The past two days I've had the privilege of attending a yoga training geared towards creating a yoga class for warriors or anyone that may be experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Warriors go through a unique environment that as civilians, we don't relate. As part of the yoga training we watched a video of two warriors describing their experience of being in a war zone, and how acclimating into their regular routine when they returned was not possible. The most tragic aspect is the length these individuals went through to find a way to manage their disorder - without the support of the organization they went with to fight in the war. Sometimes traditional means of treating PTSD aren't able to give relief to all those going through the struggle. Therefore, they look for help on their own, in places others may not give credit to as a legitimate method of treatment.
Yoga is able to help the body release some of the aspects of the trauma our nervous system stores in our body. Finding a way to open the psoas muscle allows the body to relax the stress stored in that area of the body. This deep internal muscle that regulates our ability to walk and balance is also the primal messenger of the central nervous system. Many refer to the psoas as the area that holds our "gut intuition". Those experiencing PTSD often aren't able to connect to their emotions, and feel blocked. Releasing the psoas can relax the body and allow stifled emotions to surface. For more scientific information on this muscle and how it relates to our emotions, check out the book Core Awareness by Liz Koch.
As today is Armed Forces Day, I would like us all to take a moment and feel a sense of pride and gratitude for all those that choose to fight for our freedom. Many have entered war zones multiple times, and are scheduled for more - time away from their families, entering intense - life-threatening situations, and expected to return without any negative impacts of these experiences. We are unable to comprehend the intensity of the situations they encounter, and how their overall being is effected by their time in war.
I am privileged to be related to a brave warrior. My brother has spent many years in war zone areas and continues to serve with our armed forces. I dedicate my training to him and I hope that I am able to help a fellow warrior that may be seeking non-traditional treatment for PTSD. We all need to feel compassion, pride, and gratitude to those that have dedicated their lives in service to our country. Salute, hug or thank a warrior today. They deserve our respect.