50 Hrs – Yoga for Cancer (Oncology Yoga) Teacher Training Certificate Course: Balancing Immune System
- Course: 50 Hrs – Yoga for Cancer (Oncology Yoga) Teacher Training Certificate Course
- Total Fee for the Training (For Indian Citizens Only): INR 10,000(Registration Fee) + INR 35,000 (Course Fee) = INR 45,000
- Total Fee for the Training (For Non-Indian Citizens Only): USD 200(Registration Fee) + USD 600 (Course Fee) = USD 800
- Accreditation: Yoga Alliance USA YACEP.
- Contact hours: 42 Hrs
Contact Hr – Direct or live interaction with Teacher. This includes in-person or real-time online sessions where you are actively engaged with the teacher, receiving instruction, feedback, and guidance.
Non-Contact Hr – Reading a book or article, or watching a video, Self-Practice, Written Assignment, Project Work, Audio Assignment, Video Assignment.
- Non-Contact hours: 08 Hrs
- Skill level: Foundation & Beginners
- Language: English
- Mode: Offline/Online/Hybrid/Self-Paced
- Duration: 10 to 30 Days
- About the course facilitator: Dr. S. Karuna Murthy, M.Sc., Ph.D., E-RYT 500, YACEP
Language: Our courses will be held in English Medium.
Course Dates: Please Contact Us (karunaayoga@gmail.com or +91 9686549129)
Yoga for Cancer Training
Yoga offers cancer patients and survivors a holistic approach to healing their bodies and minds. Not only can yoga help with the physical and mental effects of having cancer, but also the effects of treating cancer and helping clients regain agency over their bodies. If you’re interested in using yoga to help cancer patients and survivors heal, it’s critical to complete the right yoga for cancer training so you’re prepared to work safely and effectively with clients.
As an experienced yoga therapist and the lead teacher of my own yoga therapy program, my mission is to make yoga more accessible to others. Below, I’ll share my knowledge about the benefits of yoga therapy for cancer patients and survivors, how to use yoga with these clients, yoga cancer training, and more to help you on your journey. If you’d like to apply to our program, you can learn more.
Benefits of Yoga Therapy for Cancer Patients and Survivors
There are numerous benefits to using yoga therapy for cancer patients and survivors. Yoga can help improve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, tackling health conditions and side effects at every stage of these clients’ journeys.
Stimulating the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and organs that carry lymph, a clear fluid that helps fight infection and disease, throughout the body. Cancer treatment can damage the lymphatic system, leading to lymphedema, a condition where excess lymph fluid accumulates in the soft body tissues, causing swelling and inflammation. This is especially common among breast cancer patients, where the generally accepted incidence rate is around 30%, as noted by the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Yoga therapy can be a valuable tool in stimulating the lymphatic system and keeping lymph fluids moving, which can help with overall health. The lymphatic system is also a key component of the immune system, and improving lymphatic circulation can help the body better fight off infection and disease. Additionally, stimulating the lymphatic system can help the body eliminate toxins and waste products, further supporting overall health and wellness.
Certain standing poses and inversions can help promote lymph flow, though you should take care to modify them appropriately for cancer patients and survivors. This can reduce the risk of injury while still achieving the same benefits. Learning how to appropriately modify poses is a major component of yoga for cancer training.
Reducing Side Effects from Chemo, Radiation, and Medication
Studies have shown that yoga can lessen side effects caused by cancer treatments, such as radiation, chemotherapy, and medication. One study found that yoga reduced cancer patients’ anxiety, depression, and fatigue while improving emotional health.
The biggest benefit of yoga therapy for cancer patients, and something we always cover in our own yoga cancer training lessons. Cancer medication can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life due to the side effects it produces.
Yoga therapy can help combat fatigue and lack of sleep, improve strength and flexibility, and give cancer patients techniques for dealing with anxiety and brain fog. It doesn’t eliminate the side effects of cancer treatment, but it can reduce them and provide better outcomes.
Treating Complications and Comorbidities
A complication is a health condition that occurs during or after another health condition or its treatment. By contrast, comorbidity is a pre-existing condition that coexists with another health condition and may affect its treatment. It is not uncommon for cancer patients to deal with complications and comorbidities. For example:
- A cancer patient may develop depression after their diagnosis or be dealing with depression that started beforehand.
- If someone undergoes surgery for their cancer, it could leave behind painful scar tissue.
- Cancer patients are more likely to develop osteopenia or osteoporosis.
- Ovarian cancer and certain cancer treatments can cause some people to start menopause early.
Yoga therapy has been shown to be an effective complementary treatment for managing complications and comorbidities that often arise during cancer treatment and recovery. By promoting relaxation, reducing stress and inflammation, and increasing physical and emotional well-being, yoga therapy can help improve quality of life and overall health outcomes.
Reducing Anxiety and Improving Mental Health
Many cancer patients and survivors face anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Yoga therapy can be a powerful tool to help address these issues and improve mental health, with a proven track record of reducing anxiety among cancer patients with a range of diagnoses. A yoga therapist who has received yoga for cancer training can equip patients and survivors with tools for staying in the present and eventually help retrain the brain and nervous system.
Treating Trauma
Cancer patients and survivors often experience trauma related to their illness, treatment, and overall experience. Trauma can manifest in various ways, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can have a significant impact on their mental and emotional well-being. Yoga therapy can help treat trauma in cancer patients and survivors, providing them with a holistic approach to healing:
- Yoga therapy can help cancer patients and survivors regulate their nervous systems, reducing the symptoms of trauma.
- Practices such as pranayama, or breathing exercises, have been shown to calm the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Certain yoga poses can help release tension, promote relaxation, and allow clients to feel safe and grounded.
Trauma-informed yoga therapy is designed to center the client’s autonomy over their own body. A knowledgeable yoga therapist should use invitational language, rather than directives, with cancer patients and survivors, along with other trauma-informed techniques.
Regaining Mastery Over the Body and Health
Yoga therapy can help cancer patients and survivors reconnect with their bodies, which can be especially important for those who have undergone invasive medical procedures. Many cancer patients and survivors feel disconnected from their bodies and benefit from feeling agency over their own health and body again. Practices such as body scans, gentle movement, and meditation can help clients become more aware of their body and its sensations, promoting a sense of control and empowerment.
Why Become a Yoga Therapist to Help Cancer Patients?
The best way to help cancer patients and survivors with yoga is to become a yoga therapist and receive yoga for cancer training. A doctor’s scope is limited to treating the cancer, often leaving patients to cope with any consequences that don’t directly impact their cancer on their own. Yoga therapy training will teach you how to work with individuals in a variety of ways—not only with the cancer itself, but all the other things that might be related to a client’s cancer and negatively affecting them.
If you’re looking for a fulfilling career path that involves helping others, consider becoming a yoga therapist. As a yoga therapist, you can provide cancer patients and survivors with a holistic practice that helps improve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Yoga is a safe, effective, and low-cost modality that can add considerable value to any cancer care, with demand continually growing among patients.
Whether you’re already an occupational therapist, physical therapist, massage therapist, mental health professional, or other healthcare practitioner looking to add yoga to your repertoire or you come from outside the medical field, yoga therapy training can equip you with the skills you seek and put you on a rewarding career path.
Cancer(Oncology) Yoga (TTC Curriculum)
Unit 1: Introduction to Cancer & Yoga Therapy
– Understanding Cancer:
– What is Cancer? Types & Stages
– Causes & Risk Factors
– Conventional Cancer Treatments (Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation, Immunotherapy)
– The Role of Yoga in Cancer Care
– Benefits of Yoga for Cancer Patients
– Scientific Research & Evidence on Yoga for Cancer
– Integrating Yoga with Medical Treatment
Unit 2: Principles of Yoga Therapy for Cancer
This introductory session covers the biology of cancer and how traditional, complementary, and alternative treatments impact patients’ health. Learn how stress impacts the immune system and how yoga can help. How to adapt common practices for patients in active treatment, what is safe, and what should be avoided. Explore the basic yoga protocol used in the Yoga for Cancer Survivors, including asana, mudra, pranayama, guided relaxation, and sound.
Unit 3 – Anatomy & Physiology for Cancer Care
- Immune system & lymphatic health
- Musculoskeletal considerations
- Neurological and respiratory health post-treatment
- Scar tissue, adhesions, and mobility restrictions
Unit 4: Cancer & Asana
Learn how to adapt common asanas for both cancer patients and survivors. Take a deep dive into restorative and chair yoga, as well as somatic movement therapies that boost immunity. Learn specific protocols that reduce cancer treatment side-effects such as lymphedema, pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, digestive distress, neuropathy, and cancer-related fatigue. Apply your knowledge by creating customized asana protocols for case studies.
- Asana Protocols for Pain
- Asana Protocols for Lymphedema & Immunity
- Asana Protocols for Anxiety
- Asana Protocols for Cancer-Related Fatigue: Chair Practice
- Asana Protocols for Fatigue: Restoratives
- Asana Protocols for Depression: Backbends
- Asana Protocols for Insomnia: Inversions & Forward Folds
- Asana Protocols for Over Digestion: Twists, and Under Digestion: Restoratives
- Asana Protocols for Cognitive Fog: Sun Salute & Balance
- Asana Protocols for Neuropathy: Standing Poses and Osteoporosis: Variations
Unit 5: Yoga for Different Stages of Cancer
– Yoga for Prevention & Risk Reduction
– Lifestyle & Dietary Changes
– Stress Management Techniques
– Immune-Boosting Practices
– Yoga During Cancer Treatment (Chemotherapy, Radiation, Surgery)
– Managing Side Effects (Fatigue, Nausea, Pain, Anxiety)
– Gentle Asanas & Restorative Yoga Practices
– Yoga for Post-Treatment & Survivorship
– Recovery & Rehabilitation
– Rebuilding Strength & Mobility
– Emotional Healing & Mental Clarity
– Palliative Care & End-of-Life Support
– Using Yoga for Pain Management & Comfort
– Meditation & Spiritual Connection
Unit 6: Pranayama (Breathing Techniques) for Cancer Patients
– The Impact of Breath on the Nervous System
– Breathing Exercises for Immune Support & Stress Reduction:
– Dirga Pranayama (Three-Part Breath) – Calms the mind
– Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) – Balances energy
– Bhramari (Bee Breath) – Reduces stress & improves sleep
– Sheetali & Sheetkari (Cooling Breaths) – Alleviates heat from treatments
– Guided Breathwork for Relaxation & Pain Relief
Unit 7: Mudras for Healing
A review of yoga philosophy and the difference between Samkhya and Vedanta views. Learn how to view cancer through the lens of the subtle body, including the koshas, doshas, and vayus. Learn the powerful art of mudra and how these hand positions elicit positive changes in the physical, emotional, mental, and wisdom bodies. We will work with specific mudra protocols that promote immune health and manage anxiety, depression, pain, insomnia, lymphedema, neuropathy, fatigue, and digestive distress. Learn how to combine mudra with asana, pranayama, chanting, and meditation to promote deeper awareness and healing. Apply your knowledge by creating customized mudra protocols for case studies.
- Introduction to Mudra
- The Subtle Body
- Mudras for Anxiety
- Mudras for Cancer-Related Fatigue
- Mudras for Pain
- Mudras for Osteoporosis
- Mudras for Immunity
- Mudras for Neuropathy
- Mudras for Lymphedema
- Mudras for Cognitive Fog
- Mudras for Insomnia & Depression
- Mudras for Digestion
Unit 8: The Power of Breath & Sound
The science behind pranayama and a brief overview of the chakra system. Learn pranayama protocols to manage anxiety, depression, pain, insomnia, lymphedema, neuropathy, cancer-related fatigue, cognitive fog, and digestive distress. The power of using intention, chanting, and bija mantra to enhance meditative states. Create your own Sanskrit mantra and learn how to use it with japa mala. Apply your knowledge by creating customized breath, sound, and intention protocols for case studies.
- Yoga Philosophy
- The Power of Vibration
- Bija Mantras
- Creating Personal Mantra
- Mechanics of Breath
- Langhana Pranayama
- Balancing Pranayama
- Refreshing Pranayama
- Stimulating Pranayama
Unit 9: Meditation, Mindfulness & Yoga Nidra
– The Role of Meditation in Cancer Recovery
– Mindfulness Techniques for Anxiety & Emotional Well-being
– Guided Visualizations for Healing
– Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep) for Deep Relaxation & Pain Management
– Chakra Balancing for Emotional Support
Unit 10: Mental & Emotional Health Support
– Managing Stress, Fear & Anxiety Through Yoga
– Overcoming Depression & Fatigue with Yogic Practices
– The Power of Affirmations & Positive Thinking
– Therapeutic Art & Journaling for Emotional Healing
Unit 11: Teaching Methodology & Practical Training
– Designing a Yoga Therapy Class for Cancer Patients
– Safety Guidelines & Contraindications
– Modifications & Use of Props (Chairs, Bolsters, Blocks)
– Personalized Yoga Therapy Plans for Different Cancer Types
– Case Study Discussions & Real-Life Applications
Unit 12: Online Yoga Nidra Training
Yoga Nidra is a style of guided meditation that leads practitioners through a first-person experience of their body, breath, emotions, and imagination in a completely non-judgmental and compassionate way. By the end of the course, you will have written your very own Yoga Nidra meditation and have the tools and understanding to write more scripts.
Unit 13 – Professional Practice
- Working alongside healthcare professionals
- Ethical considerations & scope of practice
- Documentation, intake forms, and health history questionnaires
- Building a sustainable oncology yoga offering
Assessment & Certification
– Written Exam: Theory of Yoga Therapy for Cancer
– Practical Exam: Teaching a Yoga Therapy Session for Cancer Patients
– Case Study Submission: Developing a personalized yoga therapy plan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1.What is the Yoga for Cancer Teacher Training Course?
It is a specialized training program that combines the science of oncology with the therapeutic practices of yoga. The course prepares yoga teachers, health professionals, and caregivers to safely work with cancer patients and survivors.
2. Who can enroll in this TTC?
- Certified yoga teachers (200-hour recommended)
- Healthcare professionals (physiotherapists, nurses, wellness coaches)
- Caregivers and cancer support volunteers
- Cancer survivors (with instructor’s approval)
3. Do I need prior yoga teaching experience?
Teaching experience is recommended but not mandatory. If you are not a yoga teacher, you should have a good understanding of basic yoga practices before joining.
4.How long is the course?
The training is typically 40–50 hours depending on the format (online, in-person, or hybrid).
5.What will I learn?
- Understanding cancer types, treatments, and side effects
- Adapting yoga for all stages of cancer recovery
- Restorative and chair yoga
- Pranayama, meditation, and Yoga Nidra for healing
- Contraindications and safety guidelines
- Trauma-informed teaching methods
6.Is the course certified?
Yes. On completion, you will receive a Yoga for Cancer Teacher Training Certificate. Our school is registered with Yoga Alliance, the hours count towards Continuing Education (CE).
7.Can I teach oncology yoga after completing the course?
Yes. You will be equipped to teach safe, supportive classes for cancer patients and survivors in yoga studios, hospitals, wellness centers, or private sessions.
8.Will the course cover medical treatment advice?
No. This course is focused on yoga applications and does not replace medical advice. We teach you to work within your professional scope and collaborate with healthcare providers.
9.Is the training available online?
Yes. We offer in-person, online, and hybrid options. Online students will receive recordings, manuals, and live support sessions.
10.Do I need special equipment?
A yoga mat, bolster, blocks, strap, and chair are recommended. For online training, a quiet practice space is helpful.
11.How is the course assessed?
- Practical teaching demonstration
- Short written assignment or case study
- Active participation in practice sessions
12.How do I enroll?
You can register by contacting our training coordinator or visiting our enrollment page. Once registered, you’ll receive pre-course materials and a reading list.
Reference Books
1.Yoga for Cancer: A Guide to Managing Side Effects, Boosting Immunity, and Improving Recovery for Cancer Survivors by Tari Prinster.
2.Yoga for Cancer Survivors by Lorraine Turner & Lisa D. Thompson.
3.Yoga Therapy for Stress and Anxiety: Create a Personalized Holistic Plan to Balance Your Life
4.By Robert Butera, Erin Byron, and Staffan Elgelid.
5.Yoga as Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing by Timothy McCall, M.D.
6.The Cancer Survivor’s Guide: Foods That Help You Fight Back by Neal Barnard, M.D.
7.The Complete Guide to Cancer Supportive Care by Gerald Lemole, Pallav Mehta, Dwight McKee
8.Anticancer Living: Transform Your Life and Health with the Mix of Six by Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D. & Alison Jefferies, M.Ed.
9.Yoga Therapy: Theory and Practice by Dr. Ganesh Mohan & Dr. S. Nagarathna (SVYASA)
10.Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times by Judith Hanson Lasater.
11.Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses: A Practical Workbook for Integrating Themes, Ideas, and Inspiration into Your Class, By Sage Rountree & Alexandra DeSiato