When we go through trauma, our bodies need special support to strengthen and heal. That’s the goal of trauma sensitive yoga – gently guiding the body back to balance, without worrying about achieving the perfect yoga body or asanas. But what is trauma sensitive yoga and how might it help?
An Introduction to Trauma Sensitive Yoga
Trauma can be felt in many ways. It could stem from a challenging childhood, abuse, illness, assault, an accident or appear as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Trauma Sensitive Yoga, founded by trauma expert Dr Bessel van der Kolk, is like other trauma treatments. As van der Kolk explains, “The goal of treatment of PTSD is to help people live in the present without feeling or behaving according to demands belonging to the past.”
How Trauma Sensitive Yoga Compares
If you’ve tried yoga in the past, you may have experienced a sense of enhanced health and wellness. Perhaps you gained a new perspective on life, or simply found a new way to explore and build your body.
For trauma victims, ‘usual’ yoga classes can be difficult and even dangerous. There’s a risk that the yoga style isn’t suited to a sensitive emotional state, or the asanas are simply too challenging for the person at that time.
Trauma sensitive yoga is, as the name suggests, a more sensitive approach. It’s about listening to the body and changing poses if or when the body chooses.
The practitioner gently guides the participant, while allowing them to choose the movement. Comfort is key. There’s also the encouragement to understand how the participant feels in a posture.
It’s not about alignment. It’s about care.
The Benefits of Trauma Sensitive Yoga
People who go through trauma find it hard to let go or process the past. As a result, they can feel stuck and feel lost in the world. Trauma sensitive yoga allows participants to focus on the present – this moment, here and now. In doing say, they may find they no longer relive past events and experiences.
The practice also helps participants:
- Connect with the body with breath
- Improve their spatial awareness
- Take an action
- Discover how to be present
- Bring body and mind together
It’s advised that participants also see a counsellor, psychologist or other health professional and continue any medication they have been prescribed.
Originally published on Aug 18, 2014
