Description

This CPD day explores the ways in which yoga, applied with a therapeutic approach, can support and nurture people who have cancer in their efforts to cope with the disease and their treatment. The day is aimed at community teachers who will undoubtedly be approached by students undergoing a cancer diagnosis. An assortment of key practices effective for cancer - and for all those in class – will include meditations celebrating the cellular community and exploring difficult feelings as well as simple movement with the breath to help support the lymphatic system. The necessary precautions and contraindications relating to types of cancer will be covered, as will those difficult emotions surrounding a cancer diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this day is to give each teacher the self-confidence and professional skills in order to integrate a student with a cancer diagnosis into their classes effectively and safely.  

Cancer treatments are advancing all the time and there is in place a holistic approach by the medical profession towards dealing with cancer – not just treating the cancer itself but assessing the individual both emotionally and spiritually. Yoga plays an important role within this holistic approach with many mainstream cancer support organisations welcoming yoga as part of their approach to healing. A relatively new Yoga for Cancer Survivors study revealed that reduced inflammatory markers were present in those undergoing gentle stretching using yoga. This work, conducted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology for YOCAS, is an impressive clinical study and has given much credence to yoga as having tremendous health benefits for many life-challenging illnesses including cancer. 

The day is aimed at teachers and student teachers who are likely to encounter someone undergoing treatments for cancer, whether they are already in their class or a newcomer. The teachings are specific to cancer recovery and the emotional difficulties surrounding a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment. In addition to this, as teachers we need  look towards our own fear surrounding cancer and this day will help a teacher decide on their suitability for this work and how to safely hold the space for their students and for themselves.

Kari Knight

Kari Knight trained with BWY (British Wheel of Yoga) under Margaret Woodley, a Viniyoga teacher. Kari’s teaching style is greatly influenced by the breath-centred practices of the Viniyoga tradition and further by the Vanda Scaravelli approach. Additional training in the therapeutic application of mindfulness and self-compassion has enhanced Kari’s interest in developing this therapeutic approach to cancer. 

Additional Information

What to Bring

Usual yoga gear and loose clothing for practice.