Various forms of psychological trauma are unfortunately rampant in society. Psychological trauma, including intergenerational trauma, affects everything about us – our physical body, mind and consciousness. Psychological trauma is literally felt in our bones.

Trauma-sensitive or trauma-informed yoga is a restorative type of yoga. It is not about complicated physical postures or having a high intensity exercise session. Instead, the focus is on relaxing and being at peace and comfortable with ourselves. Trauma-sensitive yoga recognises the widespread effects of trauma and focusses on creating a safe, inclusive space in which survivors can heal, move towards achieving a balance between their mind, body and consciousness and transcending this. It allows people to reconnect with and reclaim their bodies and minds, while at the same time being mindful of the fact that we are more than our bodies, minds and individual consciousness.

My approach to offering trauma-sensitive yoga sessions is theoretically grounded in the principles of Ayurveda, an ancient, holistic science of self-healing. I have an intersectional feminist and queer-friendly practice. Sessions are one-on-one.

In our sessions, we explore yogic asanas [physical postures] that are particularly beneficial for survivors of psychological trauma. Ayurveda emphasises the three doshas, which are different psychobiological types that we all fall into. We cover appropriate asanas for the different doshas. I show you how to use marma point therapy, which involves the activation of energy points (similar to acupuncture points used in Traditional Chinese Medicine), especially in the face and head, that promote deep relaxation and stress relief. The use of mudras [gestures, notably of the hands], pranayama [different types of breathing], various types of meditation (including bija or chanting meditation to open the chakras) and healing affirmations are also emphasised.

The sessions are held online and each session is one hour long.

Cost: R500 ex VAT (total = R575) per session.