Substance use disorder (SUD) is not only a physical disease but also a mental one. Yoga during recovery can help combat both. Our team here at West Coast Recovery Centers understands the importance of holistic treatments such as yoga and meditation.
It’s important to remember that addiction affects millions of people worldwide and usually requires comprehensive treatment for both the mind and the body. This treatment can sometimes become overwhelming; the key is learning healthy coping skills. Within more recent years, yoga has become more popular as a form of natural treatment for certain mental and physical disorders.
This article is going to explore the benefits of yoga during recovery and how this ancient practice can help you on your healing journey.
What Is the History of Yoga?
The practice of yoga can be traced back thousands of years ago to Northern India. This is where the science and practices of yoga started, but over time moved to other regions all across the world. The term “yoga” actually started from the Sanskrit term “Yuj,” which translates to “to unite,” “to join,” or “to yoke.”
Yoga is an experience that aims to bring together both mind and body in harmony for full-body zen. The main goal of practicing yoga within Buddhism is to develop self-realization”, and to overcome all kinds of suffering.
The Benefits of Yoga During Recovery
One of the most important benefits of yoga during treatment is that the practice can help relieve stress and anxiety. Often, starting something new such as going to treatment, can increase your stress and anxiety levels. Yoga can help with this because of the deep breathing practices, which can help calm the nervous system.
Another important benefit of yoga during recovery is the positive impact that it can have on your physical health. Addiction can cause serious negative impacts on your physical health. For example, addiction can cause certain conditions, such as chronic pain, a weakened immune system, and digestive issues. Since yoga involves a lot of different movements and stretching, it can get your heart rate up and place an emphasis on moving certain muscles.
Developing a sense of community is also very prevalent within the practice of yoga. While it is usually considered an individual journey to gain more self-compassion, yoga classes are done in groups. Having people around you who are working on the same journey as you can be motivating and inspiring. Creating a community is vital for success during treatment and after treatment.
Furthermore, yoga can help you or a loved one develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion. Self-compassion is crucial for success during treatment. Struggling with addiction may have left you feeling disconnected from yourself, which can lead to feelings of shame and self-loathing. Yoga can encourage you to practice self-compassion and acceptance. This, in turn, can help you develop a more positive relationship with yourself during this phase of recovery.
The Effects of Yoga During Recovery on the Brain
Long-term drug use can have an impact on the chemistry of your brain as well. The pathways to certain feelings, such as pleasure, making decisions, and impulse control, can become altered because of drug use. During recovery, since you will no longer be using drugs, your brain chemistry starts to heal itself, and yoga can help this process go even smoother.
As discussed above, yoga can help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with starting something new such as recovery. Practicing yoga can help alleviate stress levels because it can balance the hormones associated with stress, cortisol, and adrenaline.
West Coast Recovery Centers Treatment Options
It is worth noting that yoga should not be viewed as a replacement for traditional addiction treatment. This can include therapy and medication. Instead, yoga should be seen as a complementary tool that can be used in conjunction with other treatment methods.
Here at West Coast Recovery Centers, we ensure a holistic treatment approach that combats both the mental and physical toll that addiction can have. This is done through different treatments, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and creative expression. We take pride in the fact that we offer many different forms of treatment to help each individual client and their unique needs. This is all completed with a community at your side that consists of professional staff and others on the same journey as you.
Every individual is unique in the approach needed for treatment, which is why we offer many different forms of treatment for every client. Yoga can be a powerful tool during addiction recovery. By helping you on your journey toward healing and recovery. It’s important to seek help sooner rather than later if you are struggling. West Coast Recovery Centers is here to help alleviate the stress of this process.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, consider incorporating yoga into your recovery journey. The benefits of yoga, including stress and anxiety reduction, improved physical health, and the development of mindfulness and self-compassion, can be invaluable tools in the recovery process. Yoga can also provide a sense of community and support, which can be especially helpful during the challenging journey of recovery. Remember that yoga is not a replacement for traditional addiction treatment but can be used in conjunction with other treatment methods to support your healing and recovery. West Coast Recovery Centers prioritizes holistic treatments that include practices such as yoga and meditation. Reach out today at (760) 492-6509 for more information.