Yoga for Healing: An Analysis of the Effects of Yoga Practices On Military Victims of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

The practice of yoga has been associated with healing and well-being for centuries. With the recent surge in its popularity, research to yoga’s healing properties have found many ways in which it can be incorporated into a wide variety of treatment programs. One area of interest is the treatment of military combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research into the use of yoga as supplemental treatment through its interdisciplinary psychophysical effects and mindfulness training have found it to be extremely beneficial. In this article, the psychophysical aspects of yoga and how they interact the physical and psychological symptoms of PTSD are discussed and linked with the treatment plans used for military veterans. It also addresses the issues of the specific military culture and the pressures associated with fulfilling the valorous role of the perfect solider. Physical effects of yoga help patients with alleviating allosteric load to increase the chances of a healthy recovery and maintaining homeostasis, while the psychological effects include increased levels of mindfulness that help veterans complete trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TFCBT), as well as by regaining their sense of self-control and mastery of psychological processes. With the prevalence of this disorder in the military population along with the comorbidity of suicide, new alternative treatments should be considered to decrease the number of deaths from this devastating disorder. Thus, the psychophysical effect of yoga’s mind-body connection incorporated into military culture can be beneficial to those who have done the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of our country.