Introduction
In this article, the beneficial effects of yoga will be discussed about some specific symptoms related to Complex-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD).
C-PTSD is a condition most often caused by repeated and ongoing, severe interpersonal trauma, it is commonly seen in those who were subjected to chronic childhood abuse. The symptoms of PTSD as stated in the NICE guidelines include re-experiencing symptoms (e.g. flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive images, physical pain), avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event, hyperarousal (e.g. constant on edge, hypervigilance of threat, insomnia) and emotional numbing. In addition C-PTSD sufferers can also experience, difficulty controlling emotions, inability to trust, feelings of permanent hopelessness/worthlessness/differentness, regular suicidal feelings, dissociative symptoms (e.g. feeling disconnected to the world around them, the body, and ‘missing’ periods.) and risky or self-destructive behavior. The main focus here will be reconnecting with the physical body, emotional recognition, and regulation, and looking at methods of grounding and staying connected to the present moment, by using yoga as a complementary practice alongside regular treatment options.
Relationship between yoga and C-PTSD
As a mind and body practice, yoga has many benefits in beginning to connect to the physical body and experience embodiment in a safe environment. By using techniques such as meditation and pranayama (breath control) the participant can be allowed time to sit, focusing on something other than the trauma. They are noticing the sensations within the body about particular emotions, experiencing these as natural sensations, rather than something to be feared or avoided, and using the compassionate stance of yoga to accept these emotions without negative judgments.
Certain yoga positions such as a wide kneed child pose and breathing techniques such as full yogic breath or nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. There are several benefits to activating the parasympathetic nervous system during the process of recognizing distressing sensations. The vagus nerve releases a hormone called acetylcholine which helps the body relax and reduces the stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin which are often overstimulated in sufferers.
‘At the time of the traumatic event, the body is flooded with adrenaline and stress hormones, which have been proven to interfere with effective memory processing and consolidation. So instead of the traumatic memory being filed away in linear time, it becomes timeless.’ – Ryan, J. (yogabhoga.co.uk)
The vagus nerve can also help the sufferer process the trauma by stimulating the amygdala, the part of the brain that stores memory, this can allow the processing of trauma imprints to memory, allowing them to become rooted in time.
‘Work at the Trauma Center Yoga Program is based on the clinical premise that the experience of trauma affects the entire human organism—body, mind, and spirit—and that the whole organism must be engaged in the healing process.’ – Emerson, D. et.al (2009) p124
Many PTSD sufferers disconnect from the body because trauma is stored at a cellular level and is not fixed in time. If the sufferer comes into contact with a trigger they re-live the traumatic event as a full-body experience, time shifts, physical sensations are experienced, and sensory distortions occur. These symptoms are caused by an imprint on the cells similar in nature to the yogic concept of samskara. A samskara is a mental imprint, in full detail, left by all actions, thoughts, and intentions, that is the root of many habitual behavioral patterns. It happens on a subconscious level, without active consideration.
In PTSD the trauma leaves a full imprint of the trauma which is not housed neatly in memory, it reacts to triggers on a subconscious level. By using yoga to look inwards the sufferer can begin to regain control of the experience. By beginning to see the trauma as separate from the true self, the process of embodiment and grounding to the present moment can begin to take place. By realizing that they are not the trauma but a witness to it, a choice appears, either go with it and relive the trauma – effectively re-traumatizing or begin to recognize the bodily sensations and/or thought processes that lead up to the flashback or other reliving symptoms and nip it in the bud. By using mindful meditation, grounding techniques, breath work, and movement. This gives the sufferer space to begin to work in a therapeutic setting.
Taking a trauma-sensitive approach to teaching yoga is very important to prevent the sufferer from becoming overwhelmed by the experience. Emerson, D. et.al suggest 5 aspects of the traditional yoga class that need to be addressed; Environment, Exercise, Teacher qualities, Assists, and Language. These are all important elements within any regular yoga class but are particularly important with trauma survivors.
The environment needs to be welcoming and safe, avoiding anything that may be a possible trigger to allow the participants to feel less vulnerable. Time should be taken with a gentle opening to let the participants settle into the space and begin to create a non-judgmental environment to begin exploring with movement and breathwork.
The asana would depend upon the group's capabilities and stage of treatment, giving lots of options to explore how it feels in the body, or to opt out if overwhelmed. Focusing on allowing the participant the choice to do what they want with their body, empowering them to take charge of what happens to them.
“No, I will not be in pain. My opinion about what is happening to me matters, and I can take control.” – Emerson, D. et al (2009)
Extra care needs to be taken with hip openers because positions e.g. happy baby may be prompting. They will need to be gradually introduced step by step to allow the student to experience these positions in a state of safety
Savasana may also be problematic so approaching it more loosely and giving seated options as well as different lying positions.
The teacher needs to be welcoming, open, approachable, and able to adapt on the spot if something unexpected happens. Allowing the students to explore and experience in their own way and at their own pace whilst maintaining a safe environment.
Assisting needs to be focused and efficient, physical adjustments may not be appropriate for many months if at all. Verbal cues can work much more effectively to give guidance whilst allowing for safe personal space. If approaching the participant this should be done clearly so they know where the teacher is at all times.
Language should be clear, avoiding possible trigger words. Encouragement and invitation in the instruction avoid the possibility of participants feeling coerced and let them choose what to do or not do depending upon what they are experiencing.
In conclusion, the inclusion of a trauma-sensitive yoga practice would be beneficial to complement the traditional talking therapies used to treat C-PTSD. Taking this approach would allow for a full body treatment and give the participants the tools needed to safely undertake the complex psychological work within the therapeutic setting.
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Essay on Trauma Yoga Therapy.
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