Anyone suffering physically or mentally would like to get back on their feet as quickly as possible. Yoga is an effective way to benefit the body and mind. This popular bodywork is used in many different therapies, clinics, and rehabilitation sports to gently rehabilitate patients. The beneficial mix of exercise and relaxation often works wonders!
Yoga and meditation helps with rehabilitation
The significant benefits of yoga and meditation for the mind and body have long been recognized. The positive effects of this combination of bodywork and relaxation are now also utilized in many therapies, specialized clinics, psychiatric hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Numerous clinics and health resorts offer yoga for therapy and rehabilitation. It complements the holistic approach of rehabilitation clinics. Here, you don't feel like a sick patient in need of therapy, but rather as a human being with unique needs. Of course, a medical assessment is conducted beforehand to determine whether yoga classes are suitable for therapy.
How yoga classes support rehabilitation:
- Improve body awareness
- Stress is reduced
- Strengthening specific muscle groups
- Mindfulness is trained
- Strengthening inner peace
- Increased mobility
- chronic pain, e.g. in the back, is reduced
- the fun of exercise is rediscovered
- general well-being is increased
Tensions lead to pain
Stress in our personal lives, professional pressures, or self-harm drain our bodies and minds of energy. While our bodies can often compensate for chronic strain over a long period of time, at some point it just takes that last drop of water to make the cup overflow. Then our body and/or mind go on strike, sending the alarm bell "this far and no further." This leads to, among other things, tension, headaches, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, and a reduced quality of life. Yoga restores balance to body and mind, providing a much-needed break. Pain is alleviated, and mental well-being also improves.
Yoga as a building block for successful treatment
Here, no patient needs to fear performing acrobatic feats on a yoga mat . Rehabilitation sports are all about slowly strengthening the body and only challenging it to the extent that is currently possible. The therapists are highly trained and offer gentle yoga. They address each patient's individual needs and know exactly where the physical limit lies with each exercise. Yoga usually only accounts for a small part of the therapy. Depending on the clinic, it may be an integral part of rehabilitation, alongside psychotherapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutritional counseling, and social counseling.
Relaxation is a top priority during rehabilitation
The topic of "relaxation" is a very important component in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and rehabilitation sports. Only those who truly learn to let go, silence their thoughts, and find inner peace will be healthy and content in the long run. Not every relaxation technique is equally suitable for everyone. It is important to be open to the different techniques. Only those who try out different relaxation techniques will find the right one for them.
Possible relaxation techniques:
- Qi Gong courses
- Autogenic training
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Breathing exercises such as Pranayama
Important after rehab: Keep at it!
Of course, to harness the full positive potential of yoga, it's not enough to simply practice the specific exercises for a few weeks in a rehabilitation clinic. Most patients notice a positive effect from mindful training after just a few sessions. But to reap long-term benefits, yoga must become a permanent part of your life. Only then can you be sure that you're giving your body and mind the much-needed break.
The necessary yoga accessories are available for very little money. A yoga mat is sufficient for beginners. Various courses are offered in every small town these days, and many yoga offerings can also be found online. Here you will find valuable tips on how to integrate yoga into your daily life .
Do you have experience with yoga in rehabilitation sports or in a specialized clinic? If you'd like, feel free to share your experiences with our yogabox community.
