Why Om of the Brave to address my trauma and health concerns?
 

Our mission is to provide yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and breathwork classes specifically tailored to veterans, first responders, and others who have experienced trauma. We aim to offer tools and support that can assist with overcoming trauma and promoting mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

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How are your services tailored to individuals with trauma?

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As a Veteran with PTSD and Polytrauma myself, our services are designed by understanding the unique needs of trauma survivors. We incorporate cutting edge, trauma-informed practices into our sessions, ensuring a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore healing at their own pace.

 

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What is yoga?

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The word “yoga” comes from the ancient language of Sanskrit. “Yoga” literally means “union” or “integration.” The purpose of yoga is to unite the body, mind, and spirit. This leads to harmony, balance, and peace within oneself and with others. The word “yoga” also refers to the practices that help you get to this state of greater calm and peace. These practices work in part by increasing self-awareness. You may be most familiar with the physical postures, which are called asanas. That’s because they are the part of yoga practiced most often in the United States (U.S.) and they are easy to show in photos. However, these postures are just one part of the entire system of yoga. Yoga also includes breathing and meditation practices. It can include teachings on philosophy and nutrition as well. The main idea of all of these parts of yoga is to help people find a more balanced and peaceful state of mind and body.

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Today, yoga’s popularity is growing because people find it brings them a greater sense of harmony, balance, and peace. Celebrities, professional sports teams, people in prison, and people recovering from addiction are among those benefitting from yoga.

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What is yoga therapy?

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Yoga has been used as part of traditional medicine in India for hundreds of years. Doctors have traditionally prescribed yoga to aid in healing.

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Yoga therapy, also called therapeutic yoga, is a fairly new field in the United States and it continues to evolve. Yoga therapy is geared toward healing. It often adapts traditional yoga for people who may have a variety of health conditions or needs. Yoga therapy is often done one-on-one and sometimes in smaller classes.

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Why yoga for those with Trauma, PTSD, and physical disabilities?

 

• Mind-Body Connection: Yoga emphasizes the connection between the mind and body, encouraging individuals to focus on their breathing and bodily sensations. This mindfulness can help those with trauma or PTSD become more attuned to their physical and emotional states, which is often a critical aspect of healing from trauma.

 

• Stress Reduction: The practice of yoga can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to calm the body and reduce the stress response. This is particularly beneficial for those with PTSD, who often experience heightened stress and anxiety.

 

• Improved Self-Regulation: Yoga teaches self-regulation techniques through controlled breathing and movement. These skills can be particularly useful for individuals with trauma or PTSD, as they often struggle with emotional and physiological dysregulation.

 

• Increased Body Awareness: Trauma and PTSD can lead to a disconnection from the body. Yoga encourages awareness and acceptance of the body, which can help individuals reconnect with and feel more comfortable in their bodies.

 

• Physical Strength and Flexibility: For those with physical disabilities, yoga can be adapted to meet their needs and can help improve strength, flexibility, and balance. These improvements can contribute to better overall physical health and can help reduce the risk of injury.

 

• Community and Support: Yoga classes can provide a sense of community and support for individuals with trauma, PTSD, or physical disabilities. Being part of a group that shares similar experiences can foster a sense of belonging and help reduce feelings of isolation.

 

• Trauma-Sensitive Approaches: Trauma-sensitive yoga is a specialized approach that modifies traditional yoga practices to ensure they are safe and supportive for trauma survivors. It prioritizes creating a safe space, offering choices, and empowering individuals to take control of their own healing process.

 

• Emotional Release: Yoga can provide a safe environment for the release of pent-up emotions. Physical postures, combined with breath work, can help release tension held in the body, which can be therapeutic for those who have experienced trauma.

 

• Improved Sleep: Yoga can help improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted in individuals with PTSD or physical disabilities. Better sleep can contribute to improved overall health and well-being.

 

• Non-Competitive and Non-Judgmental: Yoga promotes a non-competitive and non-judgmental atmosphere, which can be particularly healing for those who have experienced trauma or who may feel self-conscious about their physical abilities.

 

It is important to note that while yoga can be beneficial, it is not a substitute for professional medical treatment or therapy. Individuals with trauma, PTSD, or physical disabilities should consult with healthcare professionals before beginning a yoga practice to ensure it is appropriate for their specific needs.

 

Is yoga a religion?

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Yoga is a science, and not a religion. In India, the practices of yoga were part of a spiritual path. The way yoga led to a peaceful state of mind and body was a big part of this. Chanting, or using a mantra, is a part of yoga that may seem more “religious.” Not all styles of yoga use chanting or mantras. When they are used, it is for the calming effect of the sound and not necessarily for a spiritual purpose. Sometimes mantras are translated into English words, such as “peace.” These words can be used to focus the attention in meditation and help calm the mind. People of all religious faiths, as well as people who are not religious, can practice and benefit from yoga.

The people doing yoga in magazine photos look nothing like me.

 

How can I do yoga if I’m not young, beautiful, and flexible?

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The good news is that anyone can do yoga! There are many options for classes and styles that are easy and gentle. You do not have to “twist into a pretzel” to benefit from yoga. Doing more acrobatic postures is not necessarily better. Yoga practices can be adapted for people of all abilities.

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There are so many “types” of Yoga, How do I find the right style of yoga for me?

Different styles may emphasize certain parts of yoga. The following list describes some of the most common styles of yoga. Note that there are other styles not included on this list that may also be a good fit for you.

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• Hatha Yoga – The term hatha yoga refers to yoga’s physical practices—the postures and breathing. However, in the United States today it usually means a general type of yoga class. These classes can vary depending on the instructor’s background.
 

• Iyengar Yoga – This is the style of yoga used in many research studies. It was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar. He was the brother-in-law of Krishnamacharya. He is also the author of the book, Light on Yoga. Iyengar yoga focuses on exact postures. It uses props, such as cushions and straps, to help each person do the posture. Iyengar yoga teaches only the postures to beginners. People learn breathing practices (pranayama) and meditation after they have more practice.
 

• Bikram Yoga – This style of yoga has been in the news a lot. This is in large part due to its outspoken founder, Bikram Choudhury. Choudhury tried to patent the 26 postures used in his classes. It is a very athletic and even competitive form of yoga. It is done in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Bikram has the highest rate of reported injuries.
 

• Ashtanga Yoga – This is an athletic form of yoga originally taught by its founder, K. Pattabhi Jois. It involves challenging postures done in a strict order. It focuses more on the physical aspects of yoga.
 

• Power Yoga – This style was developed by Beryl Bender Birch, an American. It is very similar to Ashtanga yoga in its strict order of postures. It focuses on yoga as a form of athletic training.
 

• Vinyasa Flow – Vinyasa flow refers to a variety of similar styles. One of these is Forrest Yoga, developed by Ana Forrest. Based on Ashtanga Yoga, “Flow Yoga” is an athletic form. It seamlessly connects one posture after another. This is often the type of yoga class offered in gyms or fitness clubs.
 

Yoga Journal has a website that describes different styles of yoga.

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