Side effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer patients may be lessened by Tibetan yoga

A new study now reveals that Tibetan yoga can help breast cancer patients endure the side effects of chemotherapy

The study, conducted by the University of Texas MD Anderson Sancer Center, found that women who participated in one-on-one Tibetan yoga sessions four times a week slept better.

Tibetan yoga practices keep people in continuous movement and they are thought to improve memory and mental clarity.

Sleep disturbances is one of the most common side effects that cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy face, and often report poor sleep quality, insomnia and drowsiness.

The study researchers say that their findings can better prepare women who receive breast cancer diagnoses to face chemotherapy and suggest that doctors should recommend yoga practices to cancer patients.

According to Dr Lorenzo Cohen, the lead author for the study, researchers wanted the patients to practice Tibetan yoga, specifically, because it is low-impact.

The women who practiced Tibetan yoga reported that, , in the months following the study, they experienced long-term sleep benefits as a result of their yoga classes.

According to Dr Cohen, the effects will only help chemotherapy patients who practice Tibetan yoga on a consistent basis over a period of time.