Archive for the ‘Hatha Yoga Physical Assisting’ Category

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

Email: yogashaastra@gmail.com

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).

Learn how to make assists and adjustments with students when practicing Surya Namaskar, from a lecture at Aura Wellness Center in Attleboro, MA with Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500.

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Physical Assisting in Hatha Yoga

Opinions about the importance of physically assisting students, during Yoga posture (asana) practice, vary. Some styles, such as Iyengar, Restorative, Anusara, and Viniyoga, place much emphasis on proper alignment, props, and physical assisting. Most Yoga teacher training programs focus on physical assists, which guide a student toward proper alignment.

Yet, many students attend classes where a teacher may not look at them for the entire class. Needless to say, there are no physical assists in these same classes. Why? Some teachers feel very uncomfortable physically adjusting their student’s posture. Some teachers are not trained to physically assist students during asana practice.

There is also another factor to be considered: There are Yoga teachers who will not get off their mats. They do not walk around and monitor the room after demonstrating. Sometimes, we refer to this as: “Working the room.”

Physical Assisting in Hatha Yoga

One may think of “working the room” as it is related to a social butterfly, who constantly works on public relations. Assisting is a bond between teacher and student. Physical adjustments help any student to feel where he or she should be aligned, and to be present in the moment, while practicing asana.

However, if we are in Downward Dog, with our backs to our students, how will we know if their posture is correct? It is obvious that we cannot see if our students are in good or poor alignment when we turn our backs toward our students.

Granted, some teachers have exceptional cueing skills, but when we are tempted to take our eyes off our students, that is the time to work the room. There are other issues, in regard to assisting and adjusting. Be sure you have asked for permission before adjusting anyone.

Some students do not like to be assisted. If this is the case, there is no need to ask why. They may feel that an assist is an invasion of their space. In a case where a student wants to be left alone, there is no need to push the matter further.

Recently, a Hatha Yoga teacher told me that physical adjustments were highly over rated. Curious about what was on his mind – I asked him to explain. His opinion was that while teachers “tinker” with a few students, who have improper alignment, the rest are made to suffer by holding postures for minutes at a time.

Adjusting Triangle Pose

While there is a ring of truth in the above-mentioned viewpoint, there is a reward of strength in holding postures beyond 20 seconds. There is also a method to avoid having students hold postures forever.

The method is to disguise repetition, by holding a posture for five breaths, on each side, and coming back to the same, or a much similar posture, later in the class. In this way, students are getting the most out of a session.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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We’ve been producing videos and posting them on YouTube. Now you can see them here on our blog.

This is “Physical Assists for Sun Salutations Part 1″

You can also visit our YouTube channel to see all of our videos.

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Physically adjusting a student, into the best possible skeletal alignment, is a skill that is passed from teacher to student. With so many questions about assisting and adjusting students for proper alignment – below are eight keys to guide Yoga teachers in the art of assisting.

1. Explain why, when, and how, you will be making adjustments before your class begins. What is the benefit students will receive after you make an adjustment? Give your students the option to decline an assist. It may be your Yoga class, but you should always ask permission to make a physical assist.

2. When you assist, your posture should be rooted into the ground. Never adjust a student from an off-balanced position, and make sure your spine and skeletal body are in good alignment.

3. Talk to your students as you make physical adjustments. Honest feedback between teacher and student is mutually beneficial. You can develop a feel for vibration and pressure, but feedback will help you and your student to find the best posture.

4. Generally speaking, adjust folding postures on the exhale and adjust backbends on the inhale. Your adjustment will follow the movement of the lungs. If you cannot feel the breath, you should ask your student to breathe louder or to practice ujjayi pranayama while you make an assist.

5. Usually, you should adjust the worst posture first. If you constantly see the same poor posture from one student, avoid singling out the same student every time. That does not mean you should ignore him or her. You may have to come back to this student repeatedly. Do give praise, when he or she gets it right.

6. Be aware of the time the rest of your students are holding a posture. Holding a posture for five breaths is enough for beginners. If you feel more time is needed, and you have covered both sides, you can always come back for a second round.

7. Develop a gentle feel for pressure and vibration. Pain thresholds vary quite a bit between individuals. Some students will keep silent through pain, while others will complain at “the drop of a hat.”

8. Once you have reached an optimum assist, make sure you leave gradually. Do not leave abruptly, as your student may fall out of position.

(c) Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Recently, an Aspen, Colorado Yoga teacher was arrested in relation to one felony account for alleged sexual assaults during 2008, in his Yoga classes. He may face ten years in prison, if he is convicted. Worse yet, past allegations from 2007, 2006, and 2005, have surfaced.

Now, the courts will settle a case, which gives Yoga an “eye sore.” Let’s look at realistic solutions to prevent alleged ethics violations. The last thing any Yoga teacher needs is a court date for an alleged sexual assault. At the same time, when unethical behavior occurs, the law will intervene.

The teacher, in the above-mentioned case, has stated that he has never had a complaint during the course of teaching Yoga over the past 15 years. You may be asking, “Which teacher has not made a physical adjustment in a Yoga class?” It is true that Yoga instructors, massage therapists, chiropractors, and others make physical adjustments; so what are we supposed to do?

Ask permission each time you make an assist, even if you have assisted the same student before. This may seem to be a waste of time, but make formality and professionalism a habit. Be mindful of your student’s space and do not take invasion of personal space for granted.

Tell your student what you plan to do, as you ask for permission to make a physical adjustment. It goes without saying that you should keep your hands off private spaces and keep your private spaces off your students. Now you may ask: “How can I make a physical adjustment in Half Moon Pose – (Ardha Chandrasana), without getting real close?”

Based upon the hearings and court decisions of Pitkin County District Court in Colorado, we may all have to be a bit more creative. You can adjust legs, arms, shoulders, and you can use a Yoga strap. If that sounds ridiculous, consider paying $7,500 in bond, a visit to court, your studio closed, and your reputation destroyed, whether you are guilty or not.

If you assist, or adjust, students, make it known in your literature, on your website, and on your waiver forms. If a new student arrives, make sure she or he knows that you make physical assists and they have a right to refuse adjustments. If you teach private lessons, be very careful about “space issues.”

We could all work on improving our cueing skills. Sometimes, making a physical adjustment seems easier than explaining each nuance of a technique. Therefore, each of us has to work a bit more on the power of effective verbal communication.

Lastly, make sure your relationships with every student are completely professional. Leave no room for misinterpretation in regard to your reason for making a physical adjustment.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

——————————————–
Online Yoga Teacher Courses
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos.
Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
——————————————–
On-Site Yoga Training: http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com
——————————————–
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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