Ever wondered why modern rehabs provide treatments like yoga and art therapy? You’re not alone. Many people are skeptical about whether they actually make a difference. But holistic therapies are not just a trend.
An addiction rehab center may look similar today to one you’d have seen decades ago. There are, after all, many principles regarding recovery that have only been reinforced through the years of research. Inpatient rehab stays of four weeks or longer provide the best possible treatment.
However, if you take a look at a daily schedule, you will find some significant differences. Aside from the fact that therapy and medication has progressed, there are items on the agenda that were not taken seriously until recently.
Art therapy and yoga are two perfect examples of this. To an outsider, they may not seem to have much to offer in recovery. But as part of a holistic treatment approach, they often make a massive impact.
What is a Holistic Treatment Approach?
A holistic treatment approach is all about the big picture. Instead of focusing solely on one aspect of health, like the physical symptoms or the psychological challenges, holistic treatment considers the person as a whole. This means addressing physical health, mental health, lifestyle, emotional wellness, and even spiritual growth.
A holistic approach in addiction recovery incorporates a variety of complementary therapies that work together to support overall healing. This includes practices like meditation, nutrition, and exercise, as well as alternative therapies such as art therapy and yoga. The idea is to create a balanced and integrated treatment plan that helps individuals heal on multiple levels, fostering a more comprehensive and enduring recovery.
Holistic treatment uncovers and addresses underlying issues that contribute to substance abuse. This can lead to more meaningful, sustainable recovery outcomes and a higher quality of life for those in recovery.
Understanding Art Therapy
Art therapy is a creative form of therapy that uses the process of creating art to facilitate self-exploration and understanding. It’s based on the recognition that the creative process can help a person resolve inner conflicts, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem, and achieve insight.
Unlike with traditional art, art therapy is not about producing a beautiful piece of work but rather about expressing oneself. It gives a person the chance to convey thoughts and feelings that they may not be able to articulate in words. Subconscious thoughts also come through in the work they create, unearthing insights they would not have otherwise found.
How Does Art Therapy Work?
An art therapy session may involve painting, drawing, sculpting, collage, and other forms of visual art. The person is guided through the creative process by a trained art therapist who helps them explore their inner world more deeply.
What Are The Benefits of Art Therapy?
There are a number of benefits to art therapy, including:
- Emotional Expression: It can feel safer for some people to express emotions through art than speaking them aloud.
- Stress Relief: Creative pursuits can significantly reduce anxiety and stress, with the action itself often seen as a type of meditation.
- Self-Discovery: By delving into what they’ve created, people can gain insights into their thoughts, behaviors, and motivations.
- Building Self-Esteem: Some people find a sense of accomplishment in completing a piece of artwork. Boosting self-esteem is incredibly important in addiction recovery, as addiction can play havoc on a person’s self-perception.
As you can see, art therapy can have a huge impact as a component of a holistic recovery program. By helping a person express themselves, manage stress, and gain deeper self-understanding, it enhances their journey towards healing and wellness.
Understanding Yoga’s Place in Addiction Treatment
Yoga is an ancient practice that promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In rehab, yoga classes are tailored to meet the person’s specific needs in these regards. It is a personalized approach and makes use of expertise in a combination of traditional yoga practices and modern medical and psychological knowledge.
How Does Yoga Work in Recovery?
Yoga sessions are conducted by an expert who assesses the participants’ specific needs and prior experience. Classes include a combination of physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), meditation, and relaxation techniques. These practices help the person develop greater awareness and control over their physical and mental states.
What Are The Benefits of Yoga?
There are a number of benefits to yoga, including:
- Physical Health: Yoga helps improve flexibility, strength, and balance. It can also alleviate chronic pain, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall physical health, which is particularly beneficial for those recovering from substance abuse.
- Mental Health: The consistent practice of yoga has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance cognitive functioning.
- Mind-Body Connection: Yoga requires the person to build a strong connection between the mind and body. This heightened awareness helps recovering addicts recognize and respond to physical and emotional cues, which is crucial for noticing triggers and preventing relapse.
- Stress Management: The combination of physical movement, controlled breathing, and meditation in yoga helps reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Yoga is an ancient practice, but it offers a type of healing that is in itself holistic. Rehabs incorporate yoga into their holistic treatment approach, thereby helping individuals develop greater resilience, enhance their overall well-being, and create a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Art therapy and yoga are two components of addiction treatment that have gained recognition in the best rehabs. They supplement traditional psychotherapy and medication, offering necessary healing in aspects that have previously gone unaddressed.
If you are looking for a luxury recovery center that uses modern medical treatment along with holistic treatments like art therapy and yoga, get in touch with Seasons in Malibu today.
