Yoga for People with Cancer Experience and their Caregivers

SATYANANDA MATH – Amba ® offers free yoga classes for cancer patients and those in recovery, as well as for their caregivers.

This initiative began in 2013 in Thessaloniki, in collaboration with ALMA ZOIS, and continues today in collaboration with Hellenic Cancer Federation (ELLOK), offering a safe space for support, empowerment, and inner balance.

The classes are based on the Satyananda  system of yoga and include physical postures (asana), breathing practices (pranayama), deep relaxation (Yoga Nidra of the Satyananda system ), and meditation techniques. All practices are adapted to the needs of participants at every stage of treatment and recovery.

Purpose of the Initiative

Our aim is to cultivate a positive attitude and inner balance, qualities that contribute meaningfully to the healing process.

Through the practices of Satyananda Yoga, participants are encouraged to develop awareness on physical, mental, and emotional levels.

The practices support individuals in relaxing, strengthening themselves, and finding inner stability, regardless of the stage of treatment.

Background of the Initiative

The initiative began in March 2013 with the first “Yoga and Health” classes, in collaboration with Alma Zois Thessaloniki (Association of Women with Breast Cancer), and has continued steadily ever since.

From the beginning, the goal has been to support people facing cancer at every stage through the practices of Satyananda Yoga.

The classes are led by experienced yoga teachers who have themselves experienced the illness, offering specialized practices both for people undergoing treatment and for those in recovery.

The 90-minute classes are offered free of charge once a week.

As participation increased, different levels of practice were created in order to meet the needs of all the participants.

Development of the Initiative & Collaborations

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the classes continued online for two years, creating a stable network of support and connection among participants.

Through this initiative, a strong support framework was developed, contributing significantly to the empowerment of people during a particularly demanding period of their lives.

This online network played an essential role in strengthening the morale of those experiencing cancer.

Since May 2023, the initiative has expanded further through collaboration with the Hellenic Cancer Federation (ELLOK), offering free in-person and online classes.

This collaboration continues today, alongside special events and activities organized in cultural and creative spaces.

This initiative is a space of care and connection, where each person can move at their own pace, experiencing safety, support, and acceptance.