Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Yoga for children with learning disabilities: According to The National Institute of Health, learning disabilities slow down the ability of a person to think, recall, process and store the given information. It is referred as a psychological or neurological condition that influences the ability to learn and communicate efficiently. In kids especially this problem may affect the capability of reading, writing, speaking, doing calculation and communication skills. In some cases the child should loss his/her academic performances, self confidence, creativity, sensory and motor skills.

The learning disorders among children are of different types and categorized according to an individual difficulties with related signs and symptoms. The disorder is caused due to various reasons, most commonly found among them are due to some trauma, genetic or fetal developmental abnormalities. On time diagnosis and correct treatment will be helpful in preventing kid’s cognitive, emotional and behavioral wellness. When the child is identified with this disability, he/she should need extra care and attention so that they can feel happy, strong, focused, motivated and self confident.

It is proved by several clinical trials and observations that ancient therapy of yoga is an effective therapeutic treatment for kids to cope up with learning disorders because the holistic yoga approach is a complete package that works on physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing moreover on all areas of kid’s development. Regular practice of yoga offers intellectual development of children by increasing communication, fine and gross motor planning skills. As stated in articles published in different journals such as, School of Psychology Review, Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, Early child Development and Care and International Journal of Rehabilitation and Health, yoga techniques are highly beneficial for improving child’s emotional, behavioral, academicals and social abilities.

The basic techniques of yoga are physical postures, paranayama breathing, relaxation and meditational process, simple poses or asanas when performed by kid suffering with learning disability offer feeling of calmness and tranquility. The bodily movements and stretch exercises help to relax facial muscles, strengthen and stimulate numerous brain centers by using both sides of it also enhance ability to focus and improve recognition skill. Paranayama breathing exercises plays a vital role for providing therapeutic treatment by activating complete nervous system and strengthening immune system. Controlled breathing provide innumerable advantages ranging from enhancing mental focus, concentration, improving blood circulation, supplying sufficient amount of oxygen to brain cells and getting rid from stagnant energies by bringing fresh vital life forces. The major advantage of paranayama is that it helps to relax and rejuvenate by releasing stress and frustration results due to learning disabilities. Breathing techniques and physical poses when performed in combination facilitate to develop body awareness, balance, coordination and flexibility. The meditational procedure helps to develop skills to get focused and concentrate a major element for kids to learn. The practice allows them to remember things with clarity of mind and regulates emotional state of mind.

It is better that these children should performed yoga exercises under the guidance of skilled teacher with special class set up and fun filled environment. Each one of these child should need individual attention and exercises according to their requirements of body and mental status.