Research involving, among others, psychiatrist and author Bessel van der Kolk (The Body Keeps the Score) shows that attending a weekly yoga class for 10 weeks can significantly reduce symptoms of chronic PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), even for those who did not respond to previous treatments. Yoga thus proves to be a valuable complement to existing therapies and a gentle way to support recovery.
How Yoga Works for Trauma
Trauma-informed yoga combines breathing, postures, and meditation. The women who participated in the study learned to become more aware of their bodies, recognise their emotions, and regulate them more effectively. The focus was not on perfect postures but on listening to the body and making choices that felt right. This helped develop greater body awareness and emotional resilience.
During the classes, participants learned to:
- Notice sensations in the body without feeling overwhelmed
- Adjust or release postures according to their body’s needs
- Breathe calmly and stay present in the moment
By strengthening this awareness, emotions could be better regulated, an essential aspect for managing PTSD, as trauma often leads to a loss of body awareness and difficulty processing emotions.
Research Results
In the study, a group of women practising trauma-informed yoga was compared to a group attending a supportive women’s health education course. The results were striking:
- 52% of the women in the yoga group no longer met PTSD criteria after 10 weeks
- In the control group, this was only 21%
- Improvements in the yoga group were maintained, whereas many in the control group relapsed after initial progress
The effects of yoga were comparable to those of well-researched therapies and medication, with the added benefit that yoga is safe, accessible, and gentle for both body and mind.
Yoga in Daily Life
Participants reported feeling more in touch with their bodies and emotions and experiencing greater calm and presence. One participant described her experience: “In the yoga class, I could move and be present in my body without hurting myself. I learned to feel my emotions without being overwhelmed by them. I am more present in the moment and can finally experience intimacy with my partner.” This demonstrates that yoga not only reduces symptoms but also helps restore self-confidence, body awareness, and emotional resilience.
Yoga as a Gentle, Effective Support for Trauma
Yoga provides a safe space to connect body and mind, regulate emotions, and strengthen self-care. It is a gentle and effective way to process trauma, build resilience, and gradually reconnect with yourself. For women with chronic PTSD, yoga can be a valuable addition to therapy or medication, supporting recovery in a natural and healing way.
Want to experience how yoga can help reduce stress, reconnect with your body, regain balance, and strengthen your resilience? Book a private yoga session or join one of the group classes in Curaçao and discover how you can gradually reconnect with your body and mind.
Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25004196/
Bessel van der Kolk explains trauma: