Our patients participate in yoga classes weekly as part of the Two Dreams commitment to achieving the three crucial outcomes we work on with each client: Mental Peace, Physical Well-Being, and Personal Productivity.
Yoga and other mindfulness techniques help reconnect clients with their bodies.
This mind-body connection is an important part of recovery because substance use disconnects in all aspects. Our certified yoga instructor emphasizes the importance of this mindfulness and gently leads everyone through yoga poses and stretches, ensuring that each patient receives individualized attention and moves at their own comfort level.
According to studies conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), yoga is an effective, evidenced-based clinical modality. The NCCIH found in one study that individuals with chronic lower-back pain benefited significantly from practicing yoga for six months, and presented with less pain, depression, and overall disability. In another study, they found that yoga and stretching routines were more effective at reducing chronic pain symptoms and improving function than self-care book consultations. They also found that 12 weekly yoga classes were able to improve function more effectively than standard medical care for chronic pain of the lower back. Yoga should never be used to completely replace conventional medical care, though; it should only be used as a form of complementary health enrichment. Read more about yoga for chronic pain on our blog here.
The New York Times recently published an article on the benefits of yoga that we at Two Dreams wanted to pass along to you, our valued readers. It contains a wealth of information, including a list of benefits, poses to try, and an examination of mindfulness, meditation, and breathing techniques. Check it out!
http://www.nytimes.com/well/guides/beginner-yoga?te=1&nl=morning-briefing&emc=edit_nn_20170131