Does 'The Body Keeps The Score' Recommend Yoga For PTSD Recovery?

In 'The Body Keeps the Score', Bessel van der Kolk explores various therapeutic approaches for PTSD, and yoga is one of the methods he highlights. The book emphasizes how trauma disrupts the body's natural equilibrium, and yoga helps restore that balance by reconnecting the mind and body. Van der Kolk presents research showing yoga’s effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms, particularly by regulating the nervous system and fostering mindfulness.

He doesn’t just throw yoga in as a casual suggestion—it’s backed by clinical studies. The slow, deliberate movements and controlled breathing in yoga help trauma survivors regain a sense of control over their bodies, which is often lost after traumatic events. Unlike talk therapy, which focuses on verbal processing, yoga addresses the physical manifestations of trauma, like tension and hypervigilance. The book also notes that yoga can be especially helpful for those who struggle to articulate their emotions, offering a nonverbal path to healing. While it’s not a standalone cure, van der Kolk positions yoga as a powerful tool within a broader treatment plan.

Van der Kolk’s work in 'The Body Keeps the Score' treats yoga as more than just exercise—it’s a bridge for trauma survivors to reclaim their bodies. The book details how PTSD often traps people in a cycle of dissociation or hyperarousal, and yoga provides a structured way to ground themselves. Through breathwork and mindful movement, practitioners learn to tolerate physical sensations without being overwhelmed. This aligns with the book’s broader theme: healing trauma requires somatic engagement, not just cognitive reflection. Studies cited in the text show yoga’s ability to lower cortisol levels and improve emotional regulation, making it a compelling adjunct therapy. Van der Kolk doesn’t oversell it, though; he acknowledges that results vary and some may find other body-based therapies more suitable.

Yes, 'The Body Keeps the Score' recommends yoga for PTSD recovery, but with nuance. Van der Kolk discusses how trauma lodges itself in the body, creating chronic stress responses. Yoga’s combination of movement and breath control helps interrupt these patterns, offering a way to recalibrate the nervous system. The book cites specific programs like trauma-sensitive yoga, designed to avoid triggering poses while still promoting healing. It’s not presented as a magic fix but as part of a multifaceted approach to trauma treatment.

The book champions yoga as a key player in trauma recovery, but it’s not a generic recommendation. Van der Kolk zeroes in on how trauma survivors often feel disconnected from their bodies, and yoga acts as a reunion. By focusing on breath and posture, it teaches them to inhabit their physical selves safely. The studies referenced show measurable improvements in PTSD symptoms among participants in yoga programs. What stands out is the emphasis on consistency—van der Kolk suggests regular practice yields the best results, weaving it into long-term recovery strategies.

'The Body Keeps the Score' absolutely nods to yoga’s role in PTSD healing. Van der Kolk underscores how trauma disrupts bodily awareness, and yoga’s structured movements rebuild that connection. It’s particularly effective for those who feel stuck in fight-or-flight mode, offering a way to dial down the alarm system. The book highlights specialized forms like trauma-informed yoga, which prioritizes safety and gradual progress over intense flexibility. While not a cure-all, it’s a practical tool in the recovery toolkit.