Yoga and Cancer

In a courtyard at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center women stretch and pull as their yoga instructor calls out different postures.

Daniela Ellis, a Yoga Instructor directs, "take one step at a time, one breath at a time." Ellis says holding the different postures releases muscle tension, which can help ease stress.

In fact, a recent study by the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Texas found women with breast cancer who practiced yoga were in better general health and felt less fatigued than women in their situation who did not practice yoga.

Daniela Ellis says, "yoga helps with the overall circulation of the lymph and the body assisting the immune system in healing the body."

Rehmann, also says yoga can help with scar tissue build up from radiation and surgery.

Not only is yoga a great physical activity, but it's also a good exercise for the mind and the spirit."

Susanna Rehmann, a Yoga Student says, "any kind of exercise I this is really wonderful. It helps, it lifts your spirit and makes you feel good."

Susanna has been taking yoga here for three months. She does not have cancer, but enjoys the healing environment of M.D. Anderson.

Rehmann said, "it helps in being more flexible and also building strength and that's very important-to be both flexible and strong."

That's good advice for anyone with or without an illness.