Yoga therapy for trauma
Yoga can be a powerful tool for healing from trauma, as explained in "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk and supported by research in the field of trauma therapy.
Whilst most people participate in the Western interpretation of yoga, requiring you to look a certain way and do it for exercise, traditional yoga is vastly different.
Traditional yoga is the harmony between the breath, mind and movement allowing the physical, sensory, emotional and spiritual Self to be aligned. In traditional yoga you are always the student, learning with wonder the intricacies of your Self and how to honor your Self. Traditional yoga is dated to around 30,000 years old from ancient literature that referred to practices of meditation and asanas (physical postures) that supported meditation.
Yoga can help someone heal in a range of ways:
Mind-Body Connection: Trauma can disconnect individuals from their bodies, leading to feelings of dissociation and numbness. Yoga emphasises the connection between the mind and body, helping individuals become more aware of their physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts. This increased awareness can help them reconnect with their bodies and process unresolved trauma.
Regulating the Nervous System: Trauma can dysregulate the nervous system, leading to hypervigilance, anxiety, and other symptoms. Yoga practices, such as deep breathing and mindful movement, can help regulate the autonomic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing the physiological effects of trauma.
Releasing Tension: Trauma is often stored in the body as muscular tension. Yoga postures and stretches can help release this tension, allowing for the release of pent-up emotions and promoting physical relaxation.
Building Resilience: Yoga can help build resilience to stress and trauma by teaching individuals how to stay present and calm in challenging situations. Through regular practice, individuals can develop coping skills that can help them navigate the ups and downs of life with greater ease.
Empowerment: Trauma can leave individuals feeling helpless and out of control. Yoga can empower individuals by giving them a sense of agency over their bodies and minds. By choosing how to move and breathe, individuals can reclaim a sense of control over their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Yoga can be a valuable tool in the healing journey from trauma, offering a holistic approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of healing.