Mastering Trauma-Informed Yoga: Bridging East and West Practices
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Our curriculum is accredited for continuing education by prestigious organizations like the APA and Board of Nurses, ensuring practitioners receive top-notch training and credentials.
Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.
Mastering Trauma-Informed Yoga: Merging Eastern and Western Yoga Techniques
Integrating Eastern and Western Yoga: A Journey Towards Trauma-Informed Practice
The field of mental health continues to grow and evolve, with a plethora of therapeutic practices gaining recognition in both eastern and western cultures. Among these, the art of yoga is considered a universal remedy for mental well-being, uniting practitioners across the globe regardless of their cultural backgrounds. In particular, ‘East and West yoga’ has gained increasing prominence.
Key Points Covered in this Article:
- What is East and West Yoga?
- Understanding Trauma-Informed Yoga
- Integrating Eastern and Western Yoga practices for Trauma-Informed Yoga
- How to bring these practices into your teaching
- Q&A
When we talk about ‘East and West yoga,’ we refer to the integration of the wealth of knowledge and techniques from both eastern and western yoga traditions. It's a cohesive practice that seeks to combine both the original spiritual aspects from the East and the modern, therapeutic principles coming from the West.
“Both Eastern and Western yoga practices when taken together offer a comprehensive, holistic approach to mental wellbeing that tremendously assists individuals, especially those who've experienced trauma, in their healing processes.”
Understanding Trauma-Informed Yoga
As we delve deeper into these practices, it's worth pausing to understand “trauma-informed yoga.” Simply put, it involves recognizing the prevalence and impact of trauma and seeking to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment in yoga sessions.
To facilitate healing, we fuse eastern and western yoga practices. Eastern yoga, often steeped in tradition and spirituality, lays the foundation for focusing on the entire being - mind, body, and spirit. Western yoga, on the other hand, leans towards physical postures and healing techniques, emphasizing mental and physical benefits.
Integrating Eastern and Western Yoga Practices for Trauma-Informed Yoga
Joining the principles of East and West Yoga for trauma-informed practice is no small task—it demands a deep understanding of both philosophies. Here's a comprehensive walkthrough:
Flipping the switch: Strategies to encourage balance and calm
Eastern yoga incorporates practices like meditation, pranayama (breath work), and mantras, which can promote relaxation and mindfulness, and alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety associated with trauma. Western yoga leans on the physical disciplines, using asanas (poses) to teach the body how to respond to stress positively.
Incorporating healing anatomy: Utilizing body-focused healing
Western yoga teaches body awareness, promoting the understanding of how trauma affects the physical body. Eastern yoga, through its spiritual philosophies, encourages internal awareness. By merging the two, practitioners can gain a holistic understanding of their bodies both physically and spiritually, catalyzing healing.
How to Bring these Practices into Teaching
Bringing east and west yoga into your own practice as an instructor involves several key steps. You'll need to educate yourself about trauma and its impact on mental and physical health, become familiar with the principles of creating safe spaces, and be ready to adapt your classes to meet the needs of diverse groups.
FAQ
Is Eastern or Western yoga better for trauma healing?
In truth, integrating both Eastern and Western practices offers a more comprehensive approach to healing and wellness.
How can I learn more about East and West Yoga?
We recommend taking up a course on the same at Aura Institute. They offer quality resources and certifications that can enrich your journey.
What does a trauma-informed yoga class look like?
Such a class prioritizes the participant’s comfort, seeks to build a feeling of safety, incorporates empowerment-based language, and offers options and choices with every pose. The aim is to create a mindful and positive experience.
Ready to start your career as a trauma informed care practitioner? Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.