The research focused on gentle types of yoga / photo: Shutterstock/Slatan
Spas offering cancer-friendly treatments may want to consider adding yoga to the mix if a new study sponsored by the US National Institute of Health is anything to go by.
Research led by the University of Rochester Medical Centre found that cancer patients practising yoga benefit from reduced levels of inflammation, which is linked to the growth of tumours.
Gentle yoga The study*, which was published at the recent annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), was based on more than 500 cancer survivors. All participants, who had an average age of 56, had received cancer treatment between two months and five years earlier.
Half of the group, picked at random, enrolled on a programme by Yoga for Cancer Survivors (YOCAS), which includes gentle hatha and restorative yoga – not more intense versions like ashtanga or bikram.
They practised 75-minute yoga sessions two times a week for a month.
The other half took part in a placebo programme devised by ASCO focused on health education.
Each group was monitored using a series of blood tests throughout the four-week period and checked for levels of inflammation.
Reduced inflammation Inflammation, both acute and chronic, is universally associated with primary and secondary cancer development and progression, as well as a myriad of toxicities that negatively affect cancer treatment adherence and survival.
Those who took up the YOCAS yoga had “significantly lower levels of pro-inflammatory markers,” when compared with the group attending education classes.
The researchers said: “Clinicians should consider prescribing [YOCAS yoga] for survivors experiencing inflammation” as it could help them on their road to recovery and even prevent cancer from returning.
*Mustian KM et al. Effects of yoga vs placebo on inflammation among cancer survivors: A nationwide multicenter phase III randomised controlled trial. ASCO. 2023
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The research focused on gentle types of yoga / photo: Shutterstock/Slatan
Spas offering cancer-friendly treatments may want to consider adding yoga to the mix if a new study sponsored by the US National Institute of Health is anything to go by.
Research led by the University of Rochester Medical Centre found that cancer patients practising yoga benefit from reduced levels of inflammation, which is linked to the growth of tumours.
Gentle yoga The study*, which was published at the recent annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), was based on more than 500 cancer survivors. All participants, who had an average age of 56, had received cancer treatment between two months and five years earlier.
Half of the group, picked at random, enrolled on a programme by Yoga for Cancer Survivors (YOCAS), which includes gentle hatha and restorative yoga – not more intense versions like ashtanga or bikram.
They practised 75-minute yoga sessions two times a week for a month.
The other half took part in a placebo programme devised by ASCO focused on health education.
Each group was monitored using a series of blood tests throughout the four-week period and checked for levels of inflammation.
Reduced inflammation Inflammation, both acute and chronic, is universally associated with primary and secondary cancer development and progression, as well as a myriad of toxicities that negatively affect cancer treatment adherence and survival.
Those who took up the YOCAS yoga had “significantly lower levels of pro-inflammatory markers,” when compared with the group attending education classes.
The researchers said: “Clinicians should consider prescribing [YOCAS yoga] for survivors experiencing inflammation” as it could help them on their road to recovery and even prevent cancer from returning.
*Mustian KM et al. Effects of yoga vs placebo on inflammation among cancer survivors: A nationwide multicenter phase III randomised controlled trial. ASCO. 2023
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2023 issue 3
Editor's letter: Reflection point
As Spa Business celebrates its 20th birthday, Katie Barnes pauses for thought and rejoices in the industry’s evolution
Spa People: 20th anniversary issue: Anna Bjurstam
The strategic senior advisor at Six Senses and Raison d'Etre on being initiated as a shaman, why psychedelics are here to stay and her bigger fear for the global spa industry
Promotion: Klafs: Relax into wellbeing
Klafs and Studio F. A. Porsche have combined their design and wellness expertise to create an oasis for total-body relaxation
News report: Eastern promise
Japan’s spa industry is valued at US$4.2 billion and is part of the world's third highest-performing wellness economy
Jeremy McCarthy: Theory of evolution
From spa to wellness and now leisure – Spa Business’ contributing editor looks at where hospitality experiences are heading
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Lemi is committed to leading with innovation to create
cutting-edge treatment room solutions that excel
in terms of performance and eco-credentials
Promotion: G.M. COLLIN: Collagen pioneers
GM Collin’s expertise in collagen research and product formulation has resulted in the creation of a new serum that combats age-related skin degeneration
Promotion: Comfort Zone: A brighter future
Consumers are increasingly interested in reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation and a new line from Comfort Zone has been launched to address this emerging need
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Vikki and Robbie are often exhausted after work. A visit to the spa to experience
the Art of Cryo Tech-Spa Module is a chance to re-set and rejuvenate together
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which is due to open in 2028.
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renovation with the debut of its Sandára Wellness Centre.
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, the spa business with more than 650 locations across
the US and Canada, has appointed franchise expert Carrie Walsh as CEO as the company plans
to expand.
Synergy – The Retreat Show, the global trade show for retreats, has launched a global research
initiative that will provide insights into the retreat sector from both consumer and industry
perspectives.
The Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) has published a non-regulatory global industry
framework designed to ensure the retreat market offers responsible experiences.
A new survey of UK and international spa practitioners shows that stress, burnout and
wellbeing concerns have caused one in three respondents to consider leaving the industry.
The UK's four Chief Medical Officers have published a refreshed edition of Physical activity
guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' report, updating the evidence that underpins the nation's
physical activity recommendations and placing greater emphasis on strength, balance, reducing
sedentary behaviour and, for the first time, supporting people taking weight loss medications.
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most valued practices in the fields of wellness and recovery. [more...]
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