OKLAHOMA CITY, U.S., May 18, 2015 (The Oklahoman): Edward Shepherd found himself outside of his apartment in Moore, yelling at a garbage truck. Shepherd had returned from four tours in Afghanistan and Iraq that lasted collectively almost five years. Shepherd is among about 60 veterans who take a yoga class at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center that is aimed at helping veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
Sara Alavi, owner of Yoga Home of Therapeutics, who leads the class, says there’s nothing more rewarding than hearing the impact it has on the veterans, many of whom served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some research has shown that breathing-based meditation and yoga can help people with PTSD. A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress in 2014 said veterans surveyed reported that after participating in a yoga program, they experienced fewer hyperarousal symptoms. They also reported that re-experiencing traumatic memories had less impact on them.