What is Trauma sensitive yoga
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY) is an evidence-based, body-centered practice designed to support individuals who have experienced trauma. Rooted in trauma theory, neuroscience, and yoga, TSY emphasizes choice, interoception (the ability to feel and understand sensations in the body), and a non-coercive, invitational approach to movement. Unlike traditional yoga, TSY avoids hands-on adjustments and hierarchical language, fostering a sense of safety and empowerment.
Key Principles of TSY:
- Non-Coercive Language: Instructors use invitational language to promote autonomy.
- No Hands-On Adjustments: Respects personal boundaries and bodily autonomy.
- Relational Safety: Emphasizes creating an environment where participants feel seen, heard, and respected without judgment. This includes fostering trust, predictability, and a sense of connection through consistent practices and non-hierarchical interactions.
Key Themes of TSY:
- Choice-Based: Participants are invited to explore movement in a way that feels safe for them.
- Interoception-Focused: Encourages noticing physical sensations to support self-awareness.
- Present-Moment Awareness: Cultivates mindfulness to support emotional regulation.
- Creating Rhythms: Supports nervous system regulation by incorporating repetitive and predictable movements to establish a sense of stability and grounding.
- Taking Effective Action: Encourages participants to engage in movements that allow them to experience their capacity for action, which is different from simply making choices. This principle supports empowerment by helping individuals develop a sense of agency in their own bodies.
Karma Yoga Nashville 