Adults with Cancer

Patients at The John Theurer Cancer Center, are being prescribed therapeutic yoga by oncologists to complement radiation and chemotherapy treatment. As part of Kula for Karma's Kula Care division, with a hospital-based integrative approach to healing, we offer cancer patients important adjunct therapies, including a gentle beginner yoga class incorporating breathing techniques, guided relaxation, meditation to calm and focus the mind, and postures to facilitate flexibility and balance. The goal is to empower cancer patients to manage pain that may cause anxiety and depression.

At Kula Care, we pay upmost attention to efficacy and impact while keeping abreast of the growing body of research that examines - and supports - the use of yoga and meditation for treatment purposes. Kula Care enables The John Theurer Cancer Center to provide integrated, "whole person" approaches to recovery and healing that honor the mind, body and spirit of each individual. Our custom tailored programs and services are meant to complement, not replace, traditional medical and psychological treatment. We pride ourselves on the ability to meet the unique needs of each person: typically Kula programs are offered in a weekly, 45-60 minute group format but we also offer one-to-one and bedside services as well as flexible scheduling. Clients include young children, elderly and every age in between.

John Theurer Cancer Center. Classes at no-cost are offered:
Monday - Wednesday - Friday 11am - 12noon / Tuesday & Thursday 2pm - 3pm

Integrity House

Children, Youth, and Teens

Our programs for children with autism, affectionately called "Kula for Kids," teach children with autism and other special needs aged 3-8 years and 9-15 years old techniques such as yoga, breathing, and meditation. Physically, the programs help the children develop strength and flexibility, as well as providing the children an opportunity to learning about controlling their bodies. From an emotional standpoint, children learn to adapt to new experiences, express their feelings in an acceptable manner, and show love and compassion for others. Intellectually, these programs increase their ability to focus, improves their balance and use of sensory capabilities, as well as how to manage and improve their attitude and ability to follow instructions. The beauty of these programs is the synchronicity of all of these parts coming together to promote the growth of social skills, and improvement in their social relationships, which are physiological and medical markers for these illnesses. Needless to say, these programs are invaluable in the lives of these children and their families. 

In our teenage group home programs, our instructors practice yoga with the young, dejected girls and boys, primarily focusing on learning tools to manage their feelings like anger and frustration that lead to aggressive behaviors and have a negative impact on their social relationships. The instructors also focus on building bridges that lead to greater impulse control and higher feelings of self-worth. They learn to share, to trust, and to gain a sense of their value as a person.  The impact on the lives of these girls will be long-lasting.  The tools they gain during their sessions will be with them their entire lives. 

Women, Seniors, and Families

Kula for Karma offers several programs in domestic violence shelters. Women live in these communities while they regain control of their lives, and map out of plan of self-sufficiency for themselves and their children. Our yoga teachers encourage these women harness their own emotional, spiritual, and physical power and grace.  They learn about taking control of what can seem like an insurmountable life transition and not only survive the storm, but come out a stronger person. The goal of the services is to equip the women and children with the tools to live their lives to the fullest regardless of challenges they face in the future, to face life without fear, with grace and calmness. 

In our programs for wheelchair-bound seniors, our instructors focus on improving limited mobility and relieving depression, anxiety, and stress that often accompanies those who are suffering with health problems.  Through yoga, meditation, mantra, chanting, the participants find comfort and peace despite their physical challenges.