By David Emerson, Elizabeth Hopper PhD
There is an association between persistent pain and trauma, specifically adverse childhood events. And that's why I personally really love the work of David Emerson, Peter Levine, and Bessel A van der Kolk. Combined, they offer immense knowledge in the field of trauma and applications of body based approaches to healing trauma. I find all of this information hugely applicable to anyone exploring a healing path, no matter if you would identify yourself as a trauma survivor or not. Befriending the body and returning to it as a resource captures the heart of the healing that yoga offers. Finding safety in the body is the work of yoga therapy for pain.
I especially like this book because he offers specific practices with excellent and encouraging descriptions. I can't say enough about how doing is just as important as learning. We must practice what we know in order to train the brain towards healing. And this book offers both practice and knowledge so well.
If you have questions about trauma, polyvagal theory, or learning ways to become safely embodied, please feel free to reach out to me.
Stay curious!