By Paul Jerard
Yoga, as well as other alternative therapies, has been practiced for the purpose of ending drug abuse with fair results. Many people ask how Yoga helps people quit abusing drugs. The Yogic method for ending substance abuse is very simple. Yoga gives the mind a useful daily purpose, which re-programs the practitioner.
Drugs fill a void in the mind and body. Even though we disagree with drug abuse, it must be noted that drugs either stimulate or dull the senses. This is one of the main reasons, why someone would try drugs in the first place.
Whether it is physical or mental, drug addiction is a result of habit. This habit had to be formed because the addict found the experience pleasurable. Many drug addicts feel they have nothing to live for, and they are not thinking about living for longevity.
In terms of holistic health, drug addiction is the exact opposite of all forms of Yoga. Yoga is a discipline based upon developing, and maintaining, optimum health. Serious Yoga practitioners tend to eliminate substances, which can be abused, because they do not need them.
Yoga already stimulates the mind and body, but for the purpose of improving the practitioner's health. This is where Yoga could save humanity from drug abuse. Instead of focusing on the "Drug War," why not teach Yoga, to children, globally?
Yoga programs for children would prevent drug abuse and eliminate the need for stimulating, or dulling, the senses. In one generation, we could eliminate the need for illegal drugs and the crimes related to them.
Yoga practice does not have any harmful side effects. A drug addict, who wants to quit, will benefit from Pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques), Asana (Yoga Postures), Meditation, and many more aspects that Yoga has to offer.
Finally, when I mentioned that Yoga, and other alternative therapies, had fair results with helping people quit abusing drugs - it should be noted that this is a "new frontier" for Yoga teachers and Yoga therapists. Yoga therapy will be more accepted by traditional western medicine after the results are measured.
© Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995.
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posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 9:52 AM
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