The one thing we can all agree on is that everyone can benefit from doing yoga. It strengthens our bodies inside and out, and makes us feel relaxed and happy.

A new study has found that special yoga classes, with more restorative poses, can also help women battling breast cancer, especially those not taking chemotherapy. The study included 128 women, and the researchers randomly assigned half to a 12-week yoga program, and the other half were in a control group waiting list.

The classes were offered three times a week, and patients were encouraged to take at least one class a week. This wasn't a typical yoga class. The sequencing of postures was designed specifically to benefit those with breast cancer. During the study, the women doing yoga showed improvement in their quality of life, and in their spiritual, emotional, and social well-being. The more classes they attended, the better they felt.

Yoga programs are increasingly being offered in hospitals and rehab centers to benefit cancer patients, as well as prisoners and women in recovery. Knowing that yoga benefits people in need motivates me to practice even more.

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