Yoga studios
are as common in most cities as a café latte or a smartphone charging station.
Yet, while it has evolved to suit the needs of modern urbanites,the practice of
yoga is quite ancient. Moreover, in its blend of mindfulness,physicality, and
relaxation, Yoga can be better at relieving modern stress and addiction than
other quick fixes and shortcuts.
As with any
subject with a long history, the exact origins of Yoga are not precise. Most
experts would, however, agree that it developed in the Indian subcontinent
thousands of years ago. The word ‘Yoga' itself, based in the ancient Sanskrit
language, is translated variously as union, yoke, and concentration.
In its philosophy, Yoga may be compared to many other spiritual or philosophical
traditions. Yet while such practices focus primarily on mental beliefs, Yoga is
unique in its focus not only on the mind but on the body as well.
Most yoga
practices combine three elements. The first is the actual postures, which in
Yogic terminology are called asana. These include any number of
stretches and are performed individually or as part of a sequence. The second
element of yoga is breathwork practices known as pranayama. Breathing
exercises usually focus on slowing down the breathing, and can be used in
combination with various postures in some forms of yoga. Finally, yoga also
comprises meditation. Meditation simply means focused awareness,
and in a yoga practice, this might include focusing on the breath, a spoken
syllable, or another object of awareness.
The practices
of physical postures, breathing, and meditation are particularly well suited to
the recovering addict. Addiction is best understood as a problem in the reward centers
of the brain. The brain rewards behaviours that are not actually beneficial to
the addict, such as drinking, drug use, and gambling. In order to recover, one
must make the decision to abstain. Remaining focused on this goal can be
challenging. By becoming grounded in the body, the breath, and the mind, one is
more able to remain focused on abstinence. As a result, yoga is a great way to
not only look great but also to remain sober.
Moreover, a
major trigger for addiction is stress. When coping with stress, it is essential
to have healthy alternatives to unwind and de-stress. Yoga helps to calm the
mind and body, and those practicing yoga typically experience a sense of
stillness and calm amidst the busy-ness of life.
Yoga has also
been found to be an effective treatment for some forms of mental illness,
including depression and anxiety. And while researchers are still conducting
scientific data concerning the effectiveness of yoga as a treatment for addiction,
there are more and more individual accounts of people being helped by yoga in
addiction recovery.
As reported
on a popular addiction site, Sanjana, in her seventh year of sobriety, found
herself becoming increasingly anxious. Her therapist recommended she take up
yoga, and she found it immensely beneficial in reducing her anxiety and
remaining sober.
At Shafa
Home, we are pleased to offer Mindfulness Therapy, of which yoga is a
component, as an integral part of our recovery program. If you are seeking
treatment for any addiction, please contact one of our counselors today.
This article is the sole property of "The
Cabin", they are its original authors.
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