10 Yoga Postures To Support Your Addiction Recovery
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1U Yoga Postures I o Support Your Addiction Recovery
ddiction Recovery
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.    Adho Mukha Svanasana
2.    Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
3.    Balasana
4.    Virabhadrasana
5.    Viparita Virabhadrasana
6.    Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
7.    Halasana
8.    Paschimottanasana
9.    Chakrasana
10. Shavasana
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A 2014 study by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) says that 1 in every 12 American adults battle substance abuse. 
Substance abuse is a complex health and societal problem which needs effective and careful treatment. One of the effective ways to treat drug 
abuse and other sorts of addictions is Yoga. By practicing Yoga, one can manage and connect the mind, body, and breath in one 
arch. This can largely help in one's road to recovery. Here in the blog, we listed 10 yoga poses which you can practice in 12 step program for 
depression or any other form of addiction to help you on your path to completely getting past your addiction.
- ADHO MUKHA SVANASANA
•    Adhas = down
•    Mukha = face
•    Svana = dog
•    asana = posture
The downward-facing dog pose is one of the most widely known exercises or yoga poses around the world. It is also a part of Surya Namaskar, 
Salute to the Sun. Conventionally, this asana is expected to stimulate a number of chakras, including the Manipura and Ajna chakras. Activating 
the Manipura chakra through Adho Mukha Svanasana is thought to eliminate fear and insecurity, while the Ajna chakra stimulates perception 
and inspiration. By reversing gravitational action, Adho Mukha Svanasana gets blood and body fluids flowing in the opposite direction since it is 
an inverted pose. The inversion is also thought to provide a different perspective on an emotional level, improve in confidence level. Calming the 
brain, relieving stress and depression, preventing osteoporosis are some of the main benefits of performing this asana.
- URDHVA MUKHA SVANASANA
•    Urdhva = upward
•    Mukha = face
•    Svana = dog
•    Asana = posture
This posture is one of those introduced by Krishnamacharya in the 20th century. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana is one of the most effectual yoga 
poses accountable for building strength, awakening the upper body, preparing the body for intense backbends and keeps your overall body 
better and healthy or well-being. It also coincides with Bhujangasana (cobra pose), the distinction being that in the latter pose, the lower body 
remains pressed into the ground, while in the former, only the tops of the feet touch the floor. These two asanas are simple backbends and are 
performed during Surya Namaskar. Traditionally, Urdhva Mukha Svanasana is believed to stimulate the Anahata chakra, opening the body to 
compassion, affection, and gratitude. The energy from this chakra also creates a greater connection with the global community. The upward-
facing dog pose strengthens the back, arms, and wrists, stimulates the abdominal organs and helps relieve depression.
- BALASANA
•    Bala = child
•    Asana = posture
Balasana or the child's pose is a relaxing pose that can be inserted in between other difficult poses as a recovery pose. Balasana is named so 
because the performer assumes the fetal position of a baby before childbirth. Many scriptures even say that one may be able to connect to their 
memories inside the womb. While the West believe bowing one's head signals surrender, it is considered a noble act of humility in India. 
Balasana activates the Ajna, Swadisthana and Muladhara chakras. An important benefit of performing Balasana is that it cures restless leg 
syndrome. While performing Balasana, the spine remains relaxed in forward-fold hence one can focus on breathing and concentrating on the 
chest and abdomen towards the tummy. Balasana can be utilized to treat severe back pain, insomnia and to minimize stress and improve in 
sleep.
- VIRABHADRASANA
•    Vira = hero
•    Bhadra = friend
•    Asana = posture
Arguably the asana with the heaviest mythological story, Virabhadrasana or warrior's pose is a trio of lunging stretches memorializing the 
exploits of the great warrior Virabhadrasana. Yogis are non-violent people, a fact that would create a stir to why a yoga pose would be named 
after a warrior. The answer to that being, Virabhadrasana is a spiritual warrior who fights the evil of avaidya (self-ignorance) which is the ultimate 
cause of all our sufferings.
According to Indian mythology, Virabhadrasana is an incarnation of Shiva himself created to destroy Daksha, the son of Brahma. Daksha was 
unsupportive of the marriage of Shiva and Sati, his daughter, due to which he cut her off from the family. Sati, seeking the validation of her 
father, ends up walking on fire and killing herself. Virabhadrasana is created by Shiva to seek revenge.
•    Virabhadrasana I, signals the arrival of Virabhadra with a sword in both hands, both hands extended above the head.
•    Virabhadrasana II is the sighting of the enemy (Daksha).
•    Virabhadrasana III is the slaying of the enemy (Daksha) with the swift and precise movement of the sword.
- VIPARITA VIRABHADRASANA
•    Viparita = inverted
•    Vira = hero
•    Bhadra = friend
•    asana = posture
An extension of the Virabhadra II pose, it can be entered by arching the back and the backhand reaching the corresponding leg and the forehand 
pointing up to the sky. This pose is a modern adaptation of Virabhadrasana II, which could've been created as early as 2000. The general 
perception of a warrior is that of violence and warfare. The power of the reverse warrior pose is to turn around this symbolism and to think noble 
of warriorship. This idea of a peaceful warrior is shown to students to teach them that love and compassion are just as important. This pose is 
supposed to balance 3 chakras Muladhara, Manipura, and Ajna. Some benefits of yoga and meditation can be completely surprising where you 
can get rid of addiction and mental illness without any kind of medication and the daily practice of this pose can energizing our body, building 
perseverance, and improves our focus.
— Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
SETU BANDHA SARVANGASANA
Addictioridde
•    Setu = bridge
•    Bandha = lock
•    Sarva = all
•    asana = posture
A bridge is something that connects two places be it physically, virtually or psychologically. It renders the opportunity to cross over from one 
place to another. By creating a bridge with the body one can create a path between the place one is in, and the place one wants to be in, hence 
inviting transformation. Bridge pose also stimulates the Muladhara (root), Visuddha (throat) and Anahata (heart) chakras. It is believed that the 
root chakra helps one stay connected; the throat chakra enhances one's communication and eloquence; and the heart chakra encourages 
kindness, compassion, and healing. The bridge pose gets rid of anxiety, relaxes the mind, relieves negative emotions and helps a great deal in 
improving mental health.
— Halasana
Hala = plow
Asana = posture
Halasana or plow pose gets its name from the shape of the body when performing this pose. The body assumes the shape of a plow, with the 
hands on the ground and hip above the head and toes touching the floor behind the head. The history of this pose goes back to the Indian 
scripture Ramayana. King Janaka, a karma yogi finds a small girl plowing in a field when he was working on the fields like any other farmer. This 
girl was named Sita, who later grew up to become Ram's wife. This symbolizes that hidden treasures can be found with a plow. Halasana 
presents solid opening benefits for the throat and heart chakras. This is different from the usual opening of these chakras, as in Halasana, they 
are guarded in the front and exposed at the back.
— Paschimottanasana
•    Paschima = west or back
•    Uttana = intense stretch
•    asana = posture
Paschimottasana or Intense Dorsal Stretch is one of the asanas in Modern Yoga. The physical purpose of Paschimottasana is to lengthen the 
backside of the body. While performing this pose, the whole of the backside of the body ie. head, neck, back, spine, hamstrings, and calves get 
stretched to the fullest. Hence this pose is a relieving solution for respiratory and kidney problems and adrenal exhaustion. Paschimottanasana 
is regarded to be a calming posture for the mind and nervous system. It may be therapeutic for anxiety and depression. This pose naturally 
promotes introspection and inner growth. Due to the challenging nature of the pose, one cannot commit to fully bending over. One can find the 
balance between effort and surrender hence detaching oneself from the end result.
— Chakrasana
•    Chakra = wheel
•    Asana = posture
Chakrasana or Urdhva Dhanurasana (upward facing bow pose) is one of the 84 asanas of Lord Shiva's classic yoga referenced in the 
HathaRatnavali around 1600 CE. Mythology has it that Vishwakarma, the grand architect of the universe had a daughter, Sanjana who fell in 
love with the sun god Surya. Since Surya was too bright Sanjana couldn't be close to him. Hence Vishwakarma cut down a few rays of Surya 
and spun them into a chakra. Chakrasana is the pose of the ultimate circle. The body forms the shape of a chakra or wheel when performing 
Chakrasana. It aligns all the 7 chakras in a complete circle, thus providing one with the ultimate pose which unlocks courage, compassion, and 
radiance in our mind and spirit and helps in relieving emotional disturbances.
— Shavasana
•    Shava = corpse
•    Asana = posture
Savasana can be achieved by lying down flat on one's back and relaxing the entire body and mind. It may look very simple, but it is mentally 
challenging as we have to focus to keep our mind free of thoughts and concentrate on connecting with our bodies. It is given the name 
Savasana not only because of the physical position but also since it prepares one for the ultimate relaxation, death. This pose has been proven 
to helps the body to accept the neuromuscular changes that the body underwent during the session. It relaxes every muscle of the body thus 
making it the ultimate finishing pose. Fatigued or tense muscles get relaxed, the nervous system calms down and serenity prevails in the body.
Yoga is considered Science. Yoga stimulates the 7 chakras (energy centers) of the human body. By stimulating and balancing the 7 chakras, 
you would be able to attain peace with your body and surroundings. Practicing the 10 exercises asanas mentioned above daily would offer 
physical and mental clarity about your life. So put on your yoga pants and go beat your addiction!
Tags:
Benefits Of Yoga And Meditation, Yoga Positions, Yoga For Addiction Recovery, Yoga To Stop Drinking Alcohol.
Resources:
https://aspiringgentleman.com/fitness/yoga-poses-that-aid-in-addiction-recovery/
https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/higher-ground
Do You Or Someone You Know Struggle With 
Addiction? Here's How a Yoga Practice Can Help
Addiction is a serious condition and can happen to anyone. But it’s important to remember 
there is always hope, and recovery is never out of reach. While we applaud those who 
admit their addiction and move towards recovery, addiction is still, unfortunately, a taboo 
subject. As Anna Forrest states in her novel, Fierce Medicine, ... Continue reading
YogiApproved™
6 Comments
^ Reply
EDWARD PERRY
June 5, 2019 at 7:14 am
Well written blog about the benefits of Yoga in Addiction Recovery. This is an eye-opener. Thanks for sharing!
•T Reply
CATHERINE GREEN
June 29, 2019 at 4:30 pm
Thanks for illustrating the importance of Yoga. Keep posting such articles.
•T Reply
ROBERT F. NICODEMUS
July 17, 2019 at 10:18 pm
This is a very useful article about yoga posture that helps to get recover from addiction. 
Keep sharing your useful thoughts to know more about recovering ways
•T Reply
ELIZABETH T. KELLEY
September 2, 2019 at 11:35 pm
Thank you so much for publishing this article, now I came to know that even yoga can also help a person to recover and stay from addiction and mental 
illness.
These 10 poses of yoga and its benefits are simply amazing!
•T Reply
ASHLEY HILL
November 21,2019 at 9:17 am
Yoga is surely a sure shot way to help Addiction Recovery. Wonderful article, very informative and helpful.
•T Reply
STACY MIZRAHI
November 24, 2019 at 10:52 am
Thanks for taking the extra effort to provide the translations!
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