When a child faces cancer, every supportive tool can make a meaningful difference. Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation focus on fighting the disease, but can take their toll on young patients. Practices like yoga offer gentle, complementary support to help young patients cope with emotional and physical challenges. Yoga can help pediatric cancer patients experience pain relief, improve flexibility, reduce anxiety and positively reconnect with their bodies.

Is Yoga Good for Cancer Patients?

A 2022 review of yoga for pain studies showed that yoga contributes to short-term improvements in pain intensity. Many children experience pain from surgery, chemotherapy or being in bed for extended periods. Yoga can be a helpful tool for children going through cancer treatment to manage pain and feel more comfortable.

Yoga for pediatric cancer patients isn't about doing poses perfectly — it's about helping patients feel better. It gives pediatric patients simple ways to feel more in control of their bodies and emotions during a tough time. Yoga uses easy stretches and slow movements to help relax tight muscles and reduce tension in the body. Even a little movement can significantly affect how the body feels. Breathing is also a big part of yoga. Taking slow, deep breaths helps the body feel calmer, and this practice can lower stress and help manage pain.

Beginner-Friendly Yoga Poses for Children and Adults

Yoga for cancer patients can relieve pain and manage the stress associated with fighting the disease. Here are a few poses to start with.

Remember to consult your doctor first and stop immediately if you experience pain.

1. Child's Pose

This pose helps pediatric cancer patients relieve tension and promotes relaxation. Here's how to do it:

Start by kneeling on a mat with knees hip-width apart.
Sit back with your hips over your heels.
Bend at your waist and touch your forehead to the floor or as low as possible.
Stretch your arms over your head.
Hold the pose for a few breaths and focus on your breathing.
Slowly return to a seated position.

2. Cobra Pose

The cobra pose is gentle and can help ease back and chest discomfort. It stretches the front of the body while releasing tension in the spine.

Lie on your stomach with your legs extended and feet flat.
Place your hands under your shoulders with elbows tucked in.
Gently press into your hands to lift your chest.
Keep your elbows slightly bent and shoulders relaxed.
Hold for a few slow breaths and then lower back down.

3. Tree Pose

Tree pose helps children and adults feel grounded and calmer. Here's how to do this simple, low-impact pose:

Stand tall with your feet together.
Shift your weight onto one foot.
Place the other foot on your inner calf or thigh, avoiding the knee.
Press your hands together at your chest or reach them up.
Focus on one spot and take deep breaths.
Hold for a few seconds and then switch legs.

Support Four Diamonds and Provide Critical Pediatric Cancer Services

Yoga for pain management is one of many ways to support the well-being of children facing cancer. At Four Diamonds, our team includes compassionate experts who go beyond medical care to support every part of a child's journey. Four Diamonds is committed to helping kids survive and thrive through superior care, comprehensive family support and groundbreaking research.

With one of Pennsylvania's most extensive pediatric oncology child life programs and a team of 11 certified specialists, Four Diamonds touches the lives of over 100 families annually. Our holistic support addresses physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs — so no child or family walks this path alone.

Your support makes this possible. When you give to Four Diamonds, you ensure that every child and family has a dedicated, caring team beside them throughout treatment and survivorship. Learn how your donation helps conquer childhood cancer or explore other ways to get involved in this mission.