Herpes and Spiritual Healing: How Yoga Therapy Supports Emotional Growth
Introduction
As someone diagnosed with herpes since 2013, I can tell you that the initial emotional reaction is indescribable. Fortunately, over the past eight years since starting Something Positive for Positive People, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people navigating herpes stigma, we’ve collected hundreds of podcast episodes where people describe these feelings in their own words. Shame and fear are among the most common emotions shared initially. Over time, however, these feelings evolve, revealing deeper emotions not just about sexuality but about many aspects of the self.
I learned to verbalize this process after recognizing how stress significantly impacted my herpes symptoms. This led me to yoga. Yes, my 6-foot, 250-pound Black self was at Gold’s Gym, balancing on one leg, powering through chaturangas, planks, and pilates! While my initial goal was simply stress management, yoga provided something much deeper. Movement and breathwork awakened my body’s stored memories and emotions. For example, I once entered class in a rage and left completely calm, unable to remember what had upset me. This is the transformative power of yoga, and it’s why I’ve stuck with it. In this blog, I’ll do my best to explain this “indescribable” process using the lens of the Koshas, or five layers of being.
When most people think of yoga, they imagine white women in yoga pants doing headstands. While this is one path, it’s just one small piece of what yoga encompasses. Beyond physical poses, yoga also addresses the emotional and spiritual aspects of being. Through the Koshas, we can explore the emotional and spiritual significance of a herpes diagnosis, which is what I do with my Yoga Therapy clients.
The Emotional Challenges of Herpes
The emotional challenges of a herpes diagnosis are immense. The initial shock often leaves people feeling as though time has stopped. Many describe “spacing out” and missing everything else their doctor said after hearing the word “herpes.” Others share experiences of crying in their car or holding it together until they’re alone. Sadly, some even recount doctors delivering the diagnosis insensitively, compounding their trauma.
The period leading up to the diagnosis can be just as isolating. People often turn to the internet, comparing their symptoms to images online, speculating about their relationships, and fearing the worst. This pre-diagnosis anxiety is an emotional burden in itself.
Addressing these challenges holistically is crucial. At SPFPP, we’ve developed programs like training for health professionals on delivering diagnoses, yoga for herpes, and a range of other resources. One of our newer offerings, Yoga Therapy, provides tools to help people process the emotional impact of a herpes diagnosis.
What Are the Koshas?
The Koshas, or five layers of being, offer a framework for understanding how herpes affects more than just the physical body. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Koshas and their connection to a herpes diagnosis:
Annamaya Kosha (Physical Body): This layer encompasses the physical body. With herpes, this includes symptoms and the physical discomfort of outbreaks. Moving can become challenging for someone with intense symptoms during an outbreak. Gentle yoga poses can aid in grounding and reconnecting with the body. As they say, “you are what you eat,” and this Kosha reflects how our physical habits impact our overall being.
Pranamaya Kosha (Energy Body): This is the life force that runs through us. Think of it as the electricity that flows through our nervous system, animating the body and mind. Herpes often disrupts this energy, triggering dysregulation in the nervous system. Breathwork—like alternate nostril breathing—can help calm this activation and restore balance. Regulating the breath with intention allows us to re-center and access a deeper sense of calm.
Manomaya Kosha (Mental/Emotional Body): Our thoughts and feelings exist here, making this the home of stigma. After a herpes diagnosis, this Kosha is often consumed by negative self-talk and internalized shame. Practices like journaling and meditation help us process these emotions and begin to shift our perspective. Here, we learn to challenge the stories we tell ourselves and rewrite them with compassion.
Vijnanamaya Kosha (Wisdom/Identity Body): This layer represents our deeper identity and intuition. Who are you beyond your diagnosis, beyond your thoughts, beyond your body? Reconnecting with this Kosha involves reflecting on life’s experiences and surrounding yourself with supportive communities. It’s about stepping into authenticity and embracing the parts of yourself that have been overshadowed by stigma.
Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Body): This is the layer of joy, pleasure, and fulfillment. For many, herpes initially disrupts this Kosha by impacting their sexual identity. Yoga Therapy helps individuals reconnect with pleasure and gratitude, rediscovering what brings them joy in life. This is about finding light even in challenging times and celebrating the process of growth.
For a deeper dive into the Koshas and their applications, check out Eckhart Yoga’s article on the five Koshas.
Melissa’s Story
Melissa, one of my Yoga Therapy clients, shares how working through the Koshas helped her:
Physical Kosha: “Yoga Therapy helped me reconnect with my body in a positive way. I started to feel okay in my body and out in the world.”
Energy Kosha: “The breathwork exercises helped me. Even something as simple as humming while rolling my head brought a sense of calm I hadn’t experienced before.”
Mental Kosha: “Journaling was so important for me. Writing out my anger and frustrations allowed me to see patterns—not just related to herpes, but in my life overall.”
Wisdom Kosha: “Yoga Therapy helped me see patterns in my relationships and what I truly wanted. It gave me tools to create my relationship mission statement and align with what mattered most to me.”
Bliss Kosha: “Even amidst the darkness, there’s light. Yoga Therapy gave me gratitude for the opportunity to learn about myself and grow.”
The Role of Yoga Therapy in Healing
As Melissa’s story shows, Yoga Therapy is a powerful tool for healing. Whether through movement, breathwork, or meditation, it helps uncover and process emotions while reconnecting to the self. Each journey through the Koshas is unique, offering a pathway to healing that addresses every layer of being.
I’m Courtney Brame, a Yoga Therapist in training and founder of Something Positive for Positive People. Despite the challenges herpes may present, you have the power to shape your healing journey. If you’re curious about Yoga Therapy for emotional wellness or navigating herpes stigma, visit https://spfpp.org/yoga-therapy to learn more. Let’s see if it’s a fit for you!
