Stress Reduction Program in Patients With Malignant Brain Tumors and Their Family Caregivers

All participants will convene once per week for 8 weeks for a 90-minute session that will be based on yoga principles for a stress reduction.

A 15-minute educational session on a particular topic (mind-body connection; fight or flight response; relaxation response; the science and philosophy of yoga; the science of meditation; sleeping well; mindfulness; the healer within - how to harness your innate healing potential).

Both patients and family caregivers will complete Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) questionnaires.

Brain Cancer module-20 questionnaire to assesses problems specific to brain tumor.

"Meditation practice in this study will consist of 15 minutes of body scan to completely relax the body from head to toe and will be followed by 15 minute silence during which the study participants will maintain awareness of their breath, bodily sensations and thoughts as they spontaneously arise. The remainder of the class will be devoted to a group discussion of personal reflections and challenges."

Measurements of stress-related hormones: Stress hormones cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and melatonin will be measured in saliva because their levels in saliva accurately reflect blood levels (Carlson et al, 2004). The non-invasive saliva collection method by cotton swabs (Salivette® by Sardstedt Inc.) will be used in this study.