Yoga is used by health professionals and treatment centers as part of a more holistic approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. Through the years, there have been many studies on the role of yoga in managing dependence on substances such as alcohol, nicotine, opiates, and barbiturates.
What is Yoga Therapy?
In general, yoga is well-regarded for its therapeutic and healing effects. In yoga therapy, specific yoga practices are used to alleviate physical and mental health issues such as those linked to substance use disorders. These practices are applied to attain specific health goals while addressing limitations caused by current health issues. Practices used in yoga therapy include:
- Breathing exercises
- Yoga poses or asanas that target specific areas of the body
- Gentle to vigorous movements
- Meditation techniques
- Visualization exercises
Effects of Yoga on Mental and Physical Health
Yoga encompasses a range of self-disciplinary practices – from physical poses to contemplative exercises. It offers physical and mental health benefits that can perfectly complement different treatment plans and potentially hasten healing.
Mental Health Benefits of Yoga
According to many studies, regular yoga practice enhances mental health. Benefits include:
- Release mood-boosting chemicals: Yoga stimulates the release of brain chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin, that can improve mood and boost overall mental well-being.
- Reduce stress: Yoga promotes mindfulness and induces calming effects. This can help you to better manage stress as well as anxiety and depression.
- Improve concentration: Regular yoga practice helps in maintaining mental focus which leads to an improved attention span and clearer thinking.
- Boost sleep quality: Relaxation and meditation techniques used in yoga can lead to better sleep quality which boosts mental health.
Physical Benefits of Yoga
Yoga involves the mindful execution of a series of physical poses or asanas. Proper execution and regular practice of these movements can help:
- Build Muscle Strength: The different yoga poses employ, and thus strengthen different muscle groups. For example, planks strengthen upper body muscles while the chair pose builds lower back muscles.
- Boost Flexibility: All the moving and stretching in yoga help increase your range of motion and improve overall flexibility.
- Improve Posture: Yoga practice strengthens your muscles, specifically your core. This tends to make you sit and stand tall, thus visibly improving your posture.
- Boost Heart Health: Certain types of yoga can boost your heart rate into the aerobic range. This helps lower your risk of heart attack.
- Strengthen Bones and Joints: Yoga poses require you to support your weight in various ways which improves bone health. Certain poses also promote the release of fluids which can significantly improve joint function.
Is Yoga Good for Recovery?
Yoga practices and techniques help calm the mind and improve physical fitness, both of which can help you remain focused and stable during recovery. Because of this, treatment centers like Positive Sobriety Institute incorporate yoga into their treatment programs and continuing care plans.
Yoga can be an important element in one’s recovery from substance use disorders, particularly in the following aspects:
● Building Strength
Practicing yoga regularly strengthens both the body and the mind. This helps those in recovery to build up their physical strength which often takes a toll during substance misuse. This also allows them to better handle triggers or stressors – remaining calm and clear-headed as they overcome difficulties in their recovery.
● Detoxifying the Body
The movements in yoga may be slow, but it can still be a very physical activity. It can increase the oxygen to the cells helping the body to get rid of toxins. Because of this, yoga is among the holistic methods used during substance detoxification. Yoga also helps in managing withdrawal symptoms during detox.
● Managing Stress
Yoga involves mindful movements and breathing techniques that help calm the nervous system and reduce stress levels. Regular yoga practice can help those in recovery manage stress without turning back to alcohol or other substances. It further helps them stay focused on their recovery goals.
● Improving Mood
Certain yoga poses are known to have antidepressant effects. This is due to the increase in the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter that can block nerve cells in the brain that contribute to depression. Practicing yoga also lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension which reduces stress hormones and improves overall mood.
● Curbing Cravings
Yoga cultivates mindfulness which promotes inner peace. This can be extremely helpful when recovering from substance dependence as it provides a source of comfort during difficult times while in recovery. This can decrease one’s reliance on substances for pleasure or satisfaction. As a result, cravings are significantly reduced.
Popular Types of Yoga for Addiction Recovery
While yoga can help promote overall wellness, certain types of yoga are used to complement addiction treatment programs. Yoga practiced for substance use recovery includes:
● Hatha Yoga
This involves intentional poses, breathing techniques, and meditation practices that can help stabilize one’s mental and emotional health. Hatha yoga also helps reduce anxiety and stress, improve joint and muscle health, and increase overall sense of self and connection to your surroundings.
● Vinyasa Yoga
This invigorating type of yoga helps improve strength and flexibility. The constant flow from one pose to the next can release mood-boosting hormones that can help in the recovery process.
● Hot Yoga
This type aims to de-stress the muscles and relieve physical pain and tension. Performed in a humid and warm studio, hot yoga also helps reduce stress, improve heart health and boost sleep quality.
● Bikram Yoga
This is a type of hot yoga that follows a certain set of yoga poses. Bikram yoga aids in physical detoxification. It helps strengthen the muscles and bones and focus which are essential in recovery.
● Yin Yoga
This type focuses more on meditation. Yin yoga helps induce relaxation and proper sleep as it reduces stress and anxiety. This promotes mental stability which is crucial during recovery.
FAQ
How does yoga reduce stress and anxiety?
Yoga reduces stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation through deep breathing and mindful movements. It helps lower cortisol levels, the body’s main stress hormone, and enhances mood by increasing serotonin. Regular practice can also improve sleep and overall mental well-being.
Are yoga and meditation the same?
No, yoga and meditation aren’t the same. Yoga combines physical postures with breath control to improve flexibility and strength while meditation focuses on calming the mind and increasing awareness. However, many yoga practices incorporate meditation to enhance mental clarity and relaxation.
Does yoga make you emotionally strong?
Yes, yoga can make you emotionally strong. Regular practice fosters mindfulness, which can help you regulate your emotions better. The physical aspects build resilience, while the meditation and breathing techniques reduce anxiety and stress. Together, they promote emotional stability and inner strength.
Staying on the Path to Recovery with Holistic Therapies
The path to recovery, even after seeking professional help, is full of challenges. This is why high quality treatment centers offer comprehensive treatment plans and programs to better ensure recovery. Yoga therapy is one such tool that promotes your holistic health as you overcome substance use disorder.
We, at Positive Sobriety Institute, have a deep understanding of how substance use disorders can affect every aspect of your life. With this in mind, our team of experts in Chicago creates treatment plans that address all aspects of recovery. We provide holistic therapies such as yoga and meditation to help improve your physical and mental health. This also equips you with the right frame of mind to stay focused on your path to recovery and long-term sobriety.
Stay on the right path to long-term recovery with Positive Sobriety Institute’s treatment programs and holistic therapies. Talk to us today!
