Bridging Body and Mind: Considerations for Trauma-Informed Yoga (with special considerations for military populations)

Individuals who suffer from trauma-related symptoms are a unique population that could benefit from the mind-body practice of yoga—or have their symptoms reactivated by it, depending on the type of yoga. Trauma-informed yoga (TIY) may ameliorate symptoms by creating a safe, tailored practice for students to learn how to respond, rather than react, to symptoms and circumstances. Findings revealed that TIY needs to emphasise beneficial practices (e.g., diaphragmatic breath and restorative postures), consider contraindications (e.g. avoiding sequences that overly engage the sympathetic nervous system), adapt to limitations and challenges for teaching in unconventional settings (e.g., prisons, VA hospitals), and provide specialised training and preparation (e.g., specialised TIY certifications, self-care of instructors/therapists, adaptions for student needs). TIY for veterans must additionally consider gender- and culture-related barriers, differing relationships to pain and injury, and medication as a barrier to practice. Link to full paper.