How many men are in your yoga class? If the answer is "not many", you might like to invite the important men in your life along.
Why? Because a new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has found that yoga may reduce the side effects of prostate cancer treatments.
How does Yoga help men with prostate cancer?
Here's some information on yoga and radiation side effects:
The unique study, unveiled at a conference for the Society of Integrative Oncology, discovered that yoga balances out several common side effects stemming from radiation therapy. These include tiredness and fatigue, incontinence, and sexual health.
Men who took part in a regular yoga practice reported an improved quality of life and better management of treatment side effects.
But how exactly does yoga achieve this? It could be because many asanas bolster the pelvic floor muscles and stimulate blood flow in the treatment area.
Lead researcher Neha Vapiwala, said "There may also be a psychosocial benefit that derives from participation in a group fitness activity that incorporates meditation and promotes overall healthiness. And all of this ultimately improves general quality of life."
Best asanas for prostate health
As natural medicine teaches us, prevention is better than cure. So if you’re concerned about your risk of prostate cancer – or have recently received treatment – you might like to try these suggested yoga asanas courtesy of Yoga Journal:
- Boat pose (Paripurna Navasana)
- Bound angle pose (Baddha Konasana)
- Reclining hand-to-big-toe pose (Supta Padangusthasana)
- Supported shoulderstand (Salamba Sarvangasana)
- Supported headstand (Salamba Sirsasana)
Your yoga teacher can show you how to safely practice these poses – and other tips for prostate health and improving your pelvic floor muscles.
Originally published on Jan 08, 2016
