Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, involves a debilitating mental illness. PTSD occurs in survivors of any form of high stress event: combat, a natural disaster, sexual assault, physical abuse or any incident that directly threatens life. Those who suffer from PTSD may benefit from various forms of therapy and medication, however Kundalini yoga also offers an alternative and very personal means to sit quietly with your thoughts and develop the ability to self-soothe.
Symptoms
Post traumatic stress disorder typically manifests as "daytime fantasies, traumatic nightmares, and psychotic reenactments known as PTSD flashbacks," according to Matthew J. Friedman, MD, PhD. In PTSD patients, the traumatic event repeats over and over and becomes a fixture of their psychological and emotional landscapes. Other symptoms include insomnia, aggressive or violent outbursts, and extended periods of sadness, guilt and worry.
Awareness & Concentration
Kundalini yoga fosters the practice of "watching the mind." This entails practicing, through breathing and concentration, to still the mind, slow down your thoughts, and begin to understand your own process of thinking through regular Kundalini yogic mediation. Post traumatic stress disorder patients may be able to distance themselves from their traumatic events through this process.
Mindfulness
According to the National Center for PTSD, mindfulness practice such as through Kundalini yoga can promote "greater present-centered awareness and nonjudgmental acceptance of potentially distressing cognitive and emotional states." Patients with PTSD benefit from mindfulness training as it essentially helps them face the trauma they keep trying to avoid. Mindfulness helps PTSD sufferers self-regulate their inner emotional state.
Warning
Often, if a person survives a traumatic or emotionally scarring event, there is a belief that he or she should "get over it." While it is true that life can be full of ups and downs, post traumatic stress disorder is a real disease that demands real attention and treatment. Do not ignore symptoms, and don't expect them to go away on their own. Speak to your physician or health-care provider about treatment options, including Kundalini yoga, if you think you may have PTSD.
References
- U.S. National Library of Medicine Medline Plus: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- National Center for PTSD: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Overview; Matthew J. Friedman, MD, PhD
- Kundalini Yoga; Swami Sivananda Radha; 1992
- National Center for PTSD: Potential of Mindfulness in Treating Trauma Reactions; Anka A. Vujanovic, PhD et al
