WHY YOGA FOR SURVIVORS OF TRAUMA?
Many of the most common elements of yoga directly address common symptoms of PTSD and common challenges experienced by survivors of traumatic events.

The ancient practices of yoga were designed to bring people closer to a divine presence through physical poses (asanas) that strengthen, align, detoxify, and improve flexibility in the body, breath work which alleviates tension in the body and mind, and meditation.

Exercise and movement are positive for mental health in general (can help combat symptoms of depression, helps establish and maintain healthy sleep patterns, relief of physical tension diminishes mental tension, building strength increases self esteem and sense of agency)

“Trauma Lives in the Body”: Physical and mental/emotional trauma have a tendency to remain in the body. Chronic pain, stiffness, or tension in the body can be symptoms of trauma (from a physical injury or traumatic memory). This unprocessed energy is stored in muscles and connective tissues. Yoga enables the release of physical tension held in the body through challenging but gentle movements and stretches.
The Body Keeps The Score. Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
The Body Remembers. The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment, Babette Rothschild

 

For more information on upcoming trauma yoga workshops, email react@uchicago.edu

 

 

950 E 61st St., Suite 207-Chicago, IL 60637
react@uchicago.edu

The University of Chicago Medicine REACT Program was established and is partially supported by funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), grant #5U79SM063163-03. The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA or HHS.