Incorporating yoga therapy into adolescent therapy services offers more benefits than people might realize. Yoga has become one of the most popular health practices in the U.S. Many schools are even offering yoga to help children of all ages develop new healthy habits.
Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® includes yoga therapy in our comprehensive treatment programs for substance use disorders and other mental health concerns. To learn why we believe in the benefits of yoga therapy for mental health, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® today at 828.519.5047.
What Is Yoga?
Some people have a misconception about the ancient practice of yoga. For some, yoga offers a philosophy that influences their physical, mental, and spiritual systems. However, yoga is not a religion, and today, most people in the U.S. practice yoga for its physical and mental benefits.
You may think of especially difficult, pretzel-like contortions when you hear the word “yoga.” While it’s true that advanced practitioners develop high levels of strength and flexibility, people of all ages and fitness levels can begin practicing yoga today.
As an exercise, yoga students follow the movements and poses (called asanas) of an instructor. Holding even a simple asana for more than a few seconds requires deep concentration, balance, and strength. This provides a workout for the body as well as the mind.
Benefits of Yoga Therapy for Addiction
Yoga is a holistic therapy approach that can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Many treatment centers now offer a yoga therapy program to help clients learn mindfulness — the practice of being present. Mindfulness allows people to avoid ruminating on negative thoughts that can often lead to relapse.
The deep breathing and focus needed in yoga work directly on the parasympathetic nervous system, signaling the body to relax and de-stress. Other benefits include:
- Alleviating cravings
- Reducing impulsivity
- Reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Boosting self-esteem
- Reducing panic attacks
- Promoting self-discovery
- Improving body confidence and body awareness
- Improving sleep
- Increasing energy
- Supporting focus and improving concentration
Addictive behaviors can harm a teen boy’s physical health. Yoga is a fun and enjoyable form of exercise that helps people regain some of the strength and vitality they may have lost because of drug misuse or too much time spent indoors. Yoga therapy for mental health and physical health is one way to address the needs of the whole person.
What Does a Yoga Therapy Program Look Like?
This type of therapy is considered to be an experiential therapy. Unlike talk therapy, which requires a client to communicate with a therapist, yoga is an opportunity to heal through experience. A yoga instructor will choose different poses to practice based on the needs of the clients.
Some yoga body postures activate the digestive system, and others help reduce cravings or improve brain function. While several people can take the same yoga therapy class, an instructor who is experienced in offering yoga therapy for addiction knows which asanas will do more good for those who are detoxing or those navigating depression.
Begin Yoga Therapy for Mental Health at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® Today
At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery®, we understand that adolescent males need more than talk therapy to recover from unwanted behaviors. Offering experiential treatments like equine therapy and yoga therapy is an important part of our comprehensive services.
These therapies allow teenaged boys to be physically active and enjoy new experiences while remaining in a healing environment. If your son needs the support of a recovery program, Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® is here to help. Call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® today at 828.519.5047 or use our online contact form to learn more about our yoga therapy program.
