ABSTRACT
The political situation in Europe and its consequences are challenging individuals and families as well as societies. Mental support for both refugees and helpers can be promoted in cost-effective group settings. Mind–body work like yoga and meditation are promising low-threshold interventions that require few language skills. Recently, a number of empirical studies have been conducted that support its physical and mental health benefits (e.g., for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder). Somatic or embodied trauma treatment is emerging with a focus on the physical practice of asana (Emerson, 2015; Emerson, Hopper, & Levine, 2011). Practising in a group brings people together and may support integration to an unfamiliar country and an unfamiliar society. This chapter presents yoga projects for refugees in Germany, the UK and Australia and research on mindfulness-based interventions for mental health professionals.
