2. A meta-review of all the studies published on yoga suggests that it can yield
benefits as an adjunct therapy for trauma, depression, and anxiety.
The benefits of yoga go beyond stress relief, weight reduction, and vitality.
According to the journal, Trauma, Violence and Abuse, professionals may use to
supplement therapy of individuals with mental illnesses, including post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
An Alternative Treatment Option
Treatment of mental health disorders usually involves a combination of medication
and psychotherapy. In the recent years, moreover, researchers explored alternative
treatment options to prevent the side effects associated with psychotropic
medication.
Scientists in North Carolina, for instance, analyzed literature reviews about yoga
and treatment of mental health disorders and found that is feasible to use yoga
techniques, meditation, breathing techniques, and relaxation as the primary
intervention.
A separate analysis, meanwhile, showed a link between the practice of regular yoga
and a decrease in negative emotions including restlessness and sadness. In
reducing symptoms of depression, researchers found that meditation-based yoga is
more likely to yield positive results compared with exercise-based yoga.
3. In general, a review of articles related to yoga and PTSD found it effective in
relieving symptoms of trauma. This included trauma that resulted from experiences
in war, incarceration, torture, physical and sexual assault, torture and child abuse,
religious and cultural persecution, and natural disasters.
Organizations Giving Yoga a Run
Given these data, some organizations have started harnessing yoga as a tool for
helping young women overcome traumatic experiences.
Take for instance Margaret J. Kemp Camp, a residential facility for girls that offers
schooling and other services that prepare juvenile delinquents, for their return in
the community. The organization has enlisted the help of nonprofit organization the
Art of Yoga Project in using yoga, creative arts, and meditation in rehabilitating
teenage girls.
According to experts, given that those teaching yoga have sufficient expertise and
training, it can be an effective tool in relieving symptoms of mental disorders,
particularly trauma.
