Modern recovery programs understand the value of offering a variety of experiential and mindfulness treatments. A yoga therapy program, for instance, can add a new dimension to traditional talk and group therapies. It is considered a complementary treatment, which means it doesn’t replace core modalities but is instead used alongside them.
Yoga offers several benefits to clients in every stage of recovery, from detox to maintaining long-term sobriety. To learn more about the benefits of yoga during recovery, contact Promises today at 844.875.5609.
What Exactly Is Yoga? Dispelling the Myths
Yoga refers to a form of movement that seeks to unify the body, mind, and spirit through asanas, or poses, as well as meditation, breathwork, and other techniques. However, several misconceptions may prevent you from enjoying all the potential benefits of yoga therapy in recovery.
First and foremost, though there is a spiritual component to yoga that encourages self-growth in all directions, yoga itself is not a religion. People from all religious backgrounds are encouraged and welcome to practice yoga.
Second, yoga is not only for super flexible people who can stand on their heads. Advanced yoga postures are physically and mentally challenging to master, but there are many types of beginner classes offered in recovery that are intended for people of all fitness levels.
Lastly, yoga therapy, in particular, is not the same as attending a yoga class. It is specifically designed to help recovery clients, and an emphasis is placed on mindfulness over perfect performance. There may even be opportunities to stop and talk about emotional issues that bubble up during your session.
The Benefits of Yoga in Recovery
The benefits of yoga therapy in recovery include both mental and physical gains. In fact, you may be encouraged to participate in yoga while still detoxing because of the many physical advantages yoga offers.
These boons include the following:
Stress Relief
The physical exercise performed during yoga therapy helps release tight muscles and relieve tension. The practice allows people to center their minds and stop worrying about the future or ruminating on past mistakes. Yoga may also help reduce cortisol levels, which can assist in encouraging relaxation. Yoga therapists understand which poses are best for releasing mood-boosting endorphins that help to lift and balance the mood.
Pain Relief
Many people enter their recovery process with physical pain, and the medications they may have been taking to relieve that pain may have been the source of their substance use disorder in the first place.
Learning to relieve pain without the use of addictive drugs is an integral part of recovery. And the good news is that several studies on yoga have shown its effectiveness in easing many types of chronic pain, such as:
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Knee pain
- Low back pain
- Migraine
- Osteoporosis
Because yoga postures can be adapted for anyone, including those with very little flexibility or mobility, yoga therapy benefits individuals at every fitness level, and it is one of the few types of exercises people with chronic pain can do safely.
Improved Sleep
Besides pain, people in recovery often struggle with insomnia. Because yoga relieves stress and helps balance emotions, it is also a natural sleep aid. In fact, one of the most useful yoga therapy benefits is breathing regulation, as it can be used anytime and anywhere, not just when falling asleep.
Stronger Immune System
Unfortunately, many recovery clients may spend years neglecting their physical health. Combined with the effects of various substances, that can lead to many different illnesses and a poor immune system. One of the benefits of yoga during recovery is more support for your physical health.
Schedule a Consultation at Promises to Learn About the Benefits of Yoga Therapy in Recovery
The benefits of yoga in recovery include improvement in both mental and physical wellness. Yoga can help you manage your emotions, reduce stress, and boost your natural immunity. Yoga therapy also provides an outlet to process emotions and share your insights with others.
Promises understands that recovery is about more than physical health. Learning to reduce stress and stay focused when challenges arise is a major part of lasting wellness. To learn more about the benefits of yoga therapy in recovery, call Promises today at 844.875.5609 or use our online contact form.