The Role of Yoga in Palliative Care: Insights From a Single Case Study

Abstract

This case study discusses how a month-long, personalized yoga therapy program impacted a 57-year-old woman with lung cancer that had spread to her brain, who is currently receiving palliative care. Her yoga routine included gentle exercises (Sukshma Vyayama), breathing techniques (Pranayama), and meditation, which were suitable to fit her physical abilities. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L) scale was used to measure her quality of life, revealing significant improvements in her well-being. She showed improvement in mobility, respiratory function, and emotional stability, as well as reduced lung cancer-related symptoms. Yoga's holistic approach not only supported her physical health but also enhanced her emotional and spiritual wellness, leading to a higher quality of life during her care. These results suggest that yoga therapy could be a valuable, non-invasive addition to palliative care, providing comfort and tailored support for patients with terminal illnesses.