Research identifies how yoga is a viable path for one's healing journey.

Published in Psychology Today June 29, 2022

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**my note - after reading and understanding how yoga can help with the 3 types of traumas listed below, I see no reason why yoga cannot help heal from other types of trauma as well. As human beings, none of us will likely escape experiencing at least some type of trauma in our lives. It could be the death of a loved one, sudden loss of a job or so many other traumas that we often want to just write off as "a bad thing that happened". Here is the definition of trauma from the Oxford Dictionary: 1. A deeply distressing or disturbing experience. 2. Emotional shock following a stressful event or a physical injury

So, you can see that trauma will be difficult to escape in our lifetime. But regardless, it's good to know how yoga can help! Read on to the bottom to see all the benefits you can receive from a such a simple practice.

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Can practicing yoga help people who have survived interpersonal traumas such as emotional abuse, physical abuse, or domestic violence?

This was the question of a recent study conducted by psychologists Ashley Gulden and Len Jennings. This form of trauma is widespread, with symptoms such as emotional dysregulation, generalized fear, and feelings of worthlessness, which can be particularly difficult for survivors to resolve. Thus, the investigators sought to explore whether yoga can serve as a viable path to healing.

In order to pursue this inquiry, Gulden and Jennings began by recruiting participants who were survivors of interpersonal trauma and had been practicing yoga for at least three months.

Participants completed an online survey and were also asked open-ended questions that explored their experiences with post-traumatic growth.

What did these psychologists find? The data identified seven themes that support yoga as a beneficial complementary method in one’s healing journey. The findings are outlined below.

Theme 1: Heightened spiritual awareness and growth. Participants expressed that their yoga practice, which included breath work, mindfulness, and meditation, was helpful in their healing journey. The data suggested that this may be because of the “deepened connection” between trauma and the notion of larger forces that are bigger than any single individual. A yoga practice might also cultivate a sense of peace and spiritual awareness, which can help diminish trauma symptoms.

Theme 2: Enhanced mental and physical health benefits. Participants reported both mind and body changes from practicing yoga, ranging from better sleep to lower stress—and even lower cholesterol. One participant remarked:

"Physically, I have noticed benefits with balance, strength, and flexibility... yoga has taught me a huge lesson in learning to turn off my mind to just listen and feel myself, in the present moment..."

Theme 3: Amelioration of trauma-related symptoms. Participants found that yoga techniques, such as breath work, physical movement, and mindfulness, helped improve mental health. One woman shared: “...breathing helped me through flashbacks. This has provided evidence that yoga and recovering from trauma go well together.”

Theme 4: Love, empowerment, and acceptance of oneself. As a result of their yoga practices, participants developed more positive self-perceptions and greater self-acceptance. One participant reflected,

"Yoga reminded me that I am powerful, that I have power. Sometimes trauma makes us forget that we are powerful. I know that I can take my energy and amplify it with love and compassion."

Theme 5: Internal sense of safety. Many trauma survivors have difficulty reestablishing a sense of safety in their bodies. The participants in this study, consistent with previous research, found that yoga helped them regain a sense of safety.

Theme 6: Nurture the self. Participants saw yoga as a form of self-care and a way to reset the mind and body. Participants even referred to specific yoga poses they found nurturing, such as heart-openers.

Theme 7: Getting “blissed out.” This refers to “yoga bliss” or “getting blissed out.” “Blissed out” means feeling “pure joy” and “inner renewal,” which leads to improved mood. The data suggested that yoga bliss had positive influences personally, relationally, and emotionally and thus played a meaningful role in participants’ healing journeys.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/head-games/202206/7-ways-yoga-helps-heal-trauma