Dedication post: Catherine L.Anderson who sadly lost her fight with HNC (51)
If you’d like to participate in the research ( details end of post )
One thing I know for sure is that my yoga practice of 30+ years prepared me well for head and neck cancer treatment. The first time I really noticed its positive impact was when they clip locked me in a head cage to a back board for radiation. That 15 minutes of radiation in that claustrophobic environment was only part of the torture many of us endure as we navigate HNC treatment.
I often fell asleep during radiotherapy, my playlist never sounded quite right in that environment so I requested silence and I used my time to meditate & often sleep.
I have put my hand up to be part of some cutting edge research and that is to participate and learn Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) a powerful breathing technique that purports to build immunity, remove stress and improve relationships (amongst other things)
Here’s the gist of it
In a waitlist-controlled pilot study, patients (with inadequate response to standard antidepressants) who received an adjunctive intervention of Sudarshan Kriya yoga (SKY) obtained significant improvement in depressive and anxious symptoms compared to the waitlist control.
In two research studies published in 2020, SKY was respectively compared to Foundations of Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Wisdom On Wellness. Results show that SKY exhibited greater improvements on stress, depression mental health, mindfulness, positive affect, social connectedness, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and sleep.
Six interesting facts about Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY):
Scientifically Studied Benefits: SKY has been the subject of numerous scientific studies exploring its effects on mental and physical well-being. Research has shown that practicing SKY can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and improve overall mood and quality of life.
Breathing Techniques: Central to SKY are its unique breathing techniques, which include rhythmic patterns of breathing known as Ujjayi, Bhastrika, and Sudarshan Kriya. These techniques are believed to help balance the nervous system and increase energy levels.
Yep that’s me just after my neck dissection Founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: SKY was developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, an Indian spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living Foundation. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar introduced SKY as part of the larger Art of Living program aimed at promoting peace and personal development.
Accessible Worldwide: SKY workshops and programs are conducted around the world, making it accessible to people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The Art of Living Foundation has a presence in over 150 countries, offering SKY to millions of individuals.
Non-Religious Practice: Although rooted in ancient yogic traditions, SKY is not tied to any specific religion or belief system. It is designed to be a secular practice that can be beneficial for people of all faiths or no faith.
Community and Support: Practitioners of SKY often find a sense of community and support within the Art of Living network. Regular gatherings, events, and online forums provide opportunities for individuals to connect with like-minded people and share their experiences with the practice.
Participating in a research study can offer numerous benefits, but here are three of the top reasons:
Contribution to Knowledge Advancement: By participating in research, individuals have the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in various fields, ranging from medicine and psychology to social sciences and technology. Their involvement can help researchers uncover new insights, develop better treatments, or address pressing societal issues.
Access to Cutting-Edge Treatments or Interventions: Many clinical research studies offer participants access to innovative treatments, therapies, or interventions that may not be readily available through standard medical care. This provides individuals with the chance to receive advanced care and potentially benefit from treatments that could improve their health outcomes.
Personal Learning and Understanding: Involvement in research studies can also provide participants with valuable learning experiences. They may gain a deeper understanding of their own health conditions, behaviors, or attitudes through the process of data collection, feedback, and interaction with researchers. This increased awareness can empower individuals to make more informed decisions about their health and well-being.
This is an approved research study that looks at the impacts of an evidence-based breathwork meditation program — Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) — on the quality of life for individuals/survivors with head-and-neck cancer and their caregivers. (If the individual doesn't have a caregiver, they are also welcome to join this research study.)
Participants will learn SKY online in a group, led by a certified instructor live. They will also complete questionnaires a few times and a 1:1 interview online.
As a research participant in this study, you will learn SKY for free, which is otherwise available to the public for $395.
If you are interested in participating in this research study or have questions about it, please contact Ting-fen Lin, Ph.D., CCC-SLP at tlin@csufresno.edu or 559-278-2029