This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Business & Tech

Natural Health Expert Says Yoga May Help Heal Breast Cancer Survivors

Here's what you need to know and where you can go in the area to get your local yoga fix.

Breast cancer patients and survivors know the standard treatments can be rough—surgery, chemo and radiation therapies not only take a toll on your body, the leave long-lasting side effects. Fatigue is one, disruption of sleep is another, but depression, anxiety and weight loss also are common.

Few treatments are available, but there are options, according to Elaine Gavalas, an author; natural health expert, and blogger for the Huffington Post.

With few treatments available—antidepressants and sleep meds can have their own side effects—Gavalas notes that studies show that cancer patients can benefit from such therapies as stress reduction and exercise classes.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Yoga, she writes, can improve the quality of life for women undergoing breast cancer treatment. It also may help with sleep disorders, fatigue and boost mental health.

Here is a list of local yoga studios or fitness centers for you to consider. (If we missed any, let us know in the comments field!):

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

  • Prana Yoga Center, 321 Stevens St., Geneva
  • Geneva Park District - Sunset Racquetball and Fitness Center, 710 Western Ave., Geneva
  • Geneva Park District - Stephen D. Persinger Recreation Center3507 Kaneville Rd, Geneva, IL 60134630-232-4501
  • Delnor Health & Wellness Center, 296 Randall Road, Geneva
  • Fox River Pilates Center, 1 W State St., Geneva
  • Going To My Happy Place

Gavalas notes that a 2010 study found yoga improved sleep problems and fatigue. About 75 percent of the patients were breast cancer survivors. Participating for 75 minutes twice weekly, the Yoga for Cancer Survivors program helped the group combat fatigue and sleep loss, the study found.

Gavalas also cites a 2011 study indicating yoga helped cut stress and improved the quality of life for breast cancer patients having radiation treatment.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?