What is Recovery Yoga?

Recovery yoga is a specialized form of yoga designed to support individuals recovering from addiction, trauma, stress, and other mental health challenges. This practice integrates gentle yoga postures (asanas), breath work (pranayama), meditation, and mindfulness techniques to create physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

Recovery yoga is uniquely tailored to address the specific needs of individuals in recovery. It emphasizes creating a non-judgmental and compassionate space, integrating therapeutic elements and encouraging self-acceptance and empowerment. This practice is often integrated with traditional recovery programs to provide a holistic approach to healing.

Origins of Recovery Yoga

While yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, recovery yoga emerged as a specialized field relatively recently. It draws from the ancient principles of yoga and adapts them to meet the needs of modern therapeutic settings.

Recovery yoga is influenced by various psychological and therapeutic approaches, integrating them with traditional yoga practices to create a comprehensive healing modality.

The philosophy of recovery yoga is rooted in the understanding that true healing involves the integration of body, mind, and spirit. It aligns with the holistic principles of yoga. This practice also integrates elements of mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy to support mental health and recovery.

Recovery Yoga Practice

The main principles of recovery yoga include creating a supportive environment, using gentle and accessible yoga practices, and integrating mindfulness and therapeutic techniques. Key components of the practice are:

• Gentle Asanas: Physical postures that are accessible to all levels, focusing on relaxation and gentle stretching.
• Pranayama: Breath control techniques to calm the mind and regulate the nervous system.
• Meditation: Mindfulness and meditation practices to enhance mental clarity and emotional balance.
• Therapeutic Elements: Integration of therapeutic techniques, such as guided imagery and cognitive restructuring, to support recovery and mental health.
• Community Support: Encouraging a sense of community and connection among participants.

Common Poses: Child’s Pose (Balasana), Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana), Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana), Legs Up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani), Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Recovery Yoga Suitability

Experience Level: Beginner-Friendly, Mixed Level (Suitable for All)

Physical Demand: Gentle Movement

Mind-Body Engagement: Primarily Meditative

Adaptability: Highly Adaptable

Focus Area: Stress Relief & Relaxation, Emotional Healing, Mental Health Support

Notes on Recovery Yoga

Practicing recovery yoga supports the recovery process by providing tools for dealing with cravings, managing stress, and cultivating self-awareness and compassion. Regular practice can also improve sleep, increase energy levels, and create overall well-being.

Similar Styles

Restorative Yoga, Therapeutic Yoga

Equipment Needed

Required: None

Nice to Have: Yoga Mat, Bolster, Blanket

Optional: Yoga Blocks, Eye Pillow, Meditation Cushion

References

Programs

Yoga of 12-Step Recovery (Y12SR): Combines the practical tools of the 12-step program with the ancient wisdom of yoga. Y12SR meetings include a group sharing circle followed by an intentional, themed yoga class. Founded by Nikki Myers.

The Prison Yoga Project: Offers yoga and mindfulness practices to incarcerated individuals, focusing on trauma recovery and emotional regulation.

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health: Offers various workshops and retreats focused on yoga for recovery and mental health.

Books

“Yoga For Recovery: A practical guide for healing” by Michael Huggins and Andrew Moore

“Yoga of Recovery” by Durga Leela