Recovery from alcohol, drug, or any other substance abuse can be challenging. Yoga and meditation can help.
How yoga and meditation heal the mind
Persons living with addiction often forgot about self-care. However, an addicted brain needs to get clear of toxic substances to function normally. In such cases, yoga and meditation are practical tools for clearing the mind, body, and soul before and throughout the recovery.
Yoga and meditation help to diminish stress and depression, which is particularly important during addiction recovery. Yoga includes breathing techniques and other ways to bring relaxation when clearing the body of toxic substances.
Yoga will not end addiction, but it can be helpful in the recovery process, as you re-establish connections with family and associates, and more importantly, with yourself. Yoga allows you to get to know yourself and find purpose and meaning in a life of sobriety. Maintaining mindfulness as part of a yoga practice commits to the healing of the mind, body, and soul after addiction. A healthy and clear mind promotes good physical and mental health. Yoga has a natural healing energy.
Meditation and breathing techniques are crucial components of yoga healing. Yoga also incorporates deep sleep relaxation and internal recharging.
Yoga works not only for the addict, but also for family members who are concerned about their loved one’s addiction. Everyone can use yoga and meditation to maintain a healthy, sober lifestyle in recovery. There is no cure for addiction. However, there is hope for holistic rehab recovery using yoga.
How yoga and meditation heal the body
Drug and alcohol addiction can take a significant toll on the body. People seeking help for addiction have often experienced nutritional deficiency, a weak immune system, and negative physical changes in their bodies. In the yoga method of recovery, the body is trying to restore itself to a healthy place. Diet, nutrition, and exercise play a vital role in restoring health, helping to fight depression, and improving self-confidence.
Yoga training enhances muscular strength and body flexibility, improves respiratory and heart function, reduces stress, depression, and chronic pain, and improves sleep patterns and overall quality of life. The recovery diet should include lean proteins, fresh and green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, beans, and nuts.
How yoga and meditation heal the soul
Spirituality is an integral part of human well-being. Our spirituality guides our actions, set boundaries, and teaches us to be more disciplined. A person’s approach to spirituality may be meditating in the bedroom or conversing at a gathering of yogis or communing with nature. Cultivating a spiritual component can be a very effective recovery tool.
Some of the techniques that can help to restore the soul in recovery include:
- Yoga and meditation: Many addictive behaviors include checking out of reality and using the substance to achieve a kind of numb detachment. Once sober, helpful techniques like yoga, mindfulness, and meditation can redirect spiritual awareness and living in reality.
- 12-step program: The core of every 12-step program is a spiritual journey, acknowledging the need for a power to give strength to the individual to conquer addiction. The actions crafted into each step are designed to increase a person’s dependence on their higher power in healing their life and overcoming addiction.
Author Bio: Donna Davidge, owner and operator of Sewall House Yoga Retreat
