The
Vanderbilt
Breast
Center is offering a new class for breast cancer survivors during or after treatment, using the ancient Chinese practice of Qigong, pronounced “chee gung,” to help promote renewal and restoration.
It’s called ReNew, and the first class will be held today at 4 p.m. at the Vanderbilt Dayani Health and
Wellness
Center, led by instructor Kathy Woods, M.Ed., a breast cancer survivor and instructor in mindfulness-based stress reduction.
Qigong is similar to yoga, and also incorporates tai chi movements. The practice uses flowing, gentle movement and postures with special attention to breathing and visualization to help participants achieve a state of relaxed alertness.
“For women facing a breast cancer diagnosis, it offers an opportunity to regain a sense of control and to renew and restore their bodies, minds and spirits,” said Woods.
The Chinese medicine practice has a history dating back at least 3,000 years. “Qi” means energy, and “gong” translates to working with.
Experts say the Qigong class could help patients with relaxation and stress management, improve range of motion, and increase strength, sense of balance, flexibility and energy.
ReNew is open to women following a diagnosis of breast cancer, both during and after treatment, but a medical assessment is required before participation. The class will run every Thursday. It is a collaboration of the
Vanderbilt-Ingram
Cancer
Center, the
Vanderbilt
Breast
Center and the
Vanderbilt
Center for Integrative Health, which is expected to formally open this fall.
The class is free for Dayani members and $10 per class for non-members. Participants can also opt to purchase a $64 “Medical Class Card,” good for eight visits in a one-year period. Limited “scholarships” are available from Vanderbilt-Ingram based on financial need. For more information, call: (615) 322-4751 or visit www.dayanicenter.org.
About the
Vanderbilt-Ingram
Cancer
Center
The
Vanderbilt-Ingram
Cancer
Center at
Vanderbilt
University
Medical
Center is dedicated to a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to cancer care, research, prevention, and patient and community education. With nearly 300 investigators, Vanderbilt-Ingram is ranked among the top 10 centers in total research funding from the National Cancer Institute and generates more than $150 million each year in research support from public and private sources. Vanderbilt-Ingram is the only
National
Cancer
Institute-designated
Comprehensive
Cancer
Center in
Tennessee and one of only 39 to achieve this distinction nationwide. The center is consistently recognized among the best places for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit us online at www.vicc.org.