Mindfulness and Yoga Program - Gently Unifying the Body and the Mind

Our meditation program blends relaxation, breathing, guided imagery, inward attention, and mindfulness to elicit a tranquil state, was introduced into a short-term residential treatment program. At first clients chose to participate in qigong meditation on a voluntary basis during their evening break. Later they chose to participate in either meditation or Stress Management and Relaxation Training (SMART) twice a day as part of the scheduled treatment. Weekly questionnaires were completed by 248 participants for up to 4 weeks to assess their changes in treatment outcomes. Participants in the meditation group were also assessed for quality of meditation to evaluate the association between quality and treatment outcome.

Most clients were amenable to meditation as part of the treatment program, and two thirds chose to participate in daily meditation. While both groups reported significant improvement in treatment outcome, the meditation group reported a significantly higher treatment completion rate and more reduction in craving than did the SMART group. Participants whose meditation was of acceptable quality reported greater reductions in craving, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms than did those whose meditation was of low quality. Female meditation participants reported significantly more reduction in anxiety and withdrawal symptoms than did any other group.

Meditation contributes positively to addiction treatment outcomes, with results at least as good as those of an established stress management program. Results for those who meditate adequately are especially encouraging. Meditative therapy is effective for women and for men. Further study is needed to assess ways to improve substance abusers' engagement and proficiency in meditation.

Master Yoga Teacher - Carol Sorrenti

Led by master teacher Carol Sorrenti. Her gentle and easy direction guides each student on their adventure. This style of yoga is called Hatha Yoga. One of the oldest forms of yoga, meaning Ha-sun and tha-moon, balancing the strong and soft. This helps us to understand the naturalness of duality in our lives, so that each day is a new beginning.
Carol has been practicing yoga since the age of 8 years old. Arriving in Los Angeles from Wisconsin she began teaching yoga at the oldest yoga school in LA, the Center For Yoga on Larchmont street, under the White Lotus Foundation, Ganga White, went on the teach at Yoga Tantra Institute, alongside other senior teachers, Yogiraj Alan Finger of South Africa, Rod Stryker, and Maty Ezraty. Carol has studied all forms of Hatha Yoga including Iyengar method, Ashtanga, Kundalini, and has passed her meditation and breathing techniques to all her students. Teaching in Los Angeles for the past 28 years she has put her yoga program into Cedar Sinai Medical Center, UCLA under Dr. Marshall Urist Orthopedics and Rehabilitation. Her unique style is appreciated by many athletes, and novices.