Yoga and Warfare…. many think that there could not be two more adverse worlds. While that may be true, it does not mean that we cannot establish a relationship between the two. Every year thousands of veterans are diagnosed with Combat Related PTSD, given medications and shuffled out the door or their symptoms are completely ignored or hidden due to fear that they will be ostracized for their trauma. Their struggles include guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, anger, violence, substance abuse, sadness and grief.
The main philosophy of yoga is simple: mind, body and spirit are all one and cannot be clearly separated. When your mind, body and spirit are one your overall wellness improves in many areas. Combat related situations disrupt this connection and in some cases sever it completely.
Veterans who practice Yoga report improved sleep, less irritability and anger, and better focus and concentration.
After about 8 weeks of practice your range of motion increases, your body becomes toned and strengthened; you will see losses in inches and a decrease in weight. This is achieved through a series of breathing exercises, a moving warm up, standing, seated and balancing postures and relaxation techniques.
In addition to the physical benefits, Yoga improves mental focus & clarity, strengthens muscle memory & creates new bodily memories, increases self-calming ability & gives a sense of energy and empowerment!
According to the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Yoga has also been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms of mental illness including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder. It has also show to have beneficial effects on blood glucose levels in students with diabetes. There is significant reduction in both mental and physical pain management. It is used in detoxification programs around the world and becoming more and more popular as the day to day stresses of our ever changing and evolving world increase.
Through the Yoga it is my hope to lighten the load by strengthening the mind & body and to help these men and women, who have risked their lives to serve our country lead more successful post-deployment lives, help them transition back to civilian life and reconnect with themselves, friends, and families.
Peaceful
Warrior
By: Carmen Brock
The main philosphy of yoga is simple: mind, body and spirit are one and cannot be clearly separated.