Healing in Motion

Throughout history, humans have faced hardships that not only scarred the body, but the mind as well. Yoga, with it's deep connection with all of the subtle bodies of the practitioner, can be incredibly effective for regaining control over one's self by bringing awareness to every bodily movement and function. After an individual goes through a traumatic event that deeply affects them, they can take on the traumatic event as an identity or a permanent branding that keeps them trapped in the idea that they will never be free of that event. "When your sense of self is no longer tied to thought, is no longer conceptual, there is a depth of feeling...that was not there when you were trapped in mental concepts. You are that depth."Eckhart Tolle. Yoga causes us to introspect and surrender. We process our injuries, whatever they may be and we work through them one day at a time. Each day we get stronger and improvement is seen. Yoga's aim to calm to mind is exceptionally beneficial to those whose minds have become hostile because of past events.  

Today, it can be said that we are more disconnected as a species than ever. Our societies are conducive environments for war, violence and suffering. Even those who are mere onlookers are affected by the brutality of this world. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is becoming an ever present issue for those who have survived these horrific events. Resources to treat PTSD are often unavailable or too expensive for those in need. For many, conventional treatment methods such as pharmaceutical drugs and counselling are not effective or desirable. Studies are now being conducted, using yoga as an additional form of therapy and they are showing incredible results. 

PTSD is caused by experiencing a distressing, often life threatening event or prolonged circumstances.  Trauma from these experiences can cause an individual to relive their ordeals in many ways. Those with PTSD can experience intrusive memories or flashbacks. These two things should be differentiated because a flashback makes the individual feel as though the past events are taking place currently, while a memory is known to have taken place in the past.  These flashbacks and memories can cause the fight or flight response long after the events take place. This can happen when different stimuli induces a hormonal response that would be more appropriate if the individual was in a harmful or life threatening situation. The sympathetic nervous system raises the blood pressure, increases the heart rate and releases stress hormones such as cortisone and adrenaline. One can experience panicked breathing patterns and paranoid or irrational thoughts. PTSD can also cause a dissociation with one's self and environment. This can lead to withdrawal from normal activities and from those around them. This isolation can cause the individual to be more depressed and feel as though they cannot seek help from the people in theirs lives, as well as from professionals. The compassionate and healing environment that is associated with yoga, is an ideal safe space for those who seek reconnection and empowerment. The symptoms of PTSD can be addressed with a tailored yoga practice. One that is sensitive to these physical and mental responses to the internalised trauma that the afflicted experience. With continued practice and education, the teachings of yoga can be utilised in situations outside of their yoga class.

A study conducted by The Trauma Center in the United States followed the journey of 64 women with PTSD who had been unresponsive to previous treatment.  They were split into two groups. Half of the women received 10 weeks of a trauma informed yoga classes in addition to their traditional therapy. The other half, the control group, did not attend the yoga classes. 52% of the yoga group no longer met the criteria for PTSD. The control groups results were only 21%. This means that after a mere 10 weeks of regular yoga practice, a large number of women were no longer inflicted with a disorder that can greatly increase the risk of suicide. One study saw a correlation between a high frequency of intrusive memories and the risk of suicide. If an individual knew methods of self control that could help them process the traumatic memory and take steps to heal the mental wounds, it can be argued that the number of PTSD related suicides could be decreased. 

The healthy practices that yoga teaches are beneficial as habit building rituals. The balanced diet, hygienic practices and frequent exercise can evoke positive moods by increasing the release of feel-good hormones and improving overall health. The knowledge of chakras, and our ability to address each specific chakra as a step by step journey, has proven to be an incredibly healing process. Our root chakra, that addresses our most basic needs of safety and survival experiences extreme imbalance after experiencing trauma. Once such imbalances are addressed, one would have a better foundation to then explore and improve other dysfunctions that are experienced.

Yoga's focus on breathing while exploring one's mind and body through movement and control is one reason it is so effective in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder rehabilitation. Traumatic experiences can break the "union" of mind, soul and body, that yoga as an ideology, embodies. Yoga allows the practitioner to reclaim their body and mind while easing the body back into a state of harmony. Regular pranayama practice can retrain the mind and body's reaction to stress by making breathing a conscious act. An increase in control to change one's breathing patterns can reroute the hormonal response and induce a calm state when one would have otherwise panicked. This control can become instinctual when you are conscious of your being and the body's subtle reactions to external stimuli. 

Yoga has played a crucial role in my own healing journey. As a survivor of both childhood and domestic trauma, I have experienced fearful bodily reactions to everyday events and an unhealthy view of myself. My past experiences have negatively impacted my ability to connect with both myself and others. I have attempted suicide in the past and battled depression for many years. From doing dance in my adolescence, I was introduced to yoga but only when I needed it most, did I seek more information. For the past 3 years I have embarked on a journey of self discovery to face my deepest fears and breathe healing prana into my deepest, most guarded wounds. I have witnessed my own strength return with a depth that goes beyond myself. I am continuing to grow and unveil new parts of myself. Yoga has humbled me time and time again, reminding me that this is a continuing journey that will help me become my highest self. Yoga’s teachings influence my every moment, while I try to remain present in my life. It is because of my own experience that I seek to bring this strength to others who have lost their own. 

Yoga can be used to rekindle one's internal fire, and it can reconnect you to the self that was always there. I know that with continued practice and teaching, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be treated with a new approach that incorporates both traditional therapies as well as informed, compassionate yoga classes. It is said that “hurt people, hurt people”. A simple phrase, yet it carries a weight to it that can be seen in the atrocities occurring across the world. If we as a people, could heal our wounds and reconnect with the source that flows through us all, I know that the cycle of pain and dysfunction could be greatly improved, if not stopped completely. If we are able to convey these teachings to the younger generations, it could be possible to disrupt the pattern of trauma altogether, with compassionate and aware youth, who will go forth in life with a greater understanding of themselves and those around them.