Ep 267 Adam Keen – Yoga as Trauma Therapy: Deep Healing and Embodiment

In this episode, Adam Keen explores the profound relationship between yoga and trauma healing, emphasizing the somatic, emotional, and energetic dimensions of the practice. Discover how yoga goes beyond relaxation to facilitate catharsis, integration, and genuine recovery from unresolved trauma. Key topics covered: • The role of trauma and karma in the body and mind • How yoga acts as a cathartic process for emotional release • The importance of ritual and framing in yoga practice for healing • The connection between spinal movement and emotional release • Managing the stimulating effects of asana to avoid overstimulation • The significance of touch, visualization, and nervous system regulation • How to build a stable framework for safe emotional processing during practice • The potential risks of using yoga to numb or suppress issues • Diaphragmatic breathing techniques to release trapped tension • The neck as a vulnerable area storing trauma and its release Resources & Links: • Peter Levine on the Keen on Yoga Podcast • Bessel van der Kolk on the Keen on Yoga Podcast • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk • Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine • Peter Levine - Somatic Experiencing Connect with Adam Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga Website: www.keenonyoga.com Follow Adam: @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga Retreats with Adam: https://www.keenonyoga.com/ashtanga-yoga-retreats/ Support: Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: yoga, trauma, and healing potential 02:23 - Personal background and the importance of mentorship in yoga 03:51 - Trauma as stored in the body and its connection to karma 06:12 - Historical perspectives: karma and the early yogis' aims 07:37 - Modern trauma and the discrepancy with traditional yoga philosophies 09:02 - Walking out of therapy: body memories and the limitations of the mind 11:26 - The healing power of consistent practice — Anecdotes from personal experience 13:58 - Emotional circuit-breaking: catharsis and the process of unblocking 15:27 - Myths about yoga being purely about mind control — the importance of visceral work 16:58 - The irony of over-practicing and the need for a grounding framework 18:47 - The role of ritual in creating stability and fostering trust in practice 20:16 - The vibrational and energetic effects of spinal movement 22:11 - How overstimulation and ungrounded states hinder healing 23:40 - The power and risks of yoga as a double-edged sword 24:37 - Building a safe container: grounding frameworks for trauma work 26:27 - Peter Levine’s somatic experiencing and the importance of emotional residue 28:17 - The limitations of short-term relaxation and yoga's deeper potential 29:41 - Using touch safely in trauma-informed yoga — insights from Bessel van der Kolk 32:43 - The significance of connecting movement with emotional release 35:09 - Diaphragmatic breathing for trauma release and the role of neck tension 37:02 - The neck as a stored trauma zone and its release through practice 38:02 - The importance of daily ritual and creating safe frames 39:28 - Cultivating self-trust, integrity, and emotional stability through consistent practice 40:23 - Using yoga to rebuild self-esteem and discipline 44:06 - The danger of using yoga to numb or control emotions instead of healing 45:05 - Encouragement to share, subscribe, and continue exploring yoga’s potential for trauma recovery LISTEN Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN WATCH https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga