A Journey to Embodied Healing: Yoga as a Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

This article introduces the spiritual dimension of the experiences of 40 participants in an 8-week Kundalini yoga (KY) program to treat the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma disrupts the mind–body connection, while yoga is dedicated to holistic reintegration by positively affecting the nervous system and improving self-regulation, mood, and feelings of self-worth. Treatment involved yogic techniques of meditation, breath regulation, movement, and relaxation, together with a routine of meeting once a week. A phenomenological approach was used to derive the meaning of participant experiences. Narratives of program participants are presented and coincide with factors pertaining to spiritual or personal beliefs defined by the World Health Organization Quality of Life Group. Implications for holistic embodiment practice are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• embodied healing
• identity
• Kundalini yoga
• mind–body–spirit
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• self-regulation
• spirituality
• well-being