Yoga for PTSD and the role of interoceptive awareness: A preliminary mixed-methods case series study

Abstract

IntroductionA growing body of literature suggests yoga is a promising adjunct or standalone treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The mechanism behind these improvements in physical and mental health outcomes is less understood. Interoceptive awareness, the ability to perceive internal bodily sensations, is proposed to be a crucial factor behind yoga, yet research investigating interoception in PTSD is limited. ObjectiveThis study extends current research by investigating the role of interoceptive awareness, and improved mental health outcomes, using a self-report measure of interoceptive awareness at baseline, during, and post a Trauma Sensitive Yoga intervention, in addition to qualitative interviews. MethodThe outcomes of an eight-week Trauma Sensitive Yoga intervention for people with PTSD (n = 3) were examined using a case series design. ResultsOverall, the results indicate participants experienced significant increases in interoceptive awareness and significant decreases in PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and stress. ConclusionThese preliminary findings suggests that increased interoceptive awareness may be a mechanism producing the beneficial outcomes of yoga for those affected by trauma. The implications of these findings for the effectiveness and development of PTSD treatment, as well as the use of yoga treatment, is discussed.