Experimental Therapies — Legal & Safety Notice
Several therapies listed (psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine) are controlled substances in most countries. This information is educational only.
If you are in crisis, please contact a crisis line immediately. USA: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — UK: Samaritans 116 123 — IN: iCall 9152987821
Yoga & Exercise
Mind-Body
Clinical trials specifically in cancer patientsYoga and structured exercise are among the highest-evidence interventions for cancer-related fatigue the most common and debilitating side effect of cancer treatment. Contrary to historical advice to rest, the current oncology consensus (ASCO, ACSM) recommends exercise as standard of care during and after cancer treatment. Yoga specifically has strong RCT evidence for reducing fatigue, improving sleep quality, reducing anxiety and depression, and improving quality of life. It also addresses cancer-specific physical concerns: joint stiffness from aromatase inhibitors, lymphoedema management, bone density loss, and post-surgical mobility.
Conditions Addressed
How It Works
Aerobic exercise increases BDNF, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-a), and stimulates NK cell activity directly relevant to cancer immune surveillance. Yoga's combination of movement, breath regulation, and meditation simultaneously activates the parasympathetic nervous system and builds strength, flexibility, and balance. Resistance training counteracts sarcopenia (muscle loss) from chemotherapy and maintains bone density. Exercise-induced endorphin and endocannabinoid release provides mood elevation independent of serotonin pathways.
What a Session Looks Like
Yoga: gentle or restorative classes 23x per week (60 min), or daily home practice of 2030 min. Cancer-specific yoga programmes (e.g., YogaCare, Yoga for Cancer by Tari Prinster) adapt for physical limitations. Aerobic exercise: 150 min/week of moderate intensity, or 75 min vigorous. Resistance training: 2x/week targeting major muscle groups. Start at whatever level is accessible even 10-minute daily walks have meaningful benefit during chemo.
Cautions & Considerations
- Avoid inversions (headstands, shoulder stands) if on blood thinners, with bone metastases, or raised intracranial pressure
- Hot yoga contraindicated during active chemotherapy heat stress on an immunocompromised system
- Lymphoedema risk: avoid heavy resistance training on affected limb without specialised guidance (though gentle resistance training is safe)
- Bone metastases require oncologist clearance before any high-impact or resistance exercise
- Peripheral neuropathy affects balance use wall or chair support; avoid standing balance poses
- Begin gently and build gradually during active treatment fatigue paradoxically improves with consistent gentle movement
- Port or PICC line: avoid arm movements that could displace the line