By Dr. Rita Khanna

Yoga is a stimulating way to reach children, especially those with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Attention Deficit Disorder, Learning Disabilities, and other developmental delays. Yoga stimulates all affected areas and develops strength, flexibility, concentration, and balance. Yoga calms the physical body, thus making the mind peaceful and quiet. Gradually, the child becomes more organized and focused and develops tolerance for longer schedules. Yoga has a positive effect on gross motor, fine motor, and visual motor conditions. It also promotes strength and self-esteem. Anyone can maximize his or her potential from consistent practice of Yoga, and these children are no exception.

CASE STUDY OF JAYASHREE

 

 

 

 

 

I first met Jaya three months back, in my Yoga Studio, with her mother Madhu. Madhu is one of my oldest Yoga students. Jaya is 20 years old; a sweet young girl, who has a case of mild spasticity, with borderline intelligence, since the age of four. From then on, she has been undergoing regular physiotherapy and special education – both of which have tremendously contributed to her improvement. She attends the school for slow learners (Shraddha Centre for Exceptional Children) at Rasoolpura, Secunderabad (India). She is a student of Level “H”. This school has, and is, continuing to play a vital role in developing her all-round personality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jaya enrolled, along with Madhu, in regular Yoga class, which had other students also. I was quite apprehensive as to whether I would be able to teach Jaya, along with others, in a regular adult Yoga class. My doubts proved unfounded. She took just 2-3 weeks to understand about the Asanas and Pranayama techniques.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It conveyed that her IQ level is very good and she has an excellent memory. Today, Jaya is familiar with all the nuances of the Yoga routine and she has begun to show great enthusiasm for all activities. She now seems to be one-step ahead of herself in everything and without my assistance. With each passing class, her body condition is improving, and I am so contented to see her improvement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

She is also able to sustain a prolonged period of deep relaxation at the end of each Yoga session; and in fact; is very fond of this quiet time of awareness. I find her to be extremely disciplined, and regular, in that she does not want to miss any class. At times when her mother wants to miss a class for some reason, she prevails upon her. She has developed the capability to climb up two flights of stairs during this time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jaya’s mother has said, in her feedback, that she appears much calmer after our sessions, and there are lots of improvements in her behaviour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Further, she has noticed the following benefits that have inured to her:-

1. Increased focus and concentration

2. More friendly and co-operative

3. Absence of Irritability

4. Better clarity in speech-engaging – in longer conversations spontaneously

5. More zestful and enthusiastic

6. Enjoying her Yoga classes thoroughly and not taking very kindly when we ask her to miss a class!

7. Improved repartee 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, I want to bring her attention to the muscle groups – encouraging her to breathe deep and regularly – and work on perfecting her standing poses. I am sure all this is achievable in the near future. Jaya loves this class; and the other students are greatly impressed by her newfound ability to perform asanas, as well as her overall attitude and maturity. She has become the darling of our Yoga class. I know how proud Jaya would be to see herself in this article. I can well imagine her innocent and pure smile; and I am equally proud of her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

YOGA PRACTICES USEFUL FOR THESE CHILDREN

Modified Head Stand

 

 

 

 

 

 

By reversing the pull of gravity, this asana redirects the flow of blood and lymph throughout the entire body, benefiting the brain, central nervous system, and upper endocrine glands. Hold the pose for only a few seconds, and then gradually increase the duration.

Viparitkarani, Sarvangasana, Matsyasana, Halasana, Suptavajrasana

These help in increasing blood flow to the head region.

Padahastasana, Trikonasana, Veerabhadrasana

They increase the energy level.

Vrikshasana, Ardhachakrasana

These postures increase balance and concentration.

Suryanamaskara

It improves flexibility of the body.

Bhujangaana, Ushtrasana, Chakrasana

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are useful for improving their self-confidence level and improve the body stance.

BREATHING EXERCISES

Omkar chanting, Kapalabhati, Bhastrika and Alternate Nostril Breathing

All these breathing exercises are very useful because these are noisy types of techniques that help to capture the attention and create a focus for the asanas that follow.

MEDITATION / DEEP RELAXATION

Om meditation, as well as loud chanting of longer mantras, gives very good effect in these children. These are useful in maintaining their concentration and improving their alertness with rest and relaxation. It helps in strengthening the nervous system and calms the mind.

DAILY FOOT MASSAGE

This helps to work out points of tension in the body.

NOTE TO PARENTS

Every child has different needs and capabilities. A pose that is beneficial for one child, may be harmful to another. Please do not attempt any of the exercises, or poses described in this article, without first consulting your paediatrician and scheduling an evaluation of your child with a certified Yoga Practitioner for the Special Child. All parents can be good role models and nourish their children’s development, and home program, by engaging in a Yoga class themselves.

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio. A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health and detoxification.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

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Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh (India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

Tags: YOGA FOR SPECIAL CHILDREN

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 at 12:46 pm and is filed under Guest Authors, Hatha Yoga Physical Assisting, yoga for children, Yoga for Emotional Health, Yoga for Health, Yoga Teacher Training. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.