Yoga and Recovering from Trauma

"Trauma is not what happens to you, it's what happens inside you as a result of what happened to you. Trauma is that scarring that makes you less flexible, more rigid, less feeling and more defended." - Gabor Mate

Trauma is a complex issue that can impact a person's physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. Often we are so immune to our past traumas, the constant state of stress that we live in, that we are not aware how much our stress responses are triggered by constant, never-ending notifications, emails, responsibilities, and appointments.

Yoga is a holistic practice that has been shown to be effective in supporting trauma recovery. In this blog post, we will explore how yoga benefits trauma recovery and how it can be integrated into a comprehensive healing plan.

1. Yoga helps to regulate the nervous system: Trauma can cause dysregulation in the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, hypervigilance, and dissociation. Yoga practices such as pranayama (breathwork) and asana (postures) help regulate the nervous system and promote a sense of calm and grounding. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

2. Yoga promotes body awareness: Trauma can lead to dissociation from the body and a disconnection from physical sensations. Yoga encourages a deeper connection with the body, promoting awareness of physical sensations, the breath and fostering a sense of safety and stability.

3. Yoga supports emotional regulation: Trauma can cause intense emotions and feelings of overwhelm. Yoga practices such as mindfulness and meditation can help individuals develop the skills to manage and regulate their emotions and prevent their emotions from taking control or overwhelming you.

4. Yoga promotes self-compassion: Trauma can lead to feelings of shame and self-blame. Yoga promotes self-compassion and self-acceptance, helping individuals cultivate a more positive relationship with themselves and .

5. Yoga fosters community: Trauma can be isolating, and healing can be challenging without a support system. Yoga classes and communities can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to connect with others who have similar experiences and develop a sense of belonging.

When integrating yoga into a trauma recovery plan, it is important to work with a trauma-informed yoga teacher who is trained to understand the unique needs and challenges of individuals who have experienced trauma. It is also important to work in conjunction with a qualified mental health professional to ensure that yoga is used in a safe and effective way as part of a comprehensive healing plan.

In conclusion, yoga is a powerful tool for supporting trauma recovery. By regulating the nervous system, promoting body awareness, supporting emotional regulation, fostering self-compassion, and fostering community, yoga can be an effective complement to traditional therapy for individuals on the path to healing from trauma.