Trauma-informed Yoga
Have you ever heard the term “the issues are in your tissues”? This refers to how the body stores unprocessed trauma. A person who has been exposed to a traumatic event can get stuck in the “fight, flight, freeze” mode, ready for any threat. This can lead to exhaustion, PTSD, insomnia as well as an array of other problems. Trauma also takes a toll on the body by causing physical problems that may go unrecognized as a symptom of trauma. For example, we hold our emotions in our hips which can cause tight hips, pain, and decreased mobility.
Trauma-informed yoga (TIY) is beneficial in helping to calm the stress response. A combination of Asana (poses), breath work, and Yoga Nidra (yoga sleep) are used safely and gently to bring you into the present moment. TIY helps you to reconnect with your body to release trapped emotions. This is a gentle yoga session designed to be sensitive and supportive to the needs of individuals who have experienced a traumatic event, are working or living in a high-stress environment, and are suffering from anxiety, or mental health conditions.
During our sessions I will introduce what we will be doing over the hour. I will always offer plenty of options to enable you to choose what feels best for your body and mind. Complete autonomy is a key component of TIY yoga. You are in control, I’m only the facilitator.
To prepare, find a space free of distractions with plenty of room for movement. You may like a yoga mat, a heavy blanket (like a Mexican blanket or similar), 2 yoga blocks, and a pillow. You may also like to have a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Please contact me for a free discovery call and booking.
*** Trauma-informed yoga is not a substitute for psychiatric or medical care. Trauma-informed yoga is not intended to diagnose or treat mental or physical health.***
Suggested Reading:
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD
Overcoming Trauma Through Yoga, Reclaiming Your Body by David Emerson & Elizabeth Hopper, PhD.
It Didn’t Start With You. How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are And How To End The Cycle by Mark Wolynn
Triangle Pose
Opens the hips, strengthens the core, stretches the spine, and reduces stress.
Low Lunge
Releases tension from the hips, strengthens the knees, and helps build mental focus.
Alternate Nostril Breathing
Helps relieve stress and anxiety, lowers heart rate and blood pressure, and helps clear the nasal passages.