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| Many patients looking forward to their weekly yoga classes |
Spreading optimism
At 5 p.m., 62-year-old patient Pham T.K.T. from Phu Loc hesitated before entering the class. Encouraged by her roommates and out of curiosity, she decided to join the yoga club for cancer patients. At an age when she should be relaxing and spending time with her grandchildren, she fell ill, and her family brought her to the hospital just before the Lunar New Year. Later, she received the diagnosis of breast cancer. After her first yoga session, she felt: “It wasn’t as difficult as I thought. Seeing the younger patients here, who are in difficult circumstances but still remain cheerful and optimistic, gives me motivation to continue with my treatment.”
Joining Mrs. K.T. are over 20 other patients, each with their own circumstances and different degrees of illness, but everyone tries to listen carefully and diligently practice the exercises. Occasionally, amid the workouts, there are encouraging words and humorous remarks that make everyone laugh heartily.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Th. (a patient from Quang Tri, born 2000) has been practicing yoga at the hospital for the past six months. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2021. “When I first learned I had cancer, I cried every day, making my family worried. But here, seeing others in similar situations yet still optimistic and joyful has motivated me. Now, as you can see, I’m always full of energy. Previously, chemotherapy made me uncomfortable and disrupted my sleep, but yoga has improved my condition as I can eat and sleep better. I even teach the exercises to other patients in my room,” Th. shared.
Not only the current patients but also former patients, upon hearing about the yoga classes at the Oncology Center, have returned to help, support, and encourage those in similar situations. For example, Nguyen Thi A.T., who has been living with cancer for 11 years. Having practiced yoga and noticed improvements in her health, she occasionally joins the sessions to practice alongside the patients. "The hospital has shown us the great spiritual value and motivation. Yoga helps me stay optimistic and resilient in fighting illness. I hope more patients join it to make a collective effort and actively pursue treatment," Mrs. T. said.
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| Gifts are given to patients after each session |
Listening, sharing, and empathy
In March 2024, the yoga club for female cancer patients, managed by Hue Central Hospital Women's Intellectual Association, officially began. Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, Hue Central Hospital Social Work Team arrives 30 minutes early to review logistics and prepare gifts for the patients after their sessions to support their health.
Ngo Bich Uyen, a trainer from Au Co Yoga Center who teaches the class for free, shares: “After 15 years of participating in various community service activities, this is our first time working with cancer patients. This class is unique. In this class, all exercises are carefully selected to focus on mental therapy, ensuring each session is joyful, comfortable, and rejuvenating. The movements are designed to stretch muscles and joints, helping reduce stress and improve sleep.”
The training method at this club is slower than usual. By observing each person's facial expressions, the instructor can gauge their health condition and adjust the intensity and duration of the exercises accordingly. The key is to always listen and share, as patients often feel very fatigued and in pain after chemotherapy. The participants stay in touch via Zalo for support and guidance, which deeply moves the instructor. “We practice together with the spirit of not making any session heavy or serious; the important thing is to talk, listen, and empathize. In just one hour of practice together, seeing everyone’s faces bright and smiling is already a great success. As a result, the participants eagerly look forward to the sessions, with some even requesting additional sessions or extended hours,” said Ms. Bich Uyen.
After six months of operation, there has been a noticeable improvement in the physical and mental health of the patients. The yoga club has become a warm, connecting space for many cancer patients. Each session includes two nurses from the Oncology Center who support, care for, and monitor the patients' health. According to Ms. Chau Thi Hoa, a specialized 1 nurse, sometimes the nurses join in the exercises to build connection and encourage each other.
According to statistics, the Oncology Center at Hue Central Hospital treats over 500 patients, with nearly 50% being female. The yoga club creates a supportive, encouraging environment that helps these women become stronger. Many yoga models in hospitals, both domestic and international, have been proven to be effective in clinical settings, positively impacting both the physical and mental well-being of patients.
Ms. Hoang Thi Lan Huong, a specialized II Dr., Deputy Director of Hue Central Hospital and President of the Hue Central Hospital Women's Intellectual Association, stated: “In addition to advancing high and specialized techniques for the best treatment quality, we also focus on comprehensive care activities that enhance both physical and mental well-being to make patients more comfortable. Yoga improves physical and mental health for cancer patients, providing them with strength and positive energy to stay resilient in their fight against illness and return to their families sooner.”