Yoga can be very helpful for people who have experienced trauma
The experiences people have with yoga are embodied and take place in the here and now. Yoga can offer a different kind of insight than what one gains by thinking and talking about what has happened or might happen, says Kari Evelin Arellano Lorentzen.
Yoga can provide significant benefits for individuals who have experienced trauma from childhood, according to a recent study by Kari Evelin Arellano Lorentzen, a doctoral candidate at the University of Oslo. Lorentzen's research, which reviewed five international studies, suggests that adults with complex trauma experiences perceive yoga as a multifaceted and transformative process.
Through yoga, these individuals can gain new insights about themselves, find new ways of coping with daily challenges, and experience personal growth and deep change. One participant in Lorentzen's study explained, "I get to relax in a way I've never experienced before. I get to breathe freely. It's almost like I can say that I've learned to breathe."
Lorentzen emphasizes that yoga should not replace traditional therapy and other healthcare services, but rather serve as a complementary supplement. She cautions that yoga should not be seen as a quick fix and that it can be difficult and confronting for some individuals. One of her informants noted, "After yoga, I feel better. I feel calmer; I feel more balanced."
However, it is essential to approach yoga with caution and adapt the practice to each individual's tolerance and needs. Lorentzen stresses that people must be open to exploring their bodily experiences and must have their own desire to engage in yoga. She also highlights the importance of social aspects of group-based yoga, which can provide positive relational experiences for those with complex trauma.
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