Trauma-informed yoga is a powerful, yet gentle practice that has been gaining popularity recently. This approach to yoga is designed to create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for individuals who have experienced trauma, allowing them to explore and heal their bodies and minds amongst a like minded community.
At the heart of trauma-informed yoga is the understanding that trauma lives in the body. Trauma can cause physical and emotional tension and discomfort, which can manifest in a range of symptoms including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma-informed yoga recognizes that traditional yoga practices can sometimes trigger these symptoms, making it important to modify the practice to create a safe and supportive space for all. It is another tool that we can use to work through our trauma, feel comfortable in our bodies and find relief! It is important to recognize that people with trauma can do something as gentle as yoga, and still have adverse reactions to it. We hope that more people can learn about it and have compassion for ourselves and those who need it.
Some key principles of trauma-informed yoga include providing choices and options throughout the practice, creating a predictable and consistent environment, and cultivating a sense of safety and empowerment for participants. Teachers are trained to be aware of potential triggers and to offer modifications and variations to support students in finding what feels best for their unique needs. This also helps teach body awareness, and how to take your power and control back by stopping and adjusting whenever you need.
Trauma-informed yoga can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery, offering participants the opportunity to connect with their bodies in a safe and supportive way. Practicing being grounded and moving through emotional discomfort can help create a safe space. It is important to note that trauma-informed yoga is not a replacement for therapy or other forms of treatment, but rather a complementary practice that can support overall wellness and healing. It is not so much about the poses themselves, but about the feelings that can arise from them.
If you are interested in exploring trauma-informed yoga, it is important to seek out a trained teacher who has experience working with trauma. With the right support and guidance, trauma-informed yoga can be a powerful tool for healing and growth. We believe that treating the body, along with treating the mind, is the best path towards well being. Remember, you are whole even as you are healing!
Here is a video example of trauma-informed yoga: