Yoga Program

Yoga is an integrative health practice offered to patients at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The word “yoga” means, “union or to unite.” Yoga brings focus to your breath and your body at the same time. Yoga can improve health and well-being by practicing poses (asana), breathing exercises (pranayama), relaxation and meditation.

Yoga can improve flexibility, strength and balance. When you move your body into yoga poses and pay attention to your breath, you will feel better connected to your body. Yoga has many benefits and can be continued throughout life.

Yoga for Cancer Coping

Lucas picking berries

Luca uses yoga to stay calm and focused during chemotherapy treatments and in his everyday life.

Meditation is a part of yoga and a way to quiet the mind so it can focus on a specific thought, image, or the senses, like touch or smell.  It can help with relaxation, sleep, and anxiety. Meditation is offered to patients at CHOP in a way that works for each child’s age and developmental level.

Who we are

CHOP’s Yoga Program is delivered by certified yoga therapists and instructors with years of experience working with children and adolescents with different health conditions.

Yoga is available in addition to the medical treatment provided by your child’s healthcare team. The yoga therapists work closely with the healthcare team.

What we do

Yoga may be done in one-on-one or group sessions.

Yoga sessions are planned for the different the needs and abilities of each child. A plan for your child’s yoga practice will be decided by the medical team, yoga instructor and your child and family.

A yoga session could include:

  • Breathing exercises and relaxation
  • Physical warm-up
  • Yoga poses, movements or stretches
  • Meditation

Yoga sessions can last from 25 to 60 minutes and will be different based on the age, health, and interest of each child. The number of sessions will depend on your child’s symptoms and interest.

Yoga does not take the place of medical treatment. Please talk to your healthcare provider if you would like to learn more about CHOP’s Yoga Program or the Integrative Health Program. Our staff can help you decide if yoga might be a helpful addition to your child’s care plan.

Additional resources