Bessel van Der Kolk is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist who has been doing research since the 1970s. One of his most famous books is “The Body Keeps the Score”.
“The Body Keeps the Score” explores the profound impact of trauma on both the mind and body. Drawing on extensive research and clinical experience, van der Kolk argues that trauma disrupts the brain’s normal functioning and alters the way individuals perceive and respond to the world. The book delves into various therapeutic approaches, emphasizing the importance of integrating body-oriented techniques, such as yoga and neurofeedback, with traditional talk therapies.
Van der Kolk challenges conventional views on trauma treatment, advocating for a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of mental and physical well-being. He highlights the role of neurobiology in understanding trauma and presents compelling case studies that illustrate the effectiveness of innovative therapies. The author also addresses the impact of trauma on memory, relationships, and self-perception.
Ultimately, “The Body Keeps the Score” offers a comprehensive understanding of trauma and presents a hopeful message of recovery. It empowers individuals to reclaim their lives by recognizing the significance of bodily experiences in the healing process. Van der Kolk’s work has had a profound influence on the field of trauma studies, shaping therapeutic practices and fostering a greater awareness of the mind-body connection.
In a recent interview on YouTube, he listed 4 ways to heal from Trauma as follows
1- practice calm and focus
2- practice awareness of being triggered whilst maintaining calm and focus
3- practice being present – in particular before speaking, and reacting
4- develop the ability to not keep secrets from ourself – time to process and verbalise
We can see here why yoga practice and yoga training can help as most of the paths listed above are familiar practices. for students of Yoga. In fact, Bessel. Van Der Kork went on to practice and study Yoga himself. According to his data, people who do Yoga are better able to connect to others and less afraid of connecting to themselves. It is not unusual for Yoga students to experience emotional release from muscle and tension release. Other embodied movement practices are also conducive to developing body awareness, mindfulness, presence, focus and attention. Yoga is however approachable to children even in beginners classes, which makes the discipline effective in schools.
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