Preventive Effect of Yogasana (Yogic poses), Pranayam (Yogic Breathing Techniques) and Yoga Nidra on High-Risk People for Cancer: A Critical Review

Abstract

The global cancer burden has been rising day by day due to increase the incidence of high-risk factors for cancer. Chronic alcoholism, tobacco chewing, tobacco smoking, unhealthy diet patterns, unbalanced hormones, obesity, excessive exposure of radiation and sunlight, carcinogenic environmental substance and food additives, chronic inflammation, immunosuppression, infectious agents and advanced age these are some high-risk factors for cancer. Since prevention is better than cure, several preventative measures have been implemented to help prevent cancer. Quitting smoking, avoiding excessive body fat and engaging in regular physical activity are the most prevalent factors that minimize cancer risk. Yogasana (yogic poses), Pranayam (yogic breathing techniques) and Yoga Nidra, which have been practiced in India since ancient times, have played a significant role in cancer prevention. Yogic Prayer, Shodhana Kriyas (yogic cleansing techniques) like Jalaneti (nasal cleansing yogic practice), Kapalbhati, Yogic Sukshma Vyayama, Yogasana like Tadasana (mountain pose), Katichakrasana (standing spinal twist), Vajrasana (thunderbolt pose), Ardha Ushtrasana (half camel pose), Shashankasana (the hare pose), Bhujangasana (cobra pose), Balasana (child pose), Supta Baddha Konasana (reclining bound angle pose) and Shavasana (corpse pose), Pranayam like Nadishodhana (alternate nostril breathing), Bhramari (bumblebee breathing), Dhyan (Meditation) like Yoga Nidra should be beneficial to prevent the cancer and preventive management. Thus, Yogasana, Pranayam and Yoga Nidra can help to prevent cancer by facilitating in the discontinuation of tobacco use, the withdrawal of alcohol and opioid use, the reduction of obesity, the maintenance of a healthy oxygen level in the breathing, the reduction of oxidative stress that causes cancer and the prevention of onco-genetic mutation in cancer-prone individuals. However, further scientific data is required.