Shore Bliss Yoga Classes for Military Veterans

The best experts said that treating combat PTSD has to be a triple play. Your mind, your body and your spirit.

In this case, Yoga is among many ways to help teach your body how to react to stress and regain the ability to calm during stressful times. The first Marine I suggested Yoga too didn't react well to the suggestion but he went. He hated the first two classes, then ended up going all the time.

Yoga instructor hopes to help veterans heal from trauma of war
Tampa Bay Online
BY LAUREN RICHEY
Tribune staff
Published: March 7, 2015

Lockom’s military veteran classes are available to anyone, but nonmilitary participants are required to pay the $15 single class fee. The first class is an asana class that deals with physical postures, and the second, titled iRest, focuses more on relaxation and the mental aspect of recovery.

Marsha Lockom, an instructor with the Shore Bliss Yoga studio in Apollo Beach, teaches two intensive yoga classes specifically designed for recovering veterans. Lockom turned to yoga in her battle against the pain of fibromyalgia.
JASON BEHNKEN/STAFF

Out of every 100 veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, 11 to 20 have felt the life-altering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Many cope with depression, short-term memory loss, headaches, numbness, anger, and insomnia. Some have turned to substance abuse and suicide.

Once vibrant and healthy, these men and women now live with nearly constant fear and anxiety. In many cases, they’ve tried everything and have lost hope.

Marsha Lockom, an instructor with the Shore Bliss Yoga studio in Apollo Beach, is offering them a second chance. On the second Sunday of every month, Lockom teaches two intensive yoga classes specifically designed for recovering veterans. Both classes are completely free to all military and former military personnel.

Lockom says her main goal is to help them become more aware of their potential for happiness even after life in combat. She specializes in a type of yoga dealing with techniques such as guided meditation, and poses designed for grounding.

“I use teaching methods that help the veterans be present in the moment and in their bodies: feeling what’s happening when they move a certain limb, an arm or a leg,” Lockom said. “For example you wouldn’t see a lot of balancing poses that would put people on edge. You would see them very connected to the ground.”

Most veterans with PTSD deal with a symptom called hyper-vigilance, a term Lockom describes as a constant awareness of potential danger at any time. She says simply taking care with their positioning in a room is incredibly important; for example, she makes sure their backs aren’t to the door during class by placing herself between them and the exit.

Shore Bliss Yoga classes for military veterans
When: Upcoming classes are Sunday and April 12
♦ Veterans Yoga Class: 12:30 to 1:25 p.m.
♦ Veterans iRest Class: 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.
Where: 118 Flamingo Drive, Apollo Beach
For information: (813) 748-4036 or (813) 758-3930; info@shoreblissyoga.com
http://tbo.com/health/yoga-instructor-hopes-to-help-veterans-heal-from-trauma-of-war-20150307/