Adverse childhood experiences and yoga as "a practice of liberation".

Abstract

The long-term negative health consequences of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) pose a significant public health concern. Effective and engaging interventions that simultaneously address physical, mental, and socio-emotional health and mitigate the negative sequelae related to ACEs are needed. Promising evidence points to the impact of yoga and mindfulness on physiological and emotional health outcomes. Yet, little is known about those who have experienced multiple ACEs and their perspectives on the influence of yoga and mindfulness on their lives. The current study examines the phenomenological experiences of adults with high ACEs who engage in yoga practice. Twelve adults participated in in-depth, semistructured interviews. These included nine cisgender women, two cisgender men, and one gender nonbinary individual; 66.8% White, 16.6% multiracial, 8.3% Black/African American, and 8.3% Asian American/Pacific Islander. Participants were aged 20-63 years and endorsed four or more ACEs. They practiced yoga at least once a week for at least 6 months. Themes that emerged included: healing from trauma-related symptoms, integration of the whole self in mind-body practice, corrective experiences through yoga and mindfulness, and healing beyond talk therapy. Individuals with ACEs may experience yoga as a potentially valuable method for promoting healing through an integrative approach. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).