Yoga for Cancer & Oncology Massage

 “Cancer steals your breath. Yoga gives it back.™” – Tari Prinster

Yoga for Cancer is a research-based specialized yoga methodology addressing the specific physical and emotional needs left by cancer and its treatments. This method is gentle and restorative and focuses on movement and breath and the special needs of current cancer patients and survivors. Trained teachers adapt this valuable methodology to all cancer types and stages.

Yoga for Cancer at the J

Virtual: Fridays at 11:30am-12:45pm taught by Emily Elizabeth Steinberg
This virtual class builds community and creates a safe space from the comfort and privacy of your home. Incorporates additional breathwork, mindfulness meditation and visualization practices alongside the gentle and restorative poses and practices.

In-Person: Thursdays at 4-5:15pm taught by Stacia Hanna (Staenberg Family Complex/Creve Coeur)
This in-person class builds community and creates a safe space while being together with other class participants. In addition to focusing on movement and breath, provides hands-on instructional opportunities to modify the gentle and restorative poses to accommodate individual needs.

Class Details:

• Classes are 75 minutes
• Attend virtually or in-person depending on your needs each week; reservations required

Session Cost:
Free for J members.
Non-members can participate for no cost for 10 weeks. After 10 weeks, session cost is $75 (or participants can apply for a subsidy from Sharsheret national).

*To learn more about the financial subsidy or to participate as a non-member, contact Debbi Braunstein, 314-442-3266. Non-member subsidy can cover the cost for up to one year.

Instructor
Instructors hold the following: E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher); y4c (yoga4cancer) Trainer Teacher.

The importance of having a y4c trained instructor:

• Yoga for Cancer training equips teachers with the knowledge, skills, and resources required to safely and effectively work with cancer patients and survivors.
• A trained Yoga for Cancer instructor can not only help cancer patients and survivors manage symptoms and side effects, but can also help them lead longer, healthier lives.
• Classes adapt poses and practices to address common side effects and meets the needs of each individual.
• Yoga for Cancer instructors are trained to be aware of, and understand, the cautions/risks in generic yoga styles.
• Encourage students to take an active role in their recovery and long-term health.

“It’s a time that I connect with fellow survivors and enjoy the breath and flow of yoga.” – Teresa P. participant

Benefits of Yoga for Cancer:

• Increased strength and flexibility
• Improved balance and mobility
• Improved sleep
• Reduced anxiety and stress
• Enhanced immune system
• Improved sense of well-being
• Potential path to a longer, healthier life

“My therapist understands the difficult road of cancer and addresses the physical pain associated with the mental anguish.” – S4OM

Oncology massage is a specialized, non-invasive therapy that helps one manage the symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatment. It uses a light touch along with slow, steady movements, and is intended to help the body relax. A safe massage plan generally revolves around the side effects (both short – and long-term) of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

Oncology Massage at the J

60-minute oncology massages provided by licensed massage therapist properly trained in oncology.

Pricing

$70 per 60 minutes

The J’s Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT):

• Kyler Williams – LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist), Certificate of Completion in Oncology Massage (S4OM).

Kyler Williams has studied, trained and practiced massage since 2013. Kyler provides rehabilitative medical, therapeutic and relaxation massage therapy after years of experience collaborating with physicians and physical therapists. He pursued oncology massage after recognizing this practice was an integral approach to patient care and how it can help manage side effects and improve health outcomes.

The importance of having a Licensed Massage Therapist properly trained in oncology:

• Knows what information to gather from the client and how to make the corresponding adjustments based on your personal treatment plan and/or history.
• They meet people where they are in their cancer experience and apply a highly individualized massage treatment to comfort, nurture and support them in their process.
• Trained to be aware of, and understand, the cautions/risks for cancer patients and survivors.
• Understands the impact cancer treatment poses to the immune system and knows what precautions are necessary to keep you safe.

Massage helped me accept the new me. I am alive, I am beautiful, scars and all. – Oncology Massage Recipient

An oncology massage may help patients and survivors with the following:

• Reduced cancer fatigue and improved sleep
• Reduced pain anxiety and stress
• Reduced chemotherapy related nausea
• Improved chemotherapy-related neuropathic pain
• Eased feelings of constipation
• Improved sense of well-being

Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM)

• Training Curriculum is recognized by S4OM (Society for Oncology Massage) and approved by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.