NPR

The Role Of Yoga In Healing Trauma

So-called 'trauma-aware yoga' has mind and body benefits, says Georgetown research.

Missy Hart grew up in Redwood City, Calif. — in gangs, on the street, in the foster care system and in institutions.

"Where I'm from," the 26-year-old says, "you're constantly in alert mode, like fight or flight."

But at age 13, when she was incarcerated in juvenile hall for using marijuana, she found herself closing her eyes and letting her guard down in a room full of rival gang members.

Back then, she says, yoga was. It offers what it calls "trauma-sensitive yoga" to incarcerated girls.

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