For those untouched by trauma, the practice of yoga can be simply a way to achieve physical fitness, improve flexibility, or attain a state of relaxation. However, for those who have had traumatic experiences, yoga can be a lifeline, a path to regain control and reconnect with their bodies. Among the many different styles of yoga practiced today, one variant that's gaining increasing recognition is Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY).
What is Trauma-Sensitive Yoga?
TSY is a form of yoga designed, primarily, to help individuals cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other related conditions. It combines bodywork, mindfulness, and a fluid sequence of yoga poses. It is uniquely characterized by its emphasis on creating a safe, relaxing environment and allowing the practitioner complete autonomy during the practice, enabling them a higher degree of control over their bodies.
The Intersection of Trauma and Yoga
The Impact of Trauma
Trauma tends to disconnect people from their bodies, leading to a state termed as 'disembodiment'. When traumatized, the body's flight or fight response is activated and for some, this heightened arousal state becomes a 'new normal', causing chronically elevated levels of stress hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol. This long-term hyperarousal can even influence the brain's hippocampus, impairing memory and making it hard for individuals to discern between past and present threats. Consequently, the traumatized individual stays in a constant state of alertness and defensiveness, susceptible to being re-traumatized by triggers in their environment.
Yoga as a Healing Practice
Yoga, with its emphasis on mindfulness, and reconnection to the physical body, serves as an antidote to the disembodiment inflicted by trauma. It provides a gentle means to reoccupy the body, tune back into its sensations and reconnect with the present. The practice asks participants to focus on their breath and movement, grounding them in the reality of the here and now. Moreover, physical postures in yoga can help discharge the energy of the stored trauma, while the meditative and relaxation aspects of yoga can counter the physiological arousal associated with PTSD.
The Practice of Trauma-Sensitive Yoga
Creating a Safe Environment
One of the primary aspects of TSY is creating a safe, non-threatening environment. This involves respecting personal space, privacy and boundaries. There are no physical adjustments made by the instructor, as this may be triggering to some individuals. Instructors also ensure that participants can see exit routes, further fostering a feeling of safety and control.
Encouraging Autonomy and Choice
Unlike traditional yoga classes, a TSY participant is given the absolute choice to decide what feels safe and comfortable for them. The role of the yoga instructor here, is to simply provide guidance and suggestions, but the decision to follow them rests entirely with the participants. They are encouraged to listen to their bodies and make modifications as needed. It creates a sense of empowerment and re-establishes a connection to their bodies that for many was lost due to trauma.
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Research and Evidence
As the understanding of trauma and its manifestation in the body has advanced, so has the recognition of methods like TSY to alleviate its effects. Several studies have shown promising results in employing TSY as a viable intervention for PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. In a landmark study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, TSY was shown to significantly reduce PTSD symptomatology, with some even no longer qualifying for a PTSD diagnosis post-intervention.
Conclusion
History is testament to the enduring nature of yoga and its continual adaptation to cater to the evolving needs of its practitioners. Trauma Sensitive Yoga is one such testament, a gentle approach towards healing that integrates movement, breath, and mindfulness, fostering in its practitioners a reconnection to their bodies, an experience of present-moment awareness, and most importantly - the restoration of choice.