Yoga may help cancer patients manage lymphedema.
In addition to strength and flexibility, some evidence suggests that yoga may be beneficial in the management of lymphedema.(1) The lymphatic system relies on muscular contraction, flexion and compression, respiration, arterial pulse pressure, and the natural pull of gravity to maintain tissue fluidbalance and promote lymphatic drainage. Yoga postures, movements, and breathing techniques are uniquely suited to facilitate these processes.
Surgeries such as lymph node removal and other cancer treatments (such as radiation and drug therapies) can interfere with lymphatic flow and slow the detoxification process needed to mitigate toxicities from cancer treatments. Furthermore, treatments can result in a buildup of lymphatic fluid in the tissues of the limbs, neck, and abdomen (lymphedema). This buildup can be debilitating, painful, and increase risk of infection in affected areas. Manual compression, lymphatic massage, the use of compression garments, and exercise such as yoga may help to reduce buildup and promote lymphatic drainage.
“I have found that if I maintain a regular yoga practice and attend classes, my lymphedema symptoms are reduced and I do not have to see my physical therapist or lymphatic massage therapist as often. And the pain and swelling are reduced. This is great as my healthcare plan limits the number of sessions I can have with therapists. But my yoga sessions are free and effective.”
Veronica
Stage 4 Breast Cancer Survivor
At least 20% of women treated for breast cancer require lifelong lymphedema management. A randomized controlled pilot study of yoga interventions to manage breast cancer-related lymphedema found that yoga may help patients reduce lymphedema. The study assigned women to a weekly 90-minute yoga class taught by a yoga therapist with qualifications in manual lymphatic drainage or to maintenance of their usual self-care (i.e., wearing compression garments, self-massage, and usual lymphatic treatment). The yoga session involved postures and breathing practices to promote lymphatic drainage, meditation, and relaxation. At eight weeks, the yoga group showed a significant decrease in volume of arm lymphedema compared to the control. This result reversed at the 12-week follow-up, which suggests ongoing practice is necessary to manage lymphedema in the long term.(2)
Fisher, M., Donahoe-Fillmore, B., Leach, L., Omalley, C., Paeplow, C., Prescott, T., & Merriman, H. (2014). Effects of yoga on arm volume among women with breast cancer related lymphedema: A pilot study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 18(4), 559-565.
Loudon, A., Barnett, T., Piller, N., Immink, M., & Williams, A. (2014). Yoga management of breast cancer-related lymphedema: A randomized controlled pilot-trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 14: 214-27.