Research-Based Yoga for Cancer Survivors

MONDAY, 30 MARCH 2009

After eight years of extensive research at the University of Calgary Physical Activity and Cancer Center, prominent yoga teacher, kinesiologist and founder of Functional Synergy, Susi Hately Aldous launches the Yoga for Cancer Survivors program across the U.S. and Canada. Beginning in May 2009, Susi will introduce a Yoga for Cancer Survivors Certified Teacher Training Series for registered yoga teachers along with a roll-out of the program at yoga studios.

Following the positive research results and the program’s well-received yoga DVD, Susi will start intensive 4-day teacher training workshops at yoga centers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Duluth, MN; Dallas, TX; and Los Angeles, CA with additional markets to be announced. Those who complete the program will learn specific yoga techniques proven to help alleviate symptoms associated with cancer and find benefits for students such as better quality of life, improved sleep, less fatigue and better balance, strength and cardiovascular ability. Participants who successfully complete the program will be certified to teach Yoga for Cancer Survivors classes to students currently undergoing cancer treatments (with doctor’s approval) or after completing treatments.

A trained professional with over 10 years of diverse knowledge in yoga and therapeutic rehabilitation, Susi has dedicated a large part of her career and life to working closely with patients including cancer survivors throughout all stages of the condition. Based on anatomy and therapeutic yoga, her approachable 7 session yoga of cancer survivors program is based on Hatha yoga, and has been modified specifically for those who are looking for a gentle yoga program to relax, and progressively build flexibility, strength and balance. The teacher training program consists of several key elements that enforce a complementary therapy technique. “Yoga is known to reduce pain by reducing the brain’s pain center and regulating the gate-controlling mechanism located in the spinal cord and the secretion of natural painkillers in the body,” says Susi. “We aim to complement the lifestyle and level of each individual.”

The Yoga for Cancer Survivors teacher training will consist of the following key guiding principles: o Anatomy teachings and understanding. o The impact of chemotherapy and radiation. o Benefits of yoga for cancer patients and survivors ─ how yoga can help improve balance, quality of life, ability to sleep, physical agility, reducing stress, irritability and depression. o Customizing safe and effective poses ─ based on type of cancer and how to personalize trainings for each client’s needs. o Understanding different fitness levels and pain levels.

“Whether you are a cancer survivor still undergoing chemotherapy, post surgery or in remission, yoga affects and benefits the body and mind in every stage,” says Susi. Having worked with cancer patients and survivors in all stages of cancer and with different types of cancers including lung, breast, leukemia, and thyroid, Susi acknowledges it is a long and arduous road to the early stages of acceptance of the disease. Yoga is one step towards a positive outlook physically and emotionally.

The Yoga for Cancer Survivors teacher training series is available for registered yoga teachers (RYT) nationwide at 499 USD per person for a 4-day certified training. One of the requirements to participate is a commitment to teach theses classes in their local communities or through their studios after successful certification. Please visit www.yogaforcancersurvivors.com for further details or call 1-866-229-2645.

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