As a trauma-informed yoga teacher, my classes always focus on demonstrating how yoga is such a beneficial tool for helping regulate the nervous system.
Whether I am teaching a Hatha based practice, or a yin practice when we gently undulate the nervous system we help expand our window of tolerance. This is particularly important because our central nervous system does what it wants – whenever it wants – so learning to regulate these shifts has been instrumental in my wellbeing.
For example, in a yin practice, postures like toe squat or dragon have the tendency to be more stimulating in nature. The discomfort and tension we create in these postures can activate our sympathetic nervous system, balanced with breath and mindfulness cues, we learn to breathe through the discomfort and meet the sensation with curiosity rather than judgement.
Conversely, when we switch to more of a grounding posture and focused breathing with our forehead resting on something, we help activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
Depending on where we hold tension in the body, a yin practice can bring up unexpected discomfort as we hold each posture for 3-5 mins. By recognizing the thoughts that arrive without identifying with them or creating stories about them, we learn the value of stillness.
If you’d like to learn more, I encourage you to try a few different yoga classes. You just may find the wellness modality that will change your life! ✌️🤍🧘♀️
Nourish Your Body, Mind + Soul 