Noteboom The Law Firm

Yoga’s Healing Benefits Used to Combat PTSD in Florida

March 14, 2011 - Any weapon is a good weapon in a pinch. Many veterans have returned back to the U.S. from deployments overseas only to find themselves battling such mental health conditions as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Standard weapons used to combat the symptoms of PTSD are medication and various types of therapies. Yoga, however, is quickly becoming a very effective weapon in this battle, and one that is gaining support.

Many discount yoga at first. The benefits, however, can be felt very quickly for many practitioners, despite various mental and physical limitations. Connected Warriors is a non-profit organization in Florida that is promoting yoga for veterans to help with such conditions as PTSD. The yoga classes have been very successful and new instructors are being trained to offer more yoga classes for veterans across Florida and eventually nationwide. Currently, veteran yoga classes are being offered in:

• Boca Raton, FL;
• Fort Lauderdale, FL; and
• Wellington, FL.

These yoga classes have become successful because of their clientele. Although most veterans with PTSD avoid crowds, they feel comfortable knowing other veterans, who understand being in war, are there to watch their back while they heal together.

Researchers have long supported yoga's benefits. A Department of Defense (DoD) study shows a decline in veterans' PTSD physical symptoms and mental moods after as few as 10 weeks of yoga classes.