How Yoga Helps With Recovery

Yoga’s origin traces back to ancient India. Many centuries have gone by, but its benefits haven't faded away with time and technology. Practicing yoga can help you reduce chronic pain, lose weight, manage stress, control breathing and be flexible, among other health benefits.  

If you have a problem with alcohol, give yoga a shot. You'll have yourself to thank. Here are some of the benefits you stand to gain from practicing yoga during your recovery process.

Managing Urges

Addiction affects your health, but it’s also a waste of money and time. Managing the urge to consume alcohol alone may be an uphill climb, and joining a rehabilitation center is one option to try. Most of these treatment centers embrace yoga as one of the techniques to help with recovery. The meditation you'll perform during yoga sessions will help calm your mind as your brain focuses on breathing.

These feelings of peace help stave off uncomfortable feelings that drive you to have a drink. Emotional issues, such as stress, fear and low self-esteem, among others, are what lead most individuals to drink. However, practicing yoga helps keep negative feelings in check.

Mitigating Withdrawal

Detoxification is one process that helps rid the body of harmful substances. There are medications a doctor will administer to help you cope with withdrawal symptoms. The detox process is not an easy one, and that's when yoga comes in to help with easing the discomfort.

Some symptoms will manifest when you stop taking alcohol, such as hallucinations, tremors, headaches and seizures. According to Transformations Treatment Center, the physical symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal normally taper off within a week.

Healing the Brain

According to Opiant, alcohol addiction destroys the prefrontal cortex of the brain—the part that helps with making choices. One reason yoga is an excellent form of therapy during the recovery process is that it aids in healing this relevant section of the brain.

During meditation, the prefrontal cortex can improve and restore itself to its original purpose. Through this healing process, you're able to control the choices you make in your life. Yoga is also a great way to manage stress and anxiety through breathing techniques. It eventually helps in repairing your nervous system.

Breaking the shackles of addiction isn't a walk in the park. However, with determination and the use of holistic therapy, such as yoga, the recovery process is attainable. You'll experience a tremendous change in your well-being, both emotionally and physically.