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TW: addiction, sexual trauma, pelvic pain

I've been reading Gabor Maté recently, and learning about the undeniable link between trauma and addiction, and feeling just how much that plays out in our world. 

According to today's guest - yoga therapist Rosemary Holbrook - addiction is often more of a symptom of past trauma. 

Her story of how she went from addiction (and sexual trauma which led to chronically painful intercourse the medical model had nothing to offer for) to being pain-free, and experiencing pleasure and a healthy relationship is illuminating. 

Honestly, I think it's important to speak to these topics here because they are so common in our communities, and often hidden and NOT talked about. 

Without sharing any of the details, we dive into the flow of events for Rose, and how yoga, Jyotish astrology and Ayurveda were keys along her healing journey.

She also speaks to to the transformational experience of being a pelvic floor PT and how she learned to melt away the tension "down there" so she no longer experiences pain, and instead can experience pleasurable sex.

More than anything, she speaks to the importance of learning to be more fully in her body, feel her emotions and cultivate healthy self- and relationship patterns.

Far beyond just yoga asanas, It's been a whole life, truly integrative path for her.

If you're on a pelvic pain, addiction or trauma healing journey, this episode is made for you. 

Listen to learn:

• how sexual trauma can be overlooked "on paper"
• Rose's story from addiction to recovery through yoga
• how her pelvic pain and tension impacted sex and childbirth
• what interoception is and why it's key to understand
• a surprising moment for her after Hurricane Helene and how she navigated it
• the reality of healing as a spiral not a straight line

Resources:

• Today's shownotes: Grab links to Rose's offerings
• Free guided meditation: Womb Connection and clearing
• Episode 16: Healing from narcissistic abuse w Amy Branum
• Episode 61: How to heal trauma w embodied listening w Dr Emily Wilson
• Episode 119: Clearing, tending, releasing womb trauma w Dr Sarah Wylie

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal concerns.

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