Yoga’s 8 Limbs to Heal Trauma and Find Lasting Peace

Breaking Free from Trauma: How Yoga’s 8 Limbs Can Help You Heal

For most of my life, I felt trapped in a cycle of pain, anxiety, and emotional chaos. Growing up with CPTSD, I struggled with drug addiction, alcoholism, and tumultuous relationships. I didn’t know how to regulate my emotions or create stability in my life. Instead, I found myself in unhealthy patterns—seeking comfort in substances and relationships that only deepened my wounds.

Then, I discovered Ashtanga yoga, and everything changed.

Yoga became more than just a physical practice for me; it was a path to self-discovery and deep healing. Through the Eight Limbs of Yoga, I learned how to strengthen my nervous system, calm my mind, and rebuild my body. I finally had the tools to regulate my emotions, set boundaries, and cultivate real, lasting peace.

Now, I want to share these powerful tools with you so that you, too, can break free from the weight of past trauma and step into a life of confidence, calm, and happiness.

Here are 3 powerful ways Yoga’s Eight Limbs can help you heal from trauma:

1. Rebuild Trust with Yourself Through the Yamas & Niyamas

The first two limbs of yoga—Yamas (ethical guidelines) and Niyamas (personal observances)—help us reshape our relationship with ourselves and the world. When healing from trauma, we often struggle with self-worth and boundaries.

• Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Learning to practice self-compassion instead of harsh self-criticism is essential for healing. Trauma survivors often blame themselves for the past, but Ahimsa teaches us to offer ourselves kindness and patience.

• Svadhyaya (Self-Study): Understanding your triggers and reactions allows you to respond rather than react. Journaling, meditation, and mindfulness help deepen this self-awareness so you can break free from old patterns.

2. Regulate Your Nervous System with Breathwork (Pranayama)

Trauma keeps our nervous system stuck in a constant state of fight-or-flight. Pranayama (breath control) is a powerful tool that helps reset your body’s stress response and bring you back into a state of calm.

• Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): This technique balances the nervous system and helps reduce anxiety. Practicing for just 5 minutes a day can help you feel more grounded and centered.

• Box Breathing: Inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts, hold for four counts. This method soothes the nervous system and increases emotional regulation.

3. Heal Emotional Wounds Through Meditation (Dhyana) & Mindfulness (Dharana)

When healing from CPTSD, our minds often replay past traumas, keeping us stuck in fear and pain. The limbs of Dharana (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation) teach us how to quiet the mind, detach from painful memories, and cultivate a sense of inner peace.

• Guided Meditation: Practicing trauma-sensitive meditation helps rewire the brain, reducing hypervigilance and emotional overwhelm.

• Mindfulness in Daily Life: Small acts of mindfulness, such as conscious breathing or eating, allow us to stay present and reduce the grip of past trauma on our emotions.

My Life Today: Calm, Strong, and Thriving in Relationships

Through my commitment to yoga, I’ve learned how to navigate life with more ease. My nervous system is stronger, my body is healthier, and my mind is calmer. I’m no longer stuck in toxic relationships or destructive patterns. Today, I am in a loving, supportive relationship, free from addiction, and deeply connected to my purpose: helping women heal from trauma through yoga, DBT skills, and community support.

Start Your Healing Journey Today

Healing from childhood trauma and emotional dysregulation is a journey, not a destination. The Eight Limbs of Yoga provide a holistic and sustainable approach to overcoming the effects of trauma, helping you create a life filled with peace, self-compassion, and emotional resilience.

If you’re ready to take the next step, I’ve created a FREE guide, “Yoga’s Eight Limbs to Heal Trauma & Find Lasting Peace,” to help you deepen your understanding and start applying these principles in your own life.

📥 Click the link below to grab your free guide and begin your journey to healing today!

https://www.holisticevolutionshala.com/Yoga's8Limbs 

You are not alone, and you are capable of transformation. Let yoga be your path to reclaiming peace and joy. 💛

Sincerely,

Mandi Gardner, Founder of Holistic Evolution Shala