Yoga is an ancient Eastern practice that has a wide variety of benefits. However, many people feel overwhelmed when they try to practice yoga for the first time. However, starting slowly and researching the different types of yoga will put you on the right track. When you find the right form of yoga for you, you can experience the profound benefits that yoga can bring to your recovery journey.
The History of Yoga
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), yoga is an “ancient and complex practice, rooted in Indian philosophy.” This discipline first began as a spiritual practice but has since evolved into a popular way to promote all-around wellness.
Yoga is sometimes considered “meditative movement.” In the United States, especially, this practice is known to blend elements of yoga, physical postures, and breathing exercises.
The Benefits of Yoga
The benefits of having a regular yoga practice are vast. Yoga has been known to aid people in addiction and mental health recovery. It can also help people with inflammation, weight loss, strength-building, and more.
According to a 2011 study published in the International Journal of Yoga, a regular practice of yoga “promotes strength, endurance, flexibility and facilitates characteristics of friendliness, compassion, and greater self-control.” A yoga practice can also cultivate feelings of calmness and overall well-being.
Yoga for Trauma and Addiction Recovery
Many types of yoga can have profound benefits for trauma and addiction recovery. In fact, more and more treatment centers have been adding yoga to their programs in recent years.
Many people who have experienced trauma in their lives operate in a heightened state of stress. The International Journal of Yoga says that yoga produces a “physiological state opposite to that of the flight-or-fight stress response.” When that stress response is interrupted, a sense of balance is restored between the mind and body.
A Different Type of Yoga for Everyone
When considering trying yoga for the first time, you may feel overwhelmed by the many types to choose from. Thankfully, there are different types of yoga for different skill levels. You may want to first explore beginner options and later branch out into intermediate and more advanced levels.
If you’re in recovery and exploring this practice for the first time, there may be a certain type of yoga that is best for your current needs. The most important thing is that you actually enjoy your yoga practice, no matter what level you’re at.
Which Type of Yoga Is Best for Recovery?
The benefits of yoga have been extensively studied in the areas of mental health, trauma, and addiction. Although most types of yoga have similar methods, you may find a difference in the poses, pace, and difficulty level. As with anything else, practice makes perfect. This is why you should take your yoga journey one step at a time.
Hatha Yoga
The most common form of yoga in the Western world is known as hatha yoga. According to a 2017 study published in the International Journal of Stress Management, hatha yoga has become “one of the most widely practiced forms of complementary healthcare in the US.”
Hatha yoga helps you cultivate mindfulness through a combination of physical movement, breathing exercises, and meditation. This practice is wonderful for those who have experienced addiction and trauma because it can help alleviate stress and anxiety. It can also put an end to racing thoughts because it helps you mindfully focus on the present moment.
The 2017 study write-up even mentions that hatha yoga can be “especially relevant for addressing posttraumatic symptoms.” Focused breathing, meditation, and body movement can not only reduce anxiety and depression but can also help you develop more confidence and a healthier self-concept.
Yin Yoga
If you’re a beginner, yin yoga might be a great place to start. This type of yoga focuses more on relaxation and flexibility. It is sometimes paired with sound baths that incorporate singing bowls. This combination can help you achieve a deeper state of relaxation.
Yin yoga is designed for beginners because of its slower-paced movements. In yin yoga, you normally hold each position for a longer time, usually three to five minutes.
Vinyasa and Bikram Yoga
Another popular type of yoga is vinyasa yoga. This type is usually taught as a class where you seamlessly move from one position to the next. Vinyasa yoga can vary from instructor to instructor, so you may find something different at each class you attend.
If you’re looking for a more intensive yoga experience, you may want to try Bikram yoga. Developed by Bikram Choudhury, this practice is generally a more athletic form of yoga.
Bikram yoga is also known as “hot yoga” because it’s practiced in rooms heated past 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This may benefit you if you are in addiction recovery because it can help you “sweat out” toxins from your body. If you are a complete beginner, however, this may not be the best type of yoga for you.
Learn Which Type of Yoga Is Best for You at The Guest House
If you’re ready to explore fun and innovative therapies for recovery, The Guest House has you covered. We offer a wide variety of unique modalities that will allow you to explore the methods that work best for you.
At The Guest House, we offer a cutting-edge blend of traditional and holistic therapies to help you heal your mind, body, and soul as one. Our yoga sessions are led by trained staff members who will help you learn the proper techniques through a combination of movement, breathwork, and therapeutic meditative exercises.
Alongside yoga, you can explore a wide range of other therapies like art in healing, music in healing, and somatic therapy. No matter why you come to The Guest House, you will find something you enjoy as you work toward long-term recovery.
The benefits of yoga for recovery have been well-documented. If you’re in recovery, you can explore the type of yoga that works best for you. At The Guest House, we offer a cutting-edge blend of traditional and holistic therapies that will allow you to heal your mind, body, and soul as you work toward lasting recovery. Our yoga program is led by highly-trained staff who will guide you through proper postures alongside breathwork and meditative exercises. In addition to yoga, you can explore our vast array of healing modalities like art, cinema, and somatic therapies. You’re sure to find something you enjoy at The Guest House. For more information, call us at (855) 483-7800 .