By Nicki Anderson For The Sun June 17, 2013 3:16PM

Dana Fish, a yoga instructor and Naperville resident. | Submitted

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Updated: June 17, 2013 3:58PM

Dana Fish, a yoga instructor and Naperville resident, has a strong connection to the military. Both of her grandfathers as well as her father served our country. She always has had an affinity for the military and wanted to give back in some way.

Her connection and compassion led her to research and learn more about yoga and its use in the military and those living with post traumatic stress disorder. She soon will begin training in trauma-sensitive yoga with the goal of helping veterans and their families in Naperville.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, since Sept. 11, almost 30 percent of the Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans treated at VA hospitals and clinics have been diagnosed with PTSD. This disorder develops after a terrifying ordeal that involves physical harm or the threat of physical harm. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

There is a lot of research coming out, from both academic and military settings, that supports the benefits of yoga on the mental and emotional well-being of all kinds of trauma survivors, Fish said. Paul Zipes, who is the founder of Yoga for Vets, notes that not all veterans are dealing with PTSD and not all will need trauma-sensitive yoga. Some are just in need of a good workout and will get the stress relief via the endorphins and breathing during the workout.

Fish wants to concentrate her efforts on veterans dealing with PTSD. Although, she is quick to point out that yoga is not a panacea for post-traumatic stress, simply a powerful tool for creating balance.

After discovering the calming and balancing effects of yoga in her own life, Fish thought about specific populations that might also benefit from yoga.

Read this article:
Nicki Anderson: Yoga instructor supports veterans with PTSD