What Is Trauma Sensitive Yoga
Yoga can be one of the most powerful supportive tools on the path of trauma recovery. In the past decade, it has been established and become rather readily available in many parts of the world and thanks to the internet, it is possible to access classes from the safe comfort from your home.
Not all yoga is the same, of course - classes are as diverse as are teachers. If you choose to turn to a yoga practice on your healing journey, there are a couple of elements that can contribute to a soothing, grounding, healing experience and prevent you from experiencing triggers during your practice. They are all part of what is called trauma-sensitive yoga. Not all yoga teachers are mindful of these elements, but you can make it a priority to choose a teacher that is trauma-sensitive or communicate with them ahead of the class once you are aware of these elements that make a difference, which is why I’m sharing them with you today.
What is trauma-sensitive yoga?
The trauma-sensitive approach to yoga translates to a practice where the teachers guides with the awareness that you may be traumatized by past experiences, holding this in your body. Trauma-sensitive yoga always means giving you alternative options in any pose, offering you to come back to your preferred resting pose and mindful breathing whenever you feel uncomfortable during the practice. It’s an important element to keep in mind, because so often traumatic experiences can make you internalize a deep distrust towards your own physical body. In consequence, you might feel out of tune or have difficulties understanding physical reactions and sensations you experience. The goal here is to strengthen your connection to your body in the here and now and ultimately empower you to take responsibility and control of what is happening.
To support this empowerment, the pace of the class is rather slow, encouraging you to engage your body. The priority for any assistance is safety and then comfort, making the use of blocks and blankets an essential offer. Generally though, physical touch is avoided in a trauma-sensitive yoga class, meaning your teacher would not come over to assist you or support you during the relaxation phase at all. Out of all the elements that come into play here, I’d say, this was a big one for me during my recovery and I talked about this with some of my clients, too. It is not uncommon to hear someone say they completely avoid going to a class of yoga (or other type of exercise, for that matter), because they are uncomfortable with physical touch by instructors. If this is you, I fully encourage you to communicate this boundary ahead of the class you’re joining.
Normally, teachers that are trauma-sensitive will ensure that the space is safe - no windows to the outside world, instead closed light curtains, soft light, closed doors, reduced movement in the space (no passing of other students through the room etc.).
You may realize this is actually quite similar to the elements I described in my blog on How to Create Your Own Safe Space. That’s because, a trauma-sensitive yoga class will offer you exactly that, a safe space to practice and return to your body and your Self. You’ll notice the difference it makes, when you pay attention to these elements.
Benefits of trauma-sensitive yoga
If practiced regularly, this type of yoga practice where you stay with whatever comes up during the practice of yoga - in stillness, connected with both your body and your mind in a safe space - contributes to the rebuilding of trust in yourself, your body. This is a relationship which trauma often taints and so, trauma-sensitive yoga can help you find peace again.
Beyond the inner trust and peace, practicing trauma-sensitive yoga can also impact you physically, leading to symptom reduction and also lead to improvement in the area of personal growth surrounding the themes of gratitude, compassion, relatedness, acceptance, centeredness, and empowerment.
Another healing benefit of trauma-sensitive yoga is that it enables you to become more present and attuned to your needs and pace, developing a new kindness towards your body and an increased patience with your process.
As a daily tool in your own healing toolkit, trauma-sensitive yoga also gives you helpful means and enables you to be more active instead of disconnecting when facing challenges. Ultimately, it can bring you back to the connection with yourself, with others and the present moment.