Yoga and Palliative Care: Supporting the Whole Person with Mindful Yoga

In the delicate and deeply human space of palliative care, where physical comfort, emotional support, and spiritual well-being converge, yoga is increasingly being recognised as a meaningful addition to holistic care. With its ability to nurture the mind, body, and spirit, yoga offers tools that can support patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike.

Yogacampus is proud to present the upcoming Mindful Yoga in Supportive and Palliative Care and into Bereavement course, led by the esteemed Kate Binnie. This live online workshop, taking place on 8th and 9th February 2025, provides yoga practitioners, teachers, and therapists with invaluable insights into the application of yoga within palliative care settings.

Advancing Yoga in Palliative Care

Kate Binnie, a yoga teacher, mindfulness practitioner, and researcher at the Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, brings a wealth of experience to this training. Her work bridges the gap between traditional medical approaches and the holistic, compassionate framework of yoga. Through her ongoing PhD research and clinical practice, Kate is contributing to the growing recognition of yoga as a complementary therapy for those with life-limiting conditions.

As Kate explains, yoga’s focus on breath, gentle movement, and mindful awareness can provide profound benefits for patients experiencing distress, pain, and existential challenges. By offering techniques that promote nervous system regulation and inner calm, yoga empowers patients to find peace in the face of uncertainty.

“We are all dying, and avoidance of that is one of the causes of our suffering,” explains Kate Binnie, experienced yoga teacher, music therapist, and palliative care researcher. In her work, Kate integrates yoga’s holistic philosophy into palliative care settings to support patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

In a recent interview with Yogacampus, Kate reflected on how yoga’s principles of breath, body, and mind offer profound tools for alleviating suffering. She shared: “When you can tune into someone’s subjective world, even with gentle, pared-down yoga practices, you can help them find relief—physically, psychologically, and spiritually.” This connection, rooted in the interpersonal skills cultivated in yoga, is central to her teaching and research.

Yoga’s role in palliative care has gained recognition, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, as more people explore mindfulness, breathwork, and holistic approaches to well-being. Kate notes, “We are seeing a shift. Healthcare professionals, particularly those under 40, are more open to mindfulness and breathwork. But terms like ‘yoga’ can still carry misconceptions. It’s vital to use accessible language and focus on the tangible benefits.”

Her research underscores yoga’s potential to provide comfort and dignity at the end of life, aligning seamlessly with the goals of palliative care. As Kate shares in the podcast, “Yoga isn’t just about postures—it’s about breath, regulation, and presence. These elements resonate deeply with those facing life-limiting conditions or bereavement, offering not only symptom relief but emotional and spiritual solace.”

What You’ll Learn on the Mindful Yoga in Supportive and Palliative Care and into Bereavement Course

This course equips participants with the skills to integrate yoga into clinical and community settings, whether as part of hospice care, social prescribing programs, or bereavement support. Key topics covered include:

• The philosophy of yoga in the context of palliative care.
• Practical tools to adapt yoga for people with advanced illness or in bereavement.
• Techniques to build confidence in facilitating yoga for individuals and groups.
• Approaches to self-care for professionals working with grief and loss.

The course also explores how yoga can open up conversations around death and dying, helping to normalize these experiences and provide solace for patients and their loved ones.

Why This Course Matters

In a post-pandemic world, where healthcare systems are increasingly aware of the need for compassionate, holistic approaches, the role of yoga in palliative care is gaining momentum. Studies, such as the editorial "Enhancing End-of-Life Care Through Yoga" published in Cureus, highlight yoga’s potential to enhance the quality of life for those with serious illnesses. As a practice rooted in acceptance, balance, and inner peace, yoga aligns beautifully with the principles of palliative care.

For yoga teachers and therapists, this course provides an opportunity to extend their skills into a deeply rewarding and growing field. For healthcare professionals, it offers a fresh perspective on integrating mindfulness and movement into patient care.

Course Details and How to Book

Mindful Yoga in Supportive and Palliative Care and into Bereavement
📅 8th and 9th February 2025 - replay access for six months
⏰ 09:30 to 15:30 (UK Time)
💻 Online, with 6 months of replay access
📍 Book your place here.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss this chance to deepen your practice and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those navigating the end of life. Join Kate Binnie and a community of like-minded professionals to explore the transformative potential of yoga in palliative care.

Let’s work together to bring comfort, connection, and dignity to this important field.