Dr. Roberto Garcia – Summary
Today we organize this educational activity with teacher Lilah Troitiño. There are many doubts about cancer, and as oncology specialists, we face daily questions about what is the best treatment for a patient, the best diet or how we can improve the course of the disease and prevent its recurrence.
In recent months, I have been researching complementary therapies and I remembered that at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York they include yoga sessions for cancer patients. It caught my attention and I began to delve into the subject. I discovered numerous studies on how these practices improve the quality of life for patients with cancer, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, migraines, and more.
In oncology, we always seek to optimize treatments, but even so, there are patients whose disease returns or whose course is not ideal. For this reason, we analyze the importance of complementing medical treatment with nutrition, psycho-oncological support and spiritual well-being.
Lilah Troitiño is a dancer and lawyer, with 12 years of experience teaching yoga to children and adults. She has specialized in breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques with experts in Argentina, the United States and India. In 2015, she obtained her certification as a yoga instructor for cancer patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a world reference center in cancer treatment.
Since 2011, she founded her own studio, Lilah Yoga, a space dedicated to holistic wellness through yoga, meditation, and energy therapies. Her experience with cancer patients and survivors is testament to the benefits of yoga on the quality of life for these patients.
The goal of this talk is to open the minds of my patients to understand how yoga can be a complementary tool in their healing process. In fact, I already have a class scheduled with Lilah this Saturday with my wife. It is something that must be experienced in order to recommend it properly. Lilah, I give you the floor to tell us more about this.
Lilah Troitiño – Summary
Thank you, Roberto. As you mentioned, yoga is a discipline with more than 5,000 years of history. Although it has roots in the East, it has come to the West with significant impact, not only on a spiritual level, but as a tool for holistic well-being.
Modern life keeps us disconnected from our bodies and our emotions. We are so focused on the external—the work, the responsibilities—that we ignore the signals our body sends us. When there’s a cancer diagnosis, stress and anxiety skyrocket, and that’s where yoga can make a difference.
The practice of yoga seeks to reconnect the body, mind and emotions through postures, breathing techniques, relaxation and meditation. It’s not just about exercise; It is a practice adapted to each person. There is yoga for children, adults, seniors, and of course, for cancer patients.
The important thing is to find the right style of yoga for each person. An oncology patient needs a different practice than someone completely healthy. Sessions include breathing techniques that help reduce stress, improve oxygenation, and strengthen the immune system. From the first day of treatment, it is possible to apply tools such as breathing and relaxation to improve quality of life.
A few weeks ago I had a talk with a group of breast cancer survivors who have decided to face the disease with courage. What struck me the most was his focus on regaining control of their lives. Yoga has allowed them to better manage anxiety and improve their well-being.
Pain is another key aspect in cancer patients. The practice of yoga does not eliminate pain, but it does help to manage it better. The way we direct our attention greatly influences our perception of pain. If we focus only on suffering, it intensifies. On the other hand, if we learn to relax the mind and body, the pain can be more bearable.
Another frequently asked question is whether yoga is only for women. The reality is that this practice was born in India exclusively for men, as a form of training for the control of the body and mind. Over time, more women have become interested in yoga, but more and more men are joining in as well.
On the other hand, yoga can help in the recovery process of patients who have gone through a mastectomy or other invasive procedures. There are no age or fitness restrictions to practice it. The important thing is to tailor the sessions to individual needs.
In my experience, yoga not only benefits patients, but also their families. When the patient’s environment is calm, the healing process becomes more bearable. I often give classes to both patients and their families, since well-being must be comprehensive.
For those who want to explore this practice, I currently offer online sessions. Through digital platforms, we can work on breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques adapted to each patient. If you want more information, you can contact me through my social networks or website.
Roberto, thank you for this space. I am happy to be able to share this knowledge with your community and to continue helping those in need.
Conclusion – Dr. Roberto Garcia
Lilah, thank you so much for this enriching conversation. I know that many of my patients will be interested in learning more about yoga as a complement to their cancer treatment. At the Panama Cancer Clinic, we seek a comprehensive approach that includes not only medical treatments, but also emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being.
I thank all those who joined us in this talk. I hope this information helps you open up to new tools to improve your quality of life. See you in the next session.
