Program

The training program Yoga and Cancer commenced in 2009, a specialized program officially recognized by the Vereniging Yogadocenten Nederland (VYN). Its thorough program includes all aspects of yoga and cancer. Yoga practice and yoga theory are equally incorporated into the program.

Goal

After successful completion of the specialization Yoga and Cancer the instructor is qualified to practice H-Yoga and will have acquired the correct knowledge, insight and skills on yoga practiced during and after cancer.

Construction of the program

The specialization involves eight full days of instruction taken during the course of one year. Each day focuses on a central theme. The themes follow the philosophy of chakras.

Day 1: Inner strength
Day 2: Wisdom of the body
Day 3: Emotion and creativity
Day 4: Self-awareness
Day 5: Harmony
Day 6: Space
Day 7: Insight
Day 8: Blockades
Each session includes a H-Yoga class and a theory lesson connected to the theme of that day.

Topics

• Basic medical knowledge
• Stress and relaxation during cancer (treatments)
• Meaning, life and death issues (yoga philosophy and cancer)
• Adapted asanas (yoga exercises)
• Visualizations/affirmations and cancer
• Nada yoga (sound healing and mantras)
• Meditation
• Pranayamas and the importance of breath and cancer
• The influence of chakras, gunas and cancer
• Trauma and coping with loss

Conclusion and evaluation

Following the training the instructor is required to write an essay incorporating the discussed and practiced material. The evaluation of this paper will include decisions on competence, ability and knowledge of H-Yoga practice.

The specialization has been acknowledged by the Vereniging Yogadocenten Nederland (VYN).