Hammock Therapy For Opiate Addiction Recovery

Imagine what it felt like to be cradled in the womb, to be rocked gently back and forth, and to feel completely safe and comforted. As babies, this type of nurturing lead us to fall into a deep slumber–knowing that we are protected, cared for, and soothed.

Hammocks actually simulate the same primal experiences of deep relaxation that we’ve experienced as an infant, which in turn makes Hammock Therapy an invaluable resource for opiate addiction recovery.

Hammock Therapy Aids Withdrawal Recovery

Utilizing hammocks as part of your recovery process will help you target key symptoms of opiate withdrawal in order to help alleviate your suffering.

Here is a short list of opiate withdrawal symptoms which may be substantially eased through Hammock Therapy:

 

Hammock Therapy supports the alleviation of these symptoms by allowing you to embody the exact opposite of what the pain of withdrawal is producing within you.

In turn, recovering with the assistance of a hammock encourages:

 

Many of these benefits are produced through increased parasympathetic nervous system activation. The parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS), also referred to as the “rest and digest” system, is responsible for bringing your mind and body back into peaceful balance after the sympathetic nervous system (the fight/flight/freeze response) becomes activated.

Opiate withdrawal activates this stress response, allowing the sympathetic nervous system to wreak havoc on your emotions, mind, and body.

Hammock Therapy aids in PSNS activation, thereby eliciting the benefits of such activation, including muscle relaxation and deep feelings of peace and comfort. Essentially, the aforementioned benefits of Hammock Therapy are consistent with the uplifting satisfaction that the PSNS provides–the benefits that you can experience for yourself!

Research Supports Hammock Benefits!

In a study in which 12 healthy adult participants took 45-minute naps, one nap rocking gently through simulating the oscillating motion of a hammock and another nap on a stationary bed, researchers used an electroencephalogram (EEG) to monitor each participant’s brain activity.

Researchers found that the gentle oscillations and rocking produced through a hammock-like bed:

 

Ultimately, research has shown that the same gentle rocking & swinging motions that help induce deep sleep in babies also produce the same results for us as adults through Hammock Therapy!

In addition, deeper sleep and rest means better recovery and bodily repair.

Our bodies repair tissues and muscles, restore energy, and fortify the immune system while sleeping deeply, and evidence suggests that this process may be accelerated by swaying gently in a hammock!

Bonus Benefits of Hammock Therapy!

My Personal Experience With Hammock Therapy

I was having a particularly stressful day and all I wanted to do was escape. I just wanted to run away and disappear for a little while, until I could regain my composure and navigate that day with more emotional poise. Situations like these can be triggers for relapse or can exacerbate withdrawal symptoms. Distress is trying for our bodies, minds, and emotions.

Thankfully, my hammock had come in the mail that day and I was eager to hang it between two nearby trees and relax. However, I was not expecting this experience to bring me the exact relief I was seeking!

My first time resting in solitude in my hammock was sensational, and it has been that way ever since!

I felt like I had escaped!

It was as if I had my own private sanctuary where I could eliminate all sensory overwhelm and remain hidden in this simulated womb-like environment. I placed the sides of my two-person hammock (which was a luxury to enjoy alone) around me to form an even more profound cocoon/womb effect.

The wind and my body weight served to sway me and gently rock me back and forth in a soothing oscillating motion. I was shielded from the light and from all intrusive stimuli in this cozy space and I felt like I was floating! My muscles began to relax, my breathing deepened, and I felt very safe.

I even felt like I could fall asleep!

This is highly unusual for me.

I have had insomnia since birth practically and taking naps was something I had always wanted to do, but couldn’t since I was unable to relax enough. I felt myself slowly drifting into a slumber as I put in my earbuds and listened to soothing music.

The relaxation I felt had rejuvenated me upon waking. I peeked out of my swinging sanctuary and felt incredibly peaceful and comforted.

And ever since that day I have been completely hooked on Hammock Therapy!

How To Select The Right Hammock For You!

The “camping” hammocks, like the one I have, can be placed virtually anywhere, and they are very easy and fast to assemble.

I did extensive research on selecting the right one for me, because I wanted one that included adjustable straps, carabiners, and everything I would need right away to set it up once I opened the box. They are also lightweight, so I can bring it with me while I hike, or anywhere that I would like to relax.

My favorite hammock is ProVenture Hammock!

This top quality hammock is affordable and durable! My fiancé, daughter, and I easily weigh over 300 pounds combined, and it has easily held our weight. My body can lay down and create all sorts of comfortable positions to relax in because the fabric is light and flexible. Here’s what this hammock looks like in use:

I recommend getting a two-person hammock because there is extra room and if you did desire to include a loved one in your relaxation sanctuary, there would be room to do so.

Here are other high quality hammocks that you can choose from:

 

If you would like to use a hammock that is not portable, here is a great option:

 

How To Use Hammock Therapy For Opiate Recovery

Hammock Therapy is a healthy and adaptive coping tool for opiate recovery and withdrawal. It is also a great stress management tool! I recommend wearing clothes that are loose fitting, having a blanket with you if you are in a windy or cool environment, and listening to an audio book or music through earbuds while you hammock.

Here’s the ultimate recipe for hammocking for opiate recovery:

1. Buy a Hammock
2. Hammock 3-5 times a week for at least 15 minutes each time.
3. Listen to audio books, inspirational videos, or therapeutic music.

Click here now to view the Ultimate Opiate Recovery System. If you have any comments or questions on Hammock Therapy for Opiate Addiction Recovery, please post them in the comment box below!