An official DoD article describes the voluntary use of yoga at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for its psychiatry patients:

It appears centuries-old practice involving postures, stretches, meditation and breathing provides benefits today at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center…

The author may not realize it, but by acknowledging yoga as “ancient” the DoD is acceding to yoga’s spiritual elements, as only in recent years have some tried to disconnect the physical aspect of yoga from its spiritual side. On the contrary, it seems Walter Reed is counting on the “mental” side of yoga as well: 

Today, yoga can be used to treat anxiety and depression by reducing perceived stress. It also improves mood and functioning. In addition to depression, studies have examined the efficacy of yoga therapy in the treatment of schizophrenia, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder.

“There is strong and growing evidence base regarding a range of psychological and physiological benefits associated with these interventions,” Hershey said.

Clinical social worker Daphne Vourlekis started the program and appears to be using the “accessibility” at Walter Reed as a way to get people involved in yoga.

“There is nothing like hearing a glowing firsthand report from a previously skeptical patient who decided to ‘give it a shot’ because it was so easily accessible to them during their hospitalization,” Hershey added.

Some have criticized the military for advancing these aspects of Eastern religion under the cover of medical treatment, but, by and large, the growth of yoga in the military has been without substantial criticism — even by those who would otherwise complain about the military officially advancing aspects of religion.

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