Considered by many to be the most important contributor to popularizing yoga in the Western world, B.K.S. Iyengar once said that “Yoga does not just change the way we see things; it transforms the person who sees.” This is a critical concept both in yoga and in holistic recovery.
What Exactly Is Holistic Recovery?
Holistic recovery encompasses countless treatments that focus on the whole self. The base definition of “holism” refers to the whole as only existing as a sum of its separate parts. Without the interconnected parts, “the whole” cannot exist. Admittedly, that may sound a bit esoteric. Nevertheless, it is a great way to think about holistic recovery. Holistic recovery addresses the whole person rather than just the separate physical, psychological, or emotional aspects.
Iyengar also once said that “Yoga allows you to find a new kind of freedom that you may not have known even existed.” This is also true of holistic recovery. The term “freedom” is especially applicable. When anyone is struggling with issues of mental health and/or addiction, they can feel as though they are locked up. This can be especially true with young people. They may feel without any hope of getting past their struggles. Fortunately, holistic recovery can help change those feelings and that negative perspective. By using holistic therapies, people can get back in touch with their true and unhindered selves.
However, while holistic recovery can be essential within a recovery plan, it is also important to note that holistic options are not what is known in the recovery community as “evidence-based.” Usually, holistic treatments are recommended as a supplement to evidence-based treatments and not in place of them.
Understanding Holistic Recovery vs. Evidence-Based Recovery
When thinking about evidence-based recovery, it is often best not to overcomplicate things. All “evidence-based” means is that the treatment modality has undergone the appropriate amount of tests and studies to be deemed effective by industry professionals. For example, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based treatment modality. There are only certain medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used in that form of treatment. These medications have met the criteria for being considered evidence-based.
That does not mean that there have not been meaningful studies and exciting research in the field of holistic recovery. However, holistic modalities have simply not been deemed evidence-based by the professional clinical, medical, and psychological communities. Let us take yoga again as an example, A study reported in the International Journal of Yoga found that “Consistent yoga practice improves depression and can lead to significant increases in serotonin levels coupled with decreases in the levels of monamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters and cortisol.”
These are certainly positive findings and support the use of yoga in recovery plans. Also, yoga is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to holistic recovery options.
Holistic Recovery Treatment Options
The world of holistic recovery can take many forms. As previously mentioned, these holistic options often work best when they are both used in tandem with evidence-based treatments as well as with each other. Since we have already mentioned yoga, let us go into the next two most recognized forms of holistic recovery. These are meditation and breathwork.
Of course, all three of these holistic modalities can be used together, and they often are. However, for many individuals, these holistic options are used separately. When it comes to meditation, it is important to understand that meditation neither has to be religious nor something that resembles the Eastern version of seated meditation. All meditation ultimately has to be is a practice of cultivating the mind toward a sense of stillness. For those struggling with issues of mental health, this can help clear away negative thoughts and reduce stress.
Another exceptional way to reduce stress is through the practice of breathwork. Focusing on a breathing practice can slow the heart rate, reduce anxiety, and ultimately allow one to engage with their body in a way that issues of mental health may have prevented.
The Recovery Mission at Clearview
Here at Clearview, we take a three-tiered approach to our students’ recovery. We focus on academic achievement, behavioral recovery, and spiritual growth. Our holistic recovery options greatly help to facilitate the latter.
Iyengar said that “One’s spiritual realization lies in none other than how one walks among and interacts with one’s fellow beings.” This is also embodied in our mission here at Clearview Horizon Girls Academy. We aim to help our students recover through their connection to a higher power, their connection to themselves, and their connection to others.
Quite simply, we know that through this trifecta, not only will our students walk the path of recovery, they will continue to do so long after they leave our recovery center. We help light their path, and they are able to keep it illuminated.
Holistic treatment options can be highly beneficial for a well-rounded recovery. However, holistic modalities are rarely enough to treat mental health disorders on their own. Holistic recovery options work best when utilized alongside evidence-based treatment modalities. Creating a customized combination of treatment options is an ideal way to create a recovery plan that will not only facilitate changes for students now but also help them long-term. If you feel like your daughter is struggling with issues of mental health and/or addiction, please know that neither you nor she is alone. We can help your entire family recover. For more information on both holistic and evidence-based treatment options, please call Clearview at 866-584-4788.
