by Mandie Muscato MS NIC RYT 200

"It is not so much the event itself that causes the Trauma, but how One deals with, and copes during the aftermath of such events, that will determine the level of trauma that gets lodged into the body's cells." Judith Herman, clinical psychotherapist at Harvard,

Many people who hear the words Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), automatically associate the terms with victims of war, soldiers, and individuals who have lived through major catastrophes or storms, such as 911.

Research is finding that more and more women are experiencing PTSD. Since women are more likely to seek out alternative forms of health care,  it is paramount that we spread the word about Yoga for Trauma Victims. Yoga poses, and Yoga in all of its forms, is a means for easing the pain and suffering related to Traumatic dis-ease that manifests in the body when someone is experiencing PTSD, complex trauma or vicarious trauma.

I was in my twenties, living in NYC when I was evacuated on September 11, 2001.  I can tell you, that as for myself, and only speaking for myself, the causes of my own complex trauma were much harder to identify than just that one terrible day.

According to Judith Herman, clinical psychotherapist at Harvard, it is not so much the event itself that causes the Trauma, but how One deals with, and copes during the aftermath of such events, that will determine the level of trauma that gets lodged into the body's cells.

This is why two people, perhaps even twins, can undergo the exact same traumatic event, however because their perspective and coping methods are different, one may develop debilitating trauma related illness, and the other may not.

Yoga's ability to touch a person

on every level of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual plane, makes it a powerful and effective modality for combating the distress associated with trauma

Most experts by now understand that the effects of trauma are not limited to the brain.

Contrary to that old paradigm, we now know that the effects of trauma are present all over the body.

We are learning everyday that the brain and gut share cells.

What effects one system of the body, effects another. 

This is good news for yoga practitioners. While practitioners cleanse the body with asana, pranayama, kriya and meditation, the whole system is being penetrated.

The effects are long standing. As this lifestyle of yoga becomes habitual, One can expect to feel lighter in their heart.  

Through yoga, the body can become purified of the samskaras, or from the traumatic residue that clings to a person's neurophysiology,when they are impacted by complex trauma* (Kolk) or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

With a caring a skilled yoga teacher, One can attend a recovery based class that is perfectly suited for them, and align it with treatment which they are receiving with outside providers, to help bridge the gap that will ultimately lead to healing.   All this in an effort towards wellness and peace of mind.

Join me on Saturday July 14th from 12:30- 2:30 as we explore the techniques found in yoga to help bring about wellness from trauma.

I have over 1000 hours of training in yoga and yoga for trauma and healing and mental health.  It is my passion to help share the tools that I have used to overcome my own very personal trauma and my goal is to help everyone in my class to feel safe, and whole.  We will explore basic yoga asanas, breathwork, and meditation techniques that you can use in your own personal journey.  

I hope to see you there, 

Be Well,

Mandie Muscato MS NIC RYT 200