For women who have lived through war, oppression, and violence, the path to healing is never simple. Trauma is not just a memory—it lives in the body, affecting how we move, breathe, and experience the world. At the Omid Foundation, we have seen firsthand how trauma impacts women in Iran and Afghanistan. That is why we incorporate yoga and movement into our healing programs, offering women a powerful tool to reconnect with their bodies, reduce anxiety, and reclaim a sense of peace.
Understanding Trauma in the Body
When someone experiences trauma, the body responds by going into survival mode. This can lead to chronic stress, muscle tension, and a feeling of being disconnected from oneself. Many women who have endured violence or repression report feeling numb, dissociated, or trapped in a cycle of fear.
Scientific research shows that trauma is stored in the nervous system, often leading to:
- Hypervigilance (always feeling on edge or unsafe)
- Chronic pain and tension (especially in the shoulders, neck, and back)
- Difficulties with breathing (holding the breath or shallow breathing)
- Emotional dysregulation (feeling overwhelmed by emotions or unable to express them)
Yoga offers a way to gently release these physical and emotional burdens.
How Yoga Helps Heal Trauma
Unlike traditional therapy, which focuses on talking through painful experiences, yoga works through the body. It provides a safe space for women to reconnect with themselves in a nonverbal, meditative way. Here’s how yoga helps:
- Restores a Sense of Safety: Gentle, controlled movements help women regain trust in their bodies and surroundings.
- Regulates Breathing: Deep breathing techniques calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and panic.
- Releases Stored Trauma: Slow, mindful movement helps release tension and stress trapped in the body.
- Encourages Emotional Healing: By reconnecting with the body, women can process and release difficult emotions.
Yoga is especially effective for women in conflict zones because it can be practiced anywhere—no equipment, no special location, just movement and breath.
Bringing Yoga to Women in Iran and Afghanistan
At the Omid Foundation, we offer trauma-informed yoga sessions as part of our healing programs. These sessions are designed specifically for women who have experienced violence and repression. The focus is not on difficult poses but on gentle, mindful movement that encourages relaxation and inner peace.
We also provide online yoga classes, allowing women in Iran and Afghanistan to practice in the safety of their own homes. For those who cannot attend live sessions, we offer recorded guided practices, helping them build a daily routine of healing movement.
Healing, One Breath at a Time
Yoga is more than just exercise—it is a path to self-discovery and resilience. For the women we support, it is a way to take back control, one breath, one movement at a time. Healing from trauma is a journey, but with the right tools and support, it is possible to move from surviving to thriving.
