Mindful Yoga for Cancer

Millions of Americans must deal each day with the symptoms of cancer and the impact of their treatments. For many of these cancer survivors, yoga is a wonderful practice that offers a systematic set of skills to help survivors navigate the cancer journey with greater ease.

Mindful Yoga for Cancer is a six-day professional training program offered to yoga instructors. It introduces the Mindful Yoga program developed by founders Jim and Kimberly Carson, based upon clinical trials of the Yoga of Awareness intervention conducted with cancer patients at Duke. The program incorporates discussion, practice, and instruction on more skillful yoga practices for people healing from cancer.

Mindful Yoga, as applied in clinical trials of the Yoga of Awareness intervention, has been shown to help patients at both early and advanced stages of the cancer experience to minimize their pain and fatigue while increasing vigor, acceptance, and relaxation. Mindful Yoga draws on the principles of integrative medicine, using a whole-person approach to address the mind, body, and spirit.

Hear from Duke medical experts in oncology, health psychology, physical therapy, and palliative care who present relevant information for teaching yoga to those who are navigating the cancer journey.

Topics include:

• Safely and effectively teaching yoga to people living with cancer
• Evidence-based modules for cancer-related symptoms
• Tailoring asana and pranayama to specific symptoms
• Putting yogic principles in context for people from various faith traditions
• Effective and clear ways of presenting models of stress
• Appropriate guidance for working with the mind
• Partnering with the medical community

Learning Objectives

1. Explain the evidence-based benefits of mindful yoga in alleviating common cancer-related symptoms such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, and stress, supported by findings from clinical trials.
2. Demonstrate appropriate yoga postures (asana) and breathing techniques (pranayama) that are tailored to the physical and emotional needs of individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.
3. Apply stress management models and mindfulness techniques effectively during yoga sessions for cancer survivors, ensuring a safe and supportive practice environment.
4. Analyze the specific needs of cancer patients at different stages of treatment and recovery to select and adapt yoga practices accordingly.
5. Design a comprehensive, patient-centered yoga program that integrates mindfulness, physical movement, and breathwork, while respecting the diverse cultural and faith backgrounds of participants.
6. Collaborate with healthcare professionals, including oncologists and palliative care specialists, to ensure that yoga interventions align with medical treatment plans and enhance overall patient well-being.

Application Process

Participation is by application only and registration in each course is limited.  Applicants must be Yoga Alliance certified yoga instructors.  Exceptions may be made for those with comparable experience.  There is no application fee.  Please allow two weeks for review and notification of your acceptance decision.  Accepted applicants will receive instructions on registering for the course.

Upcoming dates and deadlines

June 20-25, 2025

• Applications are now open!!!

Early Registration Closing Date: May 16, 2025

Registration Closing Date: June 13, 2025

Schedule:

• Friday, June 20 – Wednesday, June 25, 2025 (10:00 AM – 7 PM EST) – Live virtual sessions

Instructors

• Jim Carson
• Kimberly Carson

Accommodations Statement

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations or who have questions about physical access should contact us in advance of the program.

Continuing Education Credits Available

Students who successfully complete this program will earn a Certificate of Completion from Duke Integrative Medicine and an opportunity to earn a total of 50.0 Yoga Alliance continuing education units.