that "most current models of therapy focus on the
brain, which is fantastic, and necessary. But these
models miss the body aspect of trauma. That's
where alternative modalities--like breathwork,
meditation and mindfulness--come in."
actually undergo significant changes to the central
nervous system, according to the National Center
for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Because of the
repeated abuse or constant fear of it, their bodies
adapt to a "new normal" state of being that clini-
cians call hypervigilance, a high-anxiety state in
which the body is almost always in "fight or flight"
mode. It is a mental and physical state wherein
the threat of chaos and violence always exists.
The body remains ready to react to any threat.
change in the central nervous system. They can
begin to act out in ways they can't even begin
to understand, from tantrums to vandalism. And
anything can trigger it. A child who hid in the
bathroom every time his mom was beaten can
be triggered by the simple act of going to the
bathroom. Just the smell of a bathroom can be
a trigger." Dahlgren believes that breathwork can
calm and strengthen the central nervous system,
offering a path to long-term healing from chronic
abuse. Research conducted by leaders in the field
of trauma recovery--like Dr. van der Kolk--bears
out her belief.
says Dahlgren. "Something as simple as tossing
a ball around a circle can be extremely effective.
If you give them a pattern to toss the ball and
then gradually make it more complicated or faster,
very soon they lose focus and can't complete the
their breathing they actually stay focused and they
do much better. The effect is immediate and dra-
matic enough that it gets the kids' attention. They
start to think `There's something to this.'"
medical journalist Benedict Carey highlighted the
use of breathwork in trauma therapy. He writes:
"Typically, people in trauma-focused therapy also
learn methods to regulate the strength of their
emotions. These methods include simple breath-
ing and relaxation techniques, as well as mindful-
ness, an exercise in allowing an emotion to take
hold and pass without acting on it." It is this kind
of focused, somatic therapy that Dahlgren, Dr.
Peter Levine and others practice and advocate.
shelters, including Good Shepherd Shelter in Los
Angeles, CA. "And after some practice, the results
are amazing. Not only do the tantrums subside and
the rates of vandalism and delinquency decline,
but the kids actually help each other through tough
moments. If one kid sees another starting to get
really upset, he'll say `Hey, let's do our breathing.'
Creating that culture of support is essential to help-
ing them recognize that they possess the skill set
necessary to function and, ultimately, to heal."
other leading therapists and practitioners in this field,
Joyful Heart will be piloting programs in domestic viol-
ence shelters in New York, Los Angeles and Honolulu
this year. The programs, called mPower, will work with
mothers and children to lessen the effects of trauma
with a commitment to addressing mind, body and spirit.
encourages kids (and adults!) to breathe
deeply. This enables children to see the
effects of their breath.
back down.
not. When practiced, it can help diffuse
the anger of a tantrum or the fear of a fall.
Encouraging young children to participate
in activities like mindful breathing, yoga
and stretching to help manage stress in
early years lays the groundwork for healthy
coping mechanisms in adulthood.