title: Yoga for patients and carers in a palliative day care setting.
abstract: This study suggests that yoga can be of benefit to patients (and carers) in palliative care settings. Complementary therapies have been employed in our day care unit for several years--aromatherapy, reflexology and massage--and have grown in popularity, enabling relaxation and a feeling of well-being. For patients striving to remain physically fit and, in consultation with our physiotherapist, we felt there may be a role for a gentle form of yoga. A study of the literature yielded information on yoga and cancer but little evidence of its use in palliative care. Having identified a form of yoga that could be adapted for those with physical frailties-- Dru yoga--a 12-week pilot project was introduced into the day care unit. This proved to be highly successful and has now been incorporated as part of our therapeutic service.
authors.affiliation: aileenmedusa@googlemail.com
authors.forename: Aileen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McDonald
authors.forename: Elene
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Burjan
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D003631:Day Care, Medical; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015013:Yoga