Soothing Yoga Poses for Cancer Patients: Relief from Nausea and Stress

Written By Lotte May
Founder of Comfort Crate & Cancer Advocate

When nausea strikes, it can feel impossible to focus on anything else. While medications and dietary changes are often the first line of defence, relieving feelings of sickness can also be achieved through gentle movement. Incorporating specific yoga poses into your routine can help prevent nausea and alleviate symptoms by calming the nervous system.

Yoga for Chemo Nausea: How It Helps

Yoga acts as a dual therapy for both mind and body. By enhancing blood circulation and oxygen flow, yoga helps rejuvenate your system and regulate the imbalances caused by treatment. This is a long-term technique that supports you through both treatment and recovery.

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Yoga Poses for Nausea

1. Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall)
This pose removes stress and fatigue in minutes. By elevating the legs, you encourage blood flow back to the heart and oxygenate the digestive organs.
How to: Lie on the floor with your hips as close to the wall as possible, then walk your feet up the wall until your body is in an L-shaped position.

2. Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero Pose)
This is highly effective because it lifts the diaphragm off the liver and stomach, giving the digestive system space to recuperate.
How to: Kneel down and rest your sitting bones on the ground between your feet. Slowly lean back (use pillows for support if needed).

3. Deep Breathing (Pranayama)
Deep breathing reduces pressure on the abdomen. It helps you take back control over your body’s physical response to nausea.
How to: Sit cross-legged, close your eyes, and inhale slowly for 4 counts, hold for 2, and exhale for 6. Continue for 5-10 minutes.

4. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Seated Spinal Twist)
This pose stimulates peristalsis—the wave-like movement that aids digestion. It also increases blood flow to the spine.
How to: From a seated position, breathe deeply and twist slowly to look over your right shoulder, placing your left hand on your right knee.

Further Reading and Support

• Penny Brohn UK: Yoga and Relaxation
  Access free resources and online sessions focused on holistic wellbeing and gentle movement for cancer patients.
• Yoga for Cancer: Evidence-Based Classes
  Specialised oncology yoga techniques designed to manage treatment-related side effects like nausea and fatigue.
• Comfort Crate: Chemo Nausea Relief - What to Eat
  Complement your movement practice with the best foods to settle a queasy stomach.

About the Author: Lotte May is a stage 4B Hodgkin Lymphoma survivor and founder of Comfort Crate. She uses her background to research to provide patients with practical evidence-based tools for side effect management. Read more about her mission.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for support and guidance only. It does not replace the advice of your medical team.