One of my favorite bloggers strikes again with a great piece on how yoga can help people afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Starre Vartan dug into the studies on how yoga is helping our service men and women manage their symptoms.
“Anecdotal evidence and scientific studies alike have shown that yoga can help military personnel who are experiencing symptoms of, or full-blown post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Returning men and women who have served in combat zones often have trouble turning off the very habits of body and mind that make them good at their work in war zones (the body becomes used to hypervigilance but bad at relaxing, even to the point where restful sleep becomes next to impossible), and can suffer from anxiety, insomnia, anger, depression, pain and other physical and mental issues.”
You can read the full story, ‘Can yoga help PTSD?’ on MNN. And if you want more information or looking for a couple of great foundations, check out The Exalted Warrior Foundation, Operation Warrior Wellness and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Namaste.
– Your Charmed Yogi
(Photo: UT San Diego)
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A Charmed Yogi 
I’m an example that yoga, well … Yoga defined as breathing and mediation is a tremendous resource for PTSD sufferers. We often confuse Yoga with the flexibility and stretchiness we either have or lack … When you fully surrender to yourself, let go of all the worldly expectations, we are left with our breath and consciousness. This is how I began to recover.
Great point. In fact not everyone can do asana (postures), which just the tip of the ‘yoga iceberg’. Would love to hear your story.
This is so true…I’ve been practicing yoga for 10 years and it has helped me cope tremendously with PTSD. In addition to my creative work, it has been a life-saver. In fact, I’m thinking about getting certified in yoga this year and would love to find a way to provide this introduce this to those suffering…..
I think you should. You’d bring a unique perspective and compassion as a teacher.
Reblogged this on irvinetrr and commented:
This looks really cool. I wonder if TRR could incorporate it into their program.