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Mind and Body

Mind and body activities work on the idea that what we think and feel can change our physical and emotional well-being. When we are under stress and our emotions are under pressure, our body can be affected. Likewise, our physical symptoms can affect our emotions and how we think. Mind and body activities involve a range of psychological and other techniques that help people live with emotions, relieve stress and anxiety and help improve mood. Many of these activities can be done at home.

Not all these activities may be recommended or possible for certain types of cancer or treatment, e.g. yoga. It is important therefore to ensure that you speak to a health professional such as your doctor or nurse before starting them. If you are attending classes, it is important that these are led by experienced professionals who understand the issues people with cancer have.

Common techniques include:

Mind and Body

Mindfulness

Mindfulness

Mindfulness helps focus on the present moment without judgement. It is a technique that builds our noticing skills. By noticing thoughts and feelings, we can learn to connect to the present moment when we feel overwhelmed by painful emotions or a busy brain. More information can be found here or by downloading this self-help companion.

Breathing and Relaxation

Breathing and Relaxation

Breathing exercises involve calming and relaxing the body through slow, deep and even breaths. This can take place in any environment, from the comfort of your own home to a busy hospital waiting area. Sometimes a professional can lead you through breathing exercises and these may be used with guided imagery, where people are asked to think of pleasant images. More information can be found here.

Art therapy

Art therapy

Art therapy involves working through emotional issues by communicating through the creation of images. These can help people identify and deal with feelings. They are led by a qualified therapist can be done one-to-one or in a group. No experience or expertise in art is required. More information about art therapy can be found here.

Music therapy

Mindfulness

This involves making music to deal with emotional issues and can improve health and well-being by communicating through musical sounds. The therapy can take place one-to-one or in a group and is led by a trained therapist. You can find more information at www.bamt.org.

Yoga

Yoga

Yoga is based in ancient Hindu and Buddhist religions and philosophies. There are different types of yoga, but generally they are movement therapies involving breathing and meditation, ranging from gentle motion to more energetic activities. They are helpful in addressing problems with sleep and fatigue. More information about yoga for people with cancer can be found here.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy involves entering deeply relaxed states, leading to a greater awareness of inner thoughts through an altered state of consciousness. Sessions are safe and can be stopped by opening the eyes. They must be led by qualified therapists. More information can be found at www.british-hypnotherapy-association.org.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice involving the use of fine needles to treat conditions and relieve problems. The traditional Chinese approach believes the needles help problems with body’s energy (‘chi’). The Western view is that the needles help stimulate the nerves and chemicals. More information can be found at www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk.

T’ai Chi / Qi Gong

T’ai Chi

T’ai chi and Qi Gong both use the body’s strength, balance and flexibility to produce slow, fluid movements. Often these are made with the use of guided imagery and deep breathing. They can be performed one-to-one or in groups and can be adapted to the strength and flexibility of any individual. Basic T’ai Chi movements can be found at: www.mskcc.org.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness helps focus on the present moment without judgement. It is a technique that builds our noticing skills. By noticing thoughts and feelings, we can learn to connect to the present moment when we feel overwhelmed by painful emotions or a busy brain. More information can be found here or by downloading this self-help companion.

Breathing and Relaxation

Breathing exercises involve calming and relaxing the body through slow, deep and even breaths. This can take place in any environment, from the comfort of your own home to a busy hospital waiting area. Sometimes a professional can lead you through breathing exercises and these may be used with guided imagery, where people are asked to think of pleasant images. More information can be found here.

Art therapy

Art therapy involves working through emotional issues by communicating through the creation of images. These can help people identify and deal with feelings. They are led by a qualified therapist can be done one-to-one or in a group. No experience or expertise in art is required. More information about art therapy can be found here.

Mindfulness

This involves making music to deal with emotional issues and can improve health and well-being by communicating through musical sounds. The therapy can take place one-to-one or in a group and is led by a trained therapist. You can find more information at www.bamt.org.

Yoga

Yoga is based in ancient Hindu and Buddhist religions and philosophies. There are different types of yoga, but generally they are movement therapies involving breathing and meditation, ranging from gentle motion to more energetic activities. They are helpful in addressing problems with sleep and fatigue. More information about yoga for people with cancer can be found here.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy involves entering deeply relaxed states, leading to a greater awareness of inner thoughts through an altered state of consciousness. Sessions are safe and can be stopped by opening the eyes. They must be led by qualified therapists. More information can be found at www.british-hypnotherapy-association.org.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice involving the use of fine needles to treat conditions and relieve problems. The traditional Chinese approach believes the needles help problems with body’s energy (‘chi’). The Western view is that the needles help stimulate the nerves and chemicals. More information can be found at www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk.

T’ai Chi

T’ai chi and Qi Gong both use the body’s strength, balance and flexibility to produce slow, fluid movements. Often these are made with the use of guided imagery and deep breathing. They can be performed one-to-one or in groups and can be adapted to the strength and flexibility of any individual. Basic T’ai Chi movements can be found at: www.mskcc.org.