Every Thursday,palliative care ward at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology turns into a sound sanctuary. Patients and caregivers escape illness's harsh realities. Dubbed “sound therapy,” this initiative aims to ease emotional,psychological burdens tied to serious health conditions .
Run by Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine,program offers weekly sound therapy,yoga sessions. Tailored for cancer patients,families. Uses instruments like chakra bowls,flutes,and soft vocalizations to create soothing vibrations. Promotes relaxation,emotional well-being . Patients often report stress shifting to calm.
For Gulnaz Begum,78, battling pancreatic carcinoma,therapy's a weekly must . “I feel more relaxed and peaceful after each session,” she said . Basappa R ., 70,from Raichur facing Hepatocellular carcinoma,also finds solace. “The sessions help take my mind away from thoughts about my disease,” he noted. A therapeutic escape.
Dr .Yadhuraj M.K., department head,stressed palliative care is more than physical symptoms. Patients face anxiety,fear,emotional distress. Caregivers have their own challenges. “These interventions aim to create comfort and well-being within hospital environment,” he explained.
Sound therapy led by professional Janakiraman,yoga by therapist Smitha M. Held in wards,ensuring access for patients with limited mobility . Caregivers encouraged to join, acknowledging emotional toll of caregiving.
Yoga sessions focus on gentle movements,breathing exercises tailored to participants. “Objective isn't physical exercise in traditional sense. Through simple movements and breathing, aim is to help participants relax,reduce stress, feel more at ease,” Dr. Yadhuraj said.
International research supports sound therapy,yoga for improving life quality in terminal illnesses. Response positive,some hesitant patients join after seeing others' benefits .
Naveen T.,Kidwai director (in additional charge),affirmed initiative's holistic cancer care approach. “Cancer care isn't just medicines,procedures. Addressing emotional,psychological,social needs is equally important,” he said. Programs like sound therapy,yoga complement medical treatments,enhance overall well-being.
Dr. Yadhuraj reiterated initiative supplements,doesn't replace,clinical care. “Medicines are important. But sometimes a calming sound,shared experience,few minutes of relaxation can help. Those moments matter,” he concluded. Emotional support's role in cancer treatment…
