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Yoga Therapy

people participating in a yoga therapy program in massachusetts Mainstream western medicine is only beginning to widely accept the connection between body and mind. In eastern practice, however, it’s long been understood that what affects our physical reality also affects our emotional and mental realities. In this spirit, yoga developed in India over the course of thousands of years to help practitioners gain greater health along with spiritual and mental clarity. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness or addiction, contact NuLife Behavioral Health. Our centers in Massachusetts offer quality substance abuse and mental health treatment options. These can be tailored to include holistic components like a yoga therapy program. Reach out online or call 888.568.2057 to start the conversation. 

How Does Yoga Therapy Fit into Mental Health Treatment?

If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health disorder, a formal treatment program may be needed. To determine what level of care will work best for you, consult a medical doctor or licensed psychiatrist. Initial consults are often free, and getting a professional opinion is the most reliable way to determine the next steps. That said, yoga therapy and other holistic approaches can be a fantastic part of larger programs. 

Here are just a few benefits that yoga therapy can offer to those receiving mental health treatment:

  • Greatly reduced stress, depression, and anxiety
  • Better sleep after practicing
  • Reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • The ability to process unmanaged stress or other issues that are resistant to talk therapy and other cognitive approaches 
  • Self-regulation through breathing techniques that fully oxygenate the brain, slow heart rate, and lower blood pressure 
  • Physical benefits like lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and higher levels of GABA, which calms the central nervous system
  • Present-moment awareness and the ability to literally move through the sense of being paralyzed that often comes with trauma
  • Positive social support and relationships developed through shared interest and participation in the synchronized movements and breathwork of yoga practice 

Can Yoga Help with Addiction Recovery too?

When a person begins to abuse substances, there is often a dimension of trauma or underlying mental health concerns. At NuLife Behavioral Health Massachusetts, we practice dual diagnosis. This means we treat substance abuse and mental health concerns at the same time to provide the most comprehensive and lasting recovery possible. When yoga therapy is a part of this process, it serves clients twofold. It not only addresses mental health needs but also provides key benefits specific to addiction recovery: 

  • Improved overall physical strength and flexibility, which may have been compromised by prolonged drug or alcohol abuse
  • Lower overall stress levels
  • Reduction of insomnia brought on by withdrawal
  • A natural contemplative complement to other spiritual dimensions that may be part of clients’ recoveries, such as 12-step programs
  • Greater self-awareness about sensations and emotions can help manage cravings by creating a “gap” between impulse and behavior 
  • A break from the painful thoughts and feelings that often accompany withdrawal
  • Practice staying in the present moment through the focal point of the yoga instruction 
  • A feeling of cooperation through synchronized breath and movement with an instructor and classmates 
  • Greater self-confidence and self-reliance 

Find Out More About Yoga Therapy Programs in Massachusetts by Contacting NuLife Behavioral Health

Your psychological and physical health are of top importance to your overall quality of life. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness or substance abuse, you deserve the very best support. At NuLife Behavioral Health Massachusetts, we’re standing by to answer your questions and help you start your journey toward better health. Call us today at 888.568.2057 or reach out online to get started.