According to yoga practitioners, the practice of Hatha Yoga may help one to gain flexibility and strength, and learn to be more relaxed and peaceful despite stressful situations.  Some believe that some Hatha yoga poses also massage and tone the internal organs, leading to better health and wellbeing.  Hatha Yoga may also help one to cope with stress, and may help alleviate anxiety and depression.   Supporters also claim that yoga can help alleviate insomnia, increase stamina, and help with smoking cessation. According to a report to the National Institutes of Health (1), there is also some evidence to suggest yoga may be helpful when used with conventional medical treatment to help relieve some of the symptoms linked to cancer, asthma, diabetes, drug addiction, high blood pressure, heart disease, and migraine headaches. Other studies have shown limited benefit.  Randomized clinical trials have shown that yoga can help relieve the pain of arthritis and may also help anxiety, stress, and depression. People with cancer and chronic conditions such as arthritis and heart disease should talk to their doctor before starting any type of therapy that involves movement of joints and muscles, notes The American Cancer Society (2). The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing is pleased to offer Yoga for Life, gentle hatha yoga classes for people of all fitness levels, in 8-10 week sessions, three to four times a year in the CMMC Wellness Center.  Classes are free for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers and are taught by Marcy Covey, a certified yoga instructor.  Contact the Dempsey Center at 795-8250 or 1-877-336-7287 to register. References: 1.    National Institutes of Health. Alternative Medicine: Expanding Medical Horizons: A Report to the National Institutes of Health on Alternative Medical Systems and Practices in the United States. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office; 1994. NIH publication 94-066. 2.    Yoga. American Cancer Society website.