Yoga changes physiology and is great for mental health, including trauma.
There are now many scientific articles proving the efficacy of yoga for different ailments “Types of medical conditions have included psychopathological (e.g. depression, anxiety), cardiovascular (e.g. hypertension, heart disease), respiratory (e.g. asthma), diabetes and a variety of others” (Khalsa, 2004, p. 269).
We know that trauma affects our neurobiology, and we know that yoga also affects our neurobiology, in a positive way.
Pranayama – breathing exercises – these exercises intend to allow the flow of prana (life force) to move more freely throughout the body, to bring in clean, fresh energy and release out stagnant energy.
Asanas – postures – these intend to strengthen and stretch the physical body, allowing energy to move more freely to create health and wellbeing.
Mindfulness meditation – intended to slow the mind and the whole person. To being us back to the present moment and find peace in the here and now.
A wonderful resource is @adrienelouise she has wonderful YouTube videos. Of course, it is always best to be in a room with a certified teacher. Check out the trauma informed yoga teachers and schools in your area. Let me know who you love.
Part of yoga is giving – another love of mine is @asoundlifecharity – a charity based in Australia transforming lives through free music, yoga and meditation programs. Check them out!
References
van der Kolk ,B. A. Clinical implications of neuroscience research in PTSD. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2006;1071(1):277–293.doi:10.1196/annals.1364.022 PubMe cited in van der Kolk et al. (2011). Yoga as an Adjunctive Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Khalsa, S. B. S. (2004). Yoga as a therapeutic intervention: A bibliometric analysis of published research studies.
