Yoga emphasizes emotional and physical awareness by fostering mindfulness of emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Yoga teacher training often includes psychological and philosophical components that promote self-compassion, emotional awareness, and resilience. These teachings encourage acceptance and reduce self-criticism, enhancing emotion regulation and psychological well-being. Based on this framework, we hypothesized that yoga instructors and practitioners would demonstrate higher levels of self-compassion, emotional awareness, emotion regulation, and well-being compared to nonpractitioners. Furthermore, we expected that instructors would score higher than practitioners because of their deeper engagement with yoga philosophy and training. The study included 359 female participants: 80 yoga instructors, 96 yoga practitioners, and 183 nonpractitioners. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, a motivation scale, the Self-Compassion Scale, the Emotional Self-Awareness Scale, the Emotion Regulation Skills Scale, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. As hypothesized, one-way ANOVA results revealed that yoga instructors scored significantly higher than both yoga practitioners and nonpractitioners on all psychological variables. However, contrary to expectations, no significant differences emerged between yoga practitioners and nonpractitioners. To explore this discrepancy, we examined the motivations for practicing yoga using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results indicated that yoga instructors were more likely to be driven by intrinsic factors such as self-improvement and increasing awareness, whereas practitioners tended to be influenced by extrinsic factors like social recommendations and physical appearance goals. Findings suggest that the depth of training and intrinsic motivation may play a critical role in the psychological benefits derived from yoga.
Previous research has started to explore the theoretical foundations and possible integration of yoga and psychotherapy to provide holistic approaches for health and healing. We proposed the integration of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), both of which are empirically supported treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Experts with training as certified DBT therapists (nRound 1 = 25) or TCTSY facilitators (nRound 1 = 46) were recruited to complete three online surveys to rate statements and complete open-ended questions regarding the perceived integrity, feasibility, and clinical relevance of the proposed DBT-TCTSY integration via Delphi methodology. Consensus was reached for the majority of the statements (14/20) at Round 3. According to the study sample, DBT-TCTSY has perceived integrity and feasibility, although further refinement is needed for clinical relevance. Overall, the present study provides a starting point for exploring expert perspectives on the novel integration of DBT-TCTSY as a form of trauma care.
Menstrual disorders including amenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and dysmenorrhea significantly disrupt the normal menstrual cycle and negatively impact quality of life. Yoga nidra, a guided meditation technique, has been explored for its potential therapeutic benefits in menstrual health, although comprehensive evidence remains limited. The present systematic review aimed to assess the effect of yoga nidra on menstrual disorders by analyzing existing research and synthesizing findings. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and involved searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and Google Scholar using keywords related to yoga nidra and menstrual disorders. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. A total of seven randomized controlled trials were included. The findings indicated improvements across four key areas of women's health: (1) psychological well-being, (2) hormonal balance, (3) hematological profile, and (4) physiological parameters. These results suggest that yoga nidra may be an effective complementary therapy for managing menstrual disorders because of its noninvasive and low-cost nature. However, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm its efficacy.
This qualitative study explored the perceived expectations, benefits, and challenges of a 12-week community mindfulness-based yoga program for U.S. military veterans with PTSD symptoms. Although yoga has shown promise in reducing PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms among veterans, barriers to engagement persist, particularly concerning psychological perceptions of complementary and integrative health approaches. Our study builds on prior feasibility research by assessing veterans' subjective experiences through a focus group conducted after program completion. Twelve veterans were recruited for the intervention, with six participating in the focus group. Upon intervention completion, participants were asked about their perceptions of the program, including benefits and challenges, in addition to ability to cope with physiological PTSD symptoms. Thematic content analysis of the focus group transcripts revealed that the group exhibited initial apprehension, particularly centered around whether yoga was an appropriate form of exercise for veterans given stereotypes related to the practice. Nevertheless, participants described feelings of empowerment and increased self-efficacy upon leaving the program. Endorsed challenges included anxiety and avoidance, which served as barriers to attending. Participants did not explicitly report gaining control over physiological PTSD symptoms; rather, they emphasized that the program helped them overcome mental barriers and fostered acceptance rather than rigid control. Throughout, the program was identified as filling an unmet need for the veteran community. Findings suggest that veterans perceive a unique utility of community-based yoga programs. Specifically, the intervention promoted engagement in self-care, which, in turn, may help the ability to cope with PTSD symptoms.
With growing need to mitigate the mental health crisis on university campuses, researchers worldwide are seeking to determine effective student mental health promotion strategies, such as positive education (i.e., the teaching of applied positive psychology) and yoga. Nevertheless, a paucity of research appraises the effects of merging positive education and yoga for mental health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 6-week hatha yoga program on undergraduate positive education students' mental health, self-compassion, and vitality. In this mixed-methods single-case experimental A1BA2 design, 7 volunteer students enrolled in the positive education course completed a 2-week baseline (A1), followed by a 6-week yoga program that included two ≈ 45-minute weekly virtual yoga classes (B), and another 2-week baseline (A2; post-yoga), all while taking their positive education course. Trait variables (mental health, trait self-compassion, and trait subjective vitality) were assessed via validated questionnaires during the baseline phases preceding and following the yoga program, whereas state variables (state self-compassion and state subjective vitality) were assessed immediately before and after one of the weekly yoga sessions. Participants also responded to open-ended journal prompts related to the outcome variables following one of the sessions. Visual, stability, level, trend, and reflexive thematic analyses revealed that yoga practice was associated with improved trait and state well-being outcomes. This research suggests preliminary evidence for yoga and positive education courses as a means of increasing university students' mental health, self-compassion, and vitality both immediately and over time. Suggestions for yoga program implementation and future research are discussed.
Menopause significantly impacts cardiovascular risk factors, the leading cause of mortality in women experiencing menopause. The present study examined the effects of combined exercise modalities on nontraditional lipid ratios in menopausal women. A total of 139 women were randomized into two groups-brisk walking with yoga or brisk walking alone-for a 3-month intervention. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, including lipid indices, were assessed before and after the intervention. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. ANCOVA with repeated measures showed that the brisk walking with yoga group achieved greater improvements than brisk walking alone in BMI (-1.0 kg/m2, p = 0.001), waist circumference (-5.3 cm, p = 0.003), and hip circumference (-4.8 cm, p < 0.001). There was a significant group × time interaction for diastolic blood pressure (-8.3 mmHg, p < 0.001) and in total cholesterol (-25.1 mg/dL, p < 0.001), triglycerides (-36.6 mg/dL, p < 0.001), LDL cholesterol (-22.2 mg/dL, p < 0.001), and non-HDL cholesterol (-31.2 mg/dL, p < 0.001). The cardiovascular risk indices CRI-I (-1.06, p < 0.001), CRI-II (-0.77, p < 0.001), and AC (-1.06, p < 0.001) showed significantly greater improvements in the brisk walking with yoga group, while HDL cholesterol increased significantly only in this group (+6.1 mg/dL, p < 0.001). The combined exercise group participants showed better satisfaction compared to brisk walking alone, suggesting that integrating yoga may be more efficacious, acceptable, and feasible, potentially improving midlife health and long-term outcomes. Our results underscore the importance of lipid ratios in predicting cardiovascular disease risk in women experiencing menopause and advocate for yoga's inclusion in exercise routines. Further research incorporating longer intervention periods and larger sample sizes is warranted to comprehensively establish the long-term cardiovascular benefits of combined exercise in women experiencing menopause.
The present study examined the psychosocial benefits, feasibility, and acceptability of the Mind Body Wellbeing Program, a trauma-informed and yoga-based program that was implemented in the Kakuma refugee camp, in Kenya, Africa. The program aims to reduce symptoms of trauma and enhance well-being through four domains, including mindful practice, physical practice, inquiry, and assisting and support. All yoga teachers were living in Kakuma Refugee Camp and were trained by Africa Yoga Project, a nonprofit organization that trains and employs yoga teachers in Kenya. Six teachers and ten students were interviewed about their experiences in the program, effectiveness of the program, benefits for displaced populations, and suggestions for improvement. The study used interpretive phenomenological analysis, a qualitative research approach committed to the examination of how people make sense of their major life experiences. We identified a total of 7 emergent themes, comprising 25 subthemes, which were further broken down into 92 unique codes. The 7 themes that appeared from the interviews were: (1) unique experiences of living in a refugee camp, (2) teachers and their training, (3) the process of learning and practicing yoga, (4) benefits of yoga, (5) yoga and refugee trauma, (6) acceptability and accessibility of yoga classes, and (7) future directions.
No study has synthesized qualitative insights related to yoga across various women's health concerns, including breast and ovarian cancer, endometriosis, menopause, and pregnancy, despite numerous individual studies. The present review therefore sought to synthesize qualitative research on yoga, exploring participants' perceived psychological and physical effects and motivators for engagement in a therapeutic setting. PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar were searched systematically for qualitative and mixed-methods (extracted qualitative only) designs. Data extraction, critical appraisal, and quality assessment followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for qualitative systematic reviews. Synthesis involved a phenomenological approach through thematic synthesis and meta-aggregation. Of 1,896 identified studies, 12 were included in the systematic review. Women aged 22-84 participated in various in-person yoga interventions spanning community yoga studios, community health centers, hospitals, and antenatal clinics, with data mainly collected through interviews, questionnaires, and surveys. Meta-aggregation yielded five secondary subthemes on participants' perceptions: (1) Fostering Community, Relationships, and Safe Spaces; (2) Emotional Balance, Self-Discovery, and Lifelong Learning; (3) Pain Relief and Physical Wellness; (4) Easing Stress and Anxiety Through Mindful Practice; and (5) The Journey to Confidence and Empowerment. We identified two secondary subthemes for motivations for engagement in yoga practice: (1) Desire to Heal Mentally and Physically; and (2) A Sense of Commitment and Community. Yoga positively affected mental and physical well-being, with participation motivators suggesting its potential as a complementary practice in women's health and life transitions.
Pain after breast cancer treatment affects up to 58% of women treated, with 25% reporting moderate to severe pain at long-term follow-up. Improved pain care interventions are needed to enhance patient outcomes and improve quality of life after breast cancer treatment. Integrating yoga with pain education holds potential value as part of pain care. We conducted a feasibility study to assess preliminary pain and quality of life outcomes from a 6-week integrated pain education and yoga program for women with persistent pain after breast cancer treatment. Interviews were conducted to assess the acceptability of the intervention. Pain intensity and interference, pain catastrophizing, pain self-efficacy, and quality of life questionnaires were compared before and immediately after the intervention. Semistructured interviews with thematic analyses were conducted to explore the experiences of participants, specifically the acceptability and appropriateness of the intervention. Six women (age 44-54) enrolled in the program. Pain severity, pain interference, and role function demonstrated significant differences postintervention (p < 0.05). Pain self-efficacy, the helplessness subscale of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, global health status, and emotional function showed trends toward improvement. Five main themes emerged from qualitative analyses: (1) acceptability of the intervention; (2) pain reconceptualization; (3) development of pain self-efficacy and improved pain experiences; (4) improved mindful body attunement and stress-reduction strategies; and (5) increased commitment to adherence to endocrine therapy. An integrated pain education and yoga program for pain following breast cancer treatment is feasible, with preliminary data indicating positive pain-related outcomes. Future fully powered randomized controlled trials are warranted.
Previous studies showed that patients' satisfaction with conventional medical treatment positively influences their health outcomes. However, this association is less clear for complementary and integrative medicine and has not been reported for yoga therapy. Three hundred four people (age 49.48 ± 14.73; 145 males, 159 females) were recruited from admissions to a residential wellness center in India. Their most common conditions were: (1) endocrine, nutritional, or metabolic diseases (25.99%); (2) digestive system disorders (22.37%); and (3) diseases of the musculoskeletal system or connective tissue (9.87%). Assessments were: (1) patient satisfaction with treatment after 7 days of yoga and associated therapies using a questionnaire; and (2) outcomes at baseline and after 7 days of yoga and associated therapies using the Physical Health Questionnaire, EuroQol 5D-3L questionnaire, and Global Perceived Effect scale. The intervention included therapies such as hydrotherapy and ayurveda for approximately 40% of the time. Multivariable regression analyses (controlled for variation due to age, gender, education, and baseline scores) demonstrated that treatment satisfaction positively predicted favorable health outcomes. Participant satisfaction with accessibility and convenience of treatment, as well as with communication and time spent with the doctor, positively predicted improvement in health indices such as sleep, digestion, and freedom from headache. In contrast, satisfaction with financial or technical aspects of treatment did not influence outcomes. These findings suggest that to optimize treatment satisfaction and benefits yoga therapy programs should emphasize communication and time spent with the doctor or therapist while aiming for accessibility.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a typical, organ-specific, autoimmune disease characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of the thyroid gland. The most common symptoms are cold intolerance, fatigue, weight gain, joint pain, depression, and menstrual irregularities. A mind-body add-on intervention like yoga may be effective in managing the symptoms of HT. A 32-year-old married female diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis presented with symptoms of fatigue, lethargy, cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, painful menstruation, excessive blood loss in menstruation, dry skin, and indigestion. After obtaining informed consent, the subject started yoga practice along with standard medical treatment. After the 6-month yoga and medical intervention, the results showed a reduction in TSH levels (67.29%), anti-TPO antibodies (11.45%), BMI (5.29%), systolic blood pressure (21.33%), total cholesterol (8.92%), depression (80.95%), anxiety (85.71%), and stress (90.47%). Additionally, improvements in diastolic blood Pressure (8.11%), hemoglobin level (16.84%), T3 (1.38%), T4 (4.22%), sleep quality (73.33%), and overall quality of life (68.39%) were noted. Positive changes in physiological and psychological variables were seen in this individual with Hashimoto's thyroiditis after 6 months of yoga practice concurrent with standard treatment. However, the case report cannot quantify the contribution of yoga therapy alone. Randomized controlled trials that account for the effects of medication are needed in large populations to determine the true contribution of yoga in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Previously, three yoga breathing practices showed varying short-term effects on heart rate variability (HRV) when studied separately. The present study assessed the effects of the three yoga breathing practices on HRV, respiration, and mood states in a randomized crossover design, compared to two control conditions. There were 42 participants (mean age 23.64 ± 3.66 years, male:female ratio 1:1, with a mean of 43.62 ± 33.04 months of yoga breathing experience). Five sessions (with 15 minutes of intervention) were conducted on separate days in random order: bumblebee yoga breathing, bellows yoga breathing, high-frequency yoga breathing, breath awareness (as an interventional control), and quiet rest (as a noninterventional control). HRV, blood pressure, and respiration were assessed before, during, and after each session, whereas mood state was assessed before and after each session. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and post hoc tests showed increased low-frequency power, with a mean breath rate of 4 breaths per minute in bumblebee yoga breathing (where breathing was very slow, deep, and inhalation was shorter than exhalation), whereas in bellows yoga breathing (deep breathing, inhalation longer than exhalation, and marginal slowing) the root mean square of successive differences increased. In contrast, during high-frequency yoga breathing (where breathing was rapid, deep, and inhalation was longer than exhalation) root mean square of successive differences decreased (all comparisons were with the preceding state; p < 0.05). Pleasant and positive mood states increased following bumblebee yoga breathing, while pleasant mood states increased and negative mood states decreased following breath awareness. Bumblebee yoga breathing and bellows yoga breathing appeared to increase vagally mediated HRV, whereas high-frequency yoga breathing reduced it. As the participants were yoga-experienced and only short-term effects were reported, generalizability of the results is limited to experienced practitioners and acute effects.
This observational study analyzed data from the Yoga Outpatient Department register at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, over a 5-year period (2019-2023) to assess the demographics and medical conditions of presenting patients. The study included 2,819 new patients. Disorders were classified using the ICD-10 diagnostic system, and lifestyle was classified based on individuals' self-report. The majority of patients (80.9%) described their lifestyle as moderately active. Musculoskeletal disorders were the most prevalent medical condition, accounting for 37.2% of cases, followed by mental and behavioral disorders at 19.3%. These findings provide valuable insights into the demographic profile of patients attending the Yoga Outpatient Department that can facilitate tailored healthcare delivery and highlight key areas for future research and intervention.
A previous study reported an exclusive increase in positive mood states with backward-bending postures, with some changes common to both forward- and backward-bending postures, in 11 yoga beginners. To further determine any unique effects of forward- or backward-bending postures, the present trial examined six yoga postures in 64 yoga-experienced participants (mean age 22.81 ± 2.01; male-to-female ratio 24:40). We assessed mood states (Brief Mood Introspection Scale), relaxation (Relaxation State Questionnaire), and attention (Letter-Digit Substitution Test) before and after six yoga postures performed on 6 separate days in random order. There were two forward-bending postures (forward sitting, or seated forward bend, and forward standing, or hand-to-foot pose), two backward-bending postures (backward sitting, or camel pose, and backward standing, or half-wheel pose), and two control postures (control sitting, or easy pose, and control standing, or mountain pose), each done for 90 seconds. Both forward sitting/seated forward bend and forward standing/hand-to-foot increased peppy feelings and decreased drowsy feelings (p < 0.05 in all cases, repeated-measures ANOVA). Both backward sitting/camel and backward standing/half-wheel increased feeling calm and active. Forward sitting/seated forward bend increased feeling happy and content, whereas backward standing/half-wheel increased content and loving feelings. Control sitting/easy pose alone decreased feeling gloomy and drowsy and increased overall relaxation. All postures increased net attempts (suggesting enhanced attention) in the Letter-Digit Substitution Test, while forward standing/hand-to-foot alone decreased incorrect attempts (indicating enhanced accuracy). The results suggest that both forward- and backward-bending yoga postures have unique as well as common effects on mood states. Specific yoga postures may be selected to modify mood states, while research in clinical populations would support therapy applications.
Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of falls and fractures. Upper-extremity fractures because of forward falls are common in women in their 50s and 60s, but little research has focused on the potential fall and injury risk factors within this age bracket and ways to mitigate the risks. Yoga is a promising intervention for older women to improve balance, muscle strength, and upper-body reactions for a safer fall landing. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of a hatha Balance Flow Yoga class on forward fall and injury risk factors in postmenopausal women. Thirty-six women between the ages of 50 and 70 participated in an intervention study where they were tested at baseline (base), 12 weeks after a control period (pre), and again 12 weeks after participating in the group-based yoga intervention offered twice per week (post). Outcome measures included fall risk factors (balance, balance confidence, lower-body strength, and dual task) and forward fall injury risk factors (upper-body strength, range of motion, and response time). Repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance found a significant time improvement in fall risk factors and forward fall injury risk factors (p = 0.004). Specifically, there was significant improvement in balance (one-leg stand), lower-body strength (30-second sit to stand), and upper-body response time after the intervention. Tailoring yoga classes for older women to focus on improving fall-related risk factors may help to provide effective options to improve their ability to prevent serious consequences of fall-related injury.
Techniques for rapid blood pressure modification without the side-effects associated with pharmaceuticals are urgently needed, especially for individuals with spinal cord injuries above thoracic level six (T6). Such cervical injuries lead to sympathetic nervous system dysfunction, negatively affecting cardiovascular health and quality of life. Our biofeedback protocol aimed to teach participants to self-modulate their blood pressure using yoga breathwork (kapalabhati and brahmari pranayama), virtual reality imagery, autogenics, and interoceptive attention. In this cohort study, we trained 13 participants with spinal cord injuries and 7 noninjured controls for 1 hour per session across 8 sessions in a month. The goal was to decrease mean arterial pressure by at least 5 mmHg during relaxation cycles and increase it by at least 5 mmHg during stimulation cycles. We assessed hemodynamic responses to head-up tilt testing, the Valsalva maneuver, and paced deep breathing before and after the 8 trainings and evaluated quality of life and interoception with qualitative surveys. Heart rate variability changes were also assessed. The protocol was effective in modulating mean arterial pressure and heart rate variability in individuals with chronic cervical spinal cord injuries, as well as in noninjured control participants.
Yoga and meditation are increasingly recognized for enhancing physical and mental well-being. However, there is limited research on university lecturers' perceptions and willingness to incorporate these practices into their day-to-day teaching and learning activities. The present study explored the benefits of yoga and meditation perceived by university lecturers and their willingness to engage in these practices. A cross-sectional study involving 162 university lecturers selected through convenience sampling was conducted at a university in North India. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire developed and validated as part of this study. The questionnaire comprised demographic information, perceived benefits, and willingness to practice yoga and meditation. The questionnaire underwent reliability and content validity testing, with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.854-0.881. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests were used to analyze the data. More than 95% of respondents perceived positive impacts of yoga and meditation on physical and mental health, stress reduction, sleep quality, immune system strength, self-awareness, work-life balance, and job satisfaction. Despite these positive perceptions, only 11.1% of respondents practiced yoga and meditation daily. However, 89.8% expressed willingness to participate in university-provided sessions. The university lecturers recognized the significant benefits of yoga and meditation, yet their regular practice remained limited. The high willingness to engage in these practices suggests the potential for successfully implementing structured yoga and meditation programs within university settings. Future research should explore long-term impacts and tailor interventions to address specific demographic needs, potentially enhancing well-being and job satisfaction among academic staff.
Yoga is known to improve the symptomatology caused by cancer and its treatments, and to improve quality of life. However, the barriers, facilitators, and predictors of adherence to yoga among people with cancer are not well known. The objective of the present study was to use the available scientific literature to explore the degree of the adherence to yoga and its barriers/facilitators/predictors among people with cancer. This scoping review searched for relevant information in PubMed, SciELO, Google Scholar, CINAHL via EBSCO, and MEDLINE via EBSCO. We included any scientific articles in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, published between 1994 and 2024, and covering the concept of adherence to yoga during or after oncological treatment (including the description of barriers, facilitators, and/or predictors). Three independent reviewers selected documents, filtering by title and abstract, then by full text. Data extracted from studies were organized in frequency tables. Twenty-three articles were included in the final review. These studies reported adherence to yoga ranging from 7% to 100%. Most studies (76.5%) reported adherence higher than 70%. The most reported barriers were difficulty in accessing the yoga practice center, lack of time, cancer-related symptoms, family commitments, and lack of interest. The most-reported facilitators/predictors were related to yoga and included supportive materials and online classes. These barriers and facilitators/predictors should be addressed for the implementation of yoga programs targeting higher adherence among people with cancer.
Youth involved in the juvenile justice system in Colombia may face complex and intersecting trauma(s) that can affect key aspects of their well-being, including the regulation of difficult emotions such as anger or aggressive behaviors. The broader literature demonstrates that these well-being indicators may be crucial aspects of rehabilitation for youth in the Colombian juvenile justice system. Moreover, these indicators may be linked to the successful reintegration of youth into their communities and contribute to reduced recidivism rates. Presently in Colombia, few interventions for youth in juvenile detention centers seek to improve the emotional regulation or aggression levels of youth. The present study assesses the impact of a trauma-informed Integral Yoga intervention that focused on emotional regulation and aggression indicators in youth living in four juvenile detention centers located in three cities in Colombia (two in Cali, one in Bucaramanga, and one in Tunja). A pre/post quasi-experimental design was used in the evaluation, and the results demonstrated a nonsignificant increase in emotional regulation and a statistically significant reduction in aggression scores. The final discussion explores the role of trauma-informed and yoga-based interventions for youth rehabilitation in Colombia's juvenile justice system.
The present study explored the integration of cognitive and somatic approaches in trauma therapy to facilitate spiritual growth and meaning making after trauma. Trauma, known for its extensive physiological, psychological, cognitive, behavioral, and social ramifications, often disrupts an individual's life trajectory and can lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Talk therapy has been the predominant treatment method for decades, but recent years have seen a paradigm shift toward incorporating bodily and spiritual healing methods. This research combined the cognitive model of the "hero's journey" with the somatic practice of trauma-sensitive yoga, examining the methods' effectiveness in trauma processing when used together. Six individuals with a history of trauma participated in this qualitative pilot study. The intervention involved practicing trauma-sensitive yoga and narrating a personal hero's journey, followed by semistructured in-depth interviews. Findings showed that trauma-sensitive yoga significantly impacted participants' physical and mental well-being: This somatic practice incorporating the model of the hero's journey facilitated a positive change in their bodily experiences and supported them in reframing their traumatic narratives. Participants reported discovering inner strength, self-efficacy, and resilience, contributing to a restructured perception of their trauma. Engaging in this integrative approach enabled participants to find meaning in their posttrauma journeys and assimilate the traumatic events into their life stories, thereby exhibiting characteristics of posttraumatic growth. These results suggest the potential of combining cognitive and somatic approaches in trauma therapy for holistic healing and personal transformation.
