again,” Emerson observes. “But you may be able to do it with your body.” The study found that eight female
patients that participated in trauma- sensitive yoga saw significant decreases in the frequency and severity of their post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. In a study at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, co- sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, military veterans enrolled in a 10-week yoga course also showed improvement in PTSD symptoms. A paper presented at a recent International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies conference studied 64 people that had experienced childhood abuse and neglect; those that participated in a trauma-sensitive yoga course had a 33 percent reduction in PTSD symptoms. Two months later, more than 50 percent in the yoga group experienced greater freedom and were no longer diagnosed as suffering from PTSD, compared to the control group’s 21 percent. Yoga can also transform traumatized
lives in other ways. “For many traumatized people, being touched intimately can be a trigger,” Emerson remarks. “Yoga may let them feel ready for physical intimacy again. Others have mentioned victories such as being able to go to the grocery store and knowing exactly what foods their bodies crave.” Emerson notes that such programs
emphasize choice and individual empowerment. “The beauty of yoga is that you reclaim your body as your own.”
Spreading the Word Once largely concentrated on the East Coast, trauma-sensitive yoga programs are spreading. Jennifer Johnston, a research clinician and yoga instructor at Boston’s Mind Body Institute, sees programs like these enriching our culture’s understanding of the physical and mental health connection. “In a country where drugs and surgery are often the first go-to,” she says, “it’s important to remember that things like yoga can change our chemistry, too.”
Sarah Todd is an East Coast-based writer and editor. Connect at
SarahToddInk.com.
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SEPTEMBER SPECIAL GET TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!
Schedule one session per week in September and get a second weekly session FREE!
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www.maccma-llc.com
YOGA FOR TEENS IN NEED Celebrating Yoga and Recovery Month in September!
Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Mind/body group providing yoga and other skills to handle stress for teens affected by addiction in their family.
Cost: FREE (donations accepted) ADULT YOGA FOR THE 12 STEPS
Saturday, Sept. 8, 4-6 p.m. Cost: FREE (donations accepted)
Register online at:
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MACCMA-LLC is the educational and holistic healing component of Dr. Jeri Penkava’s medical practice.
STRESS MANAGEMENT FOR PRE-TEEN GIRLS
Saturdays, Sept. 28 - Oct. 18, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. A 4-week session for pre-teen girls to learn to use yoga and other skills to handle the stress of middle school. Cost: $60 for all four sessions. To register, visit our website at
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NaturalAwakeningsSA.com September 2013 15
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Photo by Charmiene Maxwell-Batten
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