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Yoga may help recovering addicts heal, self-soothe

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One of the many great things about Dahn Yoga is that it not only helps individuals overcome their everyday problems, like stress, anxiety or physical tension, but it can also be used as a far more targeted self healing regimen. A number of studies have shown that Dahn Yoga and other, similar holistic mind-body systems may supplement traditional therapies during recovery from drug addiction.

A recent study determined as much, after a pair of researchers from Adelphi University tested the effect of stretching, deep breathing, gentle postures and tai chi on adults who suffered from chemical dependency.

The duo found that practicing this regimen several times a week helped addicts reduce their cravings. Psychotherapist and co-author Morton Kissen got the idea for the study in part from his "lengthy experiences with the Korean Dahn yoga system of training, [which] involves considerable practice in intentionality with regard to the body."

Similar investigations have yielded positive results of this sort. An article published by Yoga Magazine illustrated the potential uses for daily yoga workshops during drug and alcohol recovery.

The news source noted that a hybridized form of the system, one that consists of both yoga instruction and a therapeutic group story circle, can help people recovering from substance abuse to soothe their bodies during detoxification.

May 13, 2011

Practicing yoga may help addicts make it through recovery

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Thousands of Americans engage in Dahn Yoga, often as a way to unwind, stay fit, reduce one's burden of stress, control the body's energy flow or reconnect the mental and physical selves. However, yoga also has a number of therapeutic uses, not least of which may be the ability to help drug addicts overcome their substance abuse problems.

A master's thesis published by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University states that yoga may contribute to a recovery plan, since it may help addicts calm and comport themselves.

This effect is not solely intended to make detoxification easier, writes thesis author Mark Griffiths. Instead, it is conceived as both a self healing technique and a behavioral aid, the latter of which might help social workers make the most of a person's recovery period.

Griffiths noted that even the teacher-student relationship between a yoga instructor and a new pupil can act as a type of interpersonal guidepost for recovering addicts, allowing them to accept their newfound freedom from drugs and to learn to interact with others in a healthier, more committed way.

Regardless of a person's age, background of physical state, Dahn Yoga accepts members from all walks of life.

Filed under Yoga News
Apr 15, 2011

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Though it was founded in the 1980s, Dahn Yoga's basic precepts and techniques are directly descended from methods practiced five millennia ago in East Asia. These precepts include the importance of the mind's partnership with the body, as well as the need for a balanced bond between the two.

Today, thousands of Americans practice Dahn Yoga everyday, many of whom are delightedly trying it for the first time. Taking a little time out of one's day to stretch, breathe, pose and meditate with a gentle smile on one's face can radically change one's mood and outlook.

This blog offers responses to news items that prominently feature Dahn Yoga and its neighborhood centers.

RSS About Dahn Yoga

  • Dahn Yoga - What is It? updated Sat Feb 16 2013 12:19 am EST
    Dahn Yoga was originated by founder Ilchi Lee. Lee, born in South Korea in 1950 had an inner craving to discover life's purpose. Spending 21 days in an ascetic practice, Lee came to see that, not only was his personal energy, but all of humanity's energy was one with the energy of the entire universe. With this he was inspired to create Dahn Yoga. […]