Marines are kicking off their boots and breaking out the yoga mats.

Through integrative restoration (iRest) veterans are able to combat post traumatic stress disorder, depression, chronic pain and insomnia following deployments, according to information about the program.

The program is “a guided meditative form of self-inquiry,” said instructor Cheryl LeClair, who teaches iRest to Marines aboard Camp Lejeune.

Through the program, Marines are given an “opportunity to relax” their bodies and minds, she said.

According to LeClair, the process is similar to the Marine or sailor being drawn into a television show they are watching.

“(While in iRest) you’re not what happened to you; you’re not your thoughts,” she said.

Last week, four Marines gathered in a classroom at the Lejeune Learning Center where they spread their yoga mats out at the front of the cold room.

There LeClair spoke softly, talking them through the steps that would lead them to relaxation. The Marines, who were unable to be interviewed due to confidentiality issues, appeared to be sleeping within minutes, which LeClair said is common.

Developed by clinical psychologist, author and cofounder of the International Association of Yoga Therapy Dr. Richard Miller, iRest is based on Yoga Nidra, an ancient meditation practice that supports psychological and physical healing, according to the iRest Web site. The program is currently being used across the country in Veterans Affairs hospitals.

Miller was unable to be reached for comment.

The yoga-based relaxation program is one segment of “Back on Track,” a two-week outpatient program that uses clinical psychology, psychiatry, nursing, social work, substance abuse counseling, chaplains and corpsmen to serve Marines and sailors diagnosed with combat stress reactions, including PTSD, according to information on the program.

In order to be considered for iRest and Back on Track, the Marine or sailor must be referred by a mental health professional, must have deployed and have a diagnosis related to the deployment. The referral would be sent to Back on Track staff, who will determine whether or not the candidate meets the criteria to be enrolled.

Contact Amanda Hickey at 910-219-8461 or ahickey@freedomenc.com. Read the Lejeune Deployed blog here.

Source : http://www.enctoday.com/articles/class-66146-jdn-bodycopyrag-yoga.html