Urban Zen Offers Alternative to Cancer Treatment

Fashion designer Donna Karan unveiled Urban Zen, a therapy program she began after her husband died from lung cancer.

"I've been a yogi since I was 18 years old and I realized the modalities of healing," Karan said. "Tension all of this stuff we experience in our normal life. And how could we bring that into the medical system."

The UCLA Medical Center will be the first hospital to incorporate the program on the west coast. It will provide yoga and meditation for cancer patients.

"I'm a strong believer that after what we witnessed today means less meds, less side effects, less time in the hospital and faster healing," Karan said.

The Urban Zen founders say the program incorporates eastern healing components, such as breath awareness, in-bed movement and guided meditation.

"From the day you're born to the day you die these are the methodologies that help you sustain a sense of balance and equanimity," said Rodney Yee, the Urban Zen creator.

ATVNspoke with an expert in cancer therapy who said he was not able to comment on the benefits of the program without further evidence of its effectiveness.

Karan also says Urban Zen is all about taking care of the body and building a community of care.

"It's about the patient. I think that's what healthcare is all about, the patient," Karan said.

Karan said she hopes the program will spread throughout the country.