Yoga for special children: typology and practical application.

  • 2017
Table of Contents hide 1 Cerebral Palsy 2 Down Syndrome 3 Autism: Spectrum Disorder 4 ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) Attention Deficit Disorder 5 ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or Hyperactivity Disorder with Attention Deficit

Before addressing such an important issue as the benefit that the practice of Yoga brings to children with special needs, we must ask ourselves a basic question:

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a scientific system of physical and mental practices that originated in India more than three thousand years ago . Its purpose is to help each of us reach our highest and enduring potential to experience health and happiness. With the Y oga, we can improve our health and extend our productive years far beyond what the norm establishes and, at the same time, improve the quality of our lives. One of the branches of Yoga that constitutes the main focus of working with children is called Hatha Yoga ( type of Y oga known for its practice of healthy or body postures, which contribute to the muscles firmness and elasticity It was created in the fifteenth or sixteenth century by the yogi Suatmarama , based on the tantric ranges . Hatha Yoga begins by working with the body on a structural level, helping to align the vertebrae, increase flexibility and strengthen muscles and connective tissue. At the same time, internal organs are toned and rejuvenated; the epidermal, digestive, lymphatic, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems are purified of toxins and wastes; the nervous and endocrine systems are balanced and toned; and brain cells nourish and stimulate. The end result is an increase in mental clarity, emotional stability, and a greater sense of general well-being . Because Y oga works on many different levels, it has great potential as an effective treatment for diseases and chronic conditions that do not respond well to conventional treatment methods. For this reason, children with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities who practice Y oga often surprise their parents and teachers, with rapid mastery of the basic motor system, communication, and cognitive skills.

The same routine of the Y oga can help children with learning disabilities to develop greater concentration, balance and serenity in their daily lives. Everyone earns a certain level of profit . The only requirements are proper instruction and regular practice .

It is important to remember that the Y oga is not just a slow motion calisthenics workout or a superficial workout routine. Anyone who practices it correctly, soon begins to appreciate the depth and breadth of its benefits . For this reason, it is recommended that parents of special children enroll in an adult class; Then you can feel the effects of Yoga for yourself.

After a series of lessons, they will be able to experience some of the following benefits: the relaxation and softening of tensions and deep internal blockages, a feeling of body-mind in balance, and a feeling of energetic buoyancy that can sustain us through the more difficult days . Students are advised not to force or force themselves. The Y oga is not a contest or a " quick fix ." Like the proverbial history of the turtle and the hare, Yoga favors stillness and perseverance over theatrical manifestations and superficial achievements. It does not require that we transform overnight into something that is beyond our capacity. Yoga begins by accepting our limitations, whatever they may be, and working with that self-acceptance as a basis. In our daily practice, we will gradually learn to transcend our limitations, one by one, and in this way, real and lasting progress will be possible.

The Five Limbs of the Yoga Tree

For working with children, we can divide Yoga into five basic areas:

(1) To healthy or body postures.

(2) P ranayama o breathing exercises,

(3) Cleaning practices

(4) Music and sound spy .

(5) Deep drainage .

- Asanas literally means " posture " or " pose ".

According to the ancient texts, a healthy A is " a particular posture of the body, which is both stable and comfortable ." Some experts call these positions " psychophysics ", since they form the basis of the work of mind-body integration in Yoga. There are more than a hundred classic poses, with different variations, and they can be subdivided into two categories: active and passive.

The active category tones the muscles and nerve endings, benefits the endocrine organs and glands, and activates the brain cells. The passive category is mainly used in the practices of meditation, relaxation and Pranayama.

The complete set of healthy A from Y oga encompasses the entire human anatomy, literally, from the top of the head to the tip of the toes. Its regular practice helps correct postural and systemic irregularities, and maintain all physiology in optimal conditions. The greatest benefit of practicing A healthy comes from learning to relax in a certain pose. Contrary to what most of us have been taught, the real results of relaxation occur in a state of deep concentration, in which the mind is totally focused on a single object. During the practice of Asanas, the object of concentration is the body.

The student focuses his mind on the incoming and outgoing breaths, the constant flexion and extension of different muscle groups, or other bodily sensations. Ideally, this inward approach be maintained throughout the Yoga class.

- Pranayama is the science of proper breathing . Breathing is the main source of food for all body cells. We can live without food for weeks, without water for days, but without oxygen we would only last a few minutes. On average, a person uses only about one seventh of his total lung capacity. By learning to increase this capacity with deep abdominal breathing, in addition to specific P ranayama practices, we can increase the flow of vital energy to various organs of our body, build our immunity to disease, and overcome many physical ailments. The way we breathe also has a profound effect on the nervous system. Our brain cells use three times more oxygen than other cells in the body. By regulating respiration, oxygenation of brain cells is increased, which helps strengthen and revitalize voluntary and autonomous nervous systems. When P ranayama is constantly practiced, it also has a powerful stabilizing effect on the mind and emotions. At the beginning of each Yoga class, several P ranayama practices can be used to prepare students for the healthy A that follow. Pranayama and A healthy work hand in hand to balance and integrate different physiological functions and to help dissolve emotional blockages and patterns of negative habits that can obstruct the flow of vital energy in the body.

- Purification ( cleaning practices ) include: a practice of P ranayama to eliminate excess phlegm and mucus from the respiratory tract; an eye exercise; and a special technique to isolate and roll the abdominal muscles. If done correctly, the latter technique provides a powerful self-massage to the abdominal organs, which improves digestion and relieves constipation.

- Music and sound therapy use rhythm and melody, combined with hand movements and sound combinations, to develop concentration, breathing coordination, communication and motor skills, as well as the appreciation of Essential elements of tone and harmony. In addition, studies have shown that the repetition of certain sound patterns can produce a calming and healing effect on the nervous system and psyche.

The concept of sound therapy is as old and natural as the singing of birds, the rattling of a summer rain, or the internal rhythms of our own heartbeat and breathing. By combining sound therapy techniques with traditional Y oga practices, such as singing and intonation, it is possible to create an ideal learning environment for all levels of Y oga practitioners.

- Deep relaxation is traditionally the conclusion and culmination of each Y oga session . For 10-20 minutes of complete silence and immobility, deep relaxation allows the body to absorb all the benefits of healthy A , P ranayama and previous cleansing practices .

When working with babies and young children, soft music is combined with the massage of the feet and neck of the neck to help induce relaxation. For children and adults, deep relaxation begins by lying on their backs with palms up and legs apart one to two feet away.

Soft background music and dim lighting is used, while the instructor gently guides students through the relaxation process, encouraging the release of physical tension and mental stress by focusing attention on various parts of the body. Visualization and meditation techniques are used in this part of the practice, as students direct their minds to stress points and areas of blockage in their bodies. This is followed by a short period of unstructured relaxation, including meditation at the entrance and exit of the flow of breath, and the practice of pure awareness, without being disturbed by distractions from the physical body. In life, you have to learn to relax after a period of activity. People spend about a third of their time sleeping, trying to recover the energy and vitality they spend during the day. Unfortunately, many of them never achieve this goal because they have not learned the essentials of relaxation. Relaxation practices in Yoga are different from sleep, but their benefits are similar, and the principles of deep relaxation can be applied with the same effectiveness in our hours of sleep, and in our waking moments. When done correctly, deep relaxation can become a powerful practice of meditation that helps anchor and stabilize the consciousness of the mind in a sea of ​​deep peace and tranquility.

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a disorder caused by damage to the motor areas of the brain, which affects muscle tone and the ability to control movement and posture. In most cases, the onset occurs during pregnancy or in childbirth. In other cases, infections such as meningitis or posttraumatic brain injury can lead to cerebral palsy.

There are three types of movement disorders associated with cerebral palsy:

Spastic cerebral palsy: where the muscles are tense, contract, and are resistant to movements. This is the most common form of cerebral palsy, especially at birth with low weight or premature babies.

Athetoid cerebral palsy: where the affected parts of the body perform involuntary twisting movements, such as turning, twisting, facial grimaces, and drooling. This form of cerebral palsy in general, involves damage only to motor centers, not to other parts of the brain. In the past, the "strangers" and "unnatural" movements were diagnosed as signs of mental or emotional disturbance.

Ataxic cerebral palsy: where the main characteristic is the lack of balance and coordination and an alteration of the perception of depth, due to damage to the cerebellum. Ataxia involves difficulties in maintaining balance and rocking when standing. Sometimes several areas of the brain are involved, so describing the condition of a particular child may involve several of the above terms and symptoms. In addition, the severity of the disability varies from one child to another, and ranges from mild discomfort to inability to walk. Other conditions associated with cerebral palsy may include seizures, ADHD, learning problems, vision problems and speech problems. The practice of Yoga postures (Asanas), followed by deep relaxation, can help significantly reduce high muscle tone, which is characteristic of most children with cerebral palsy. The practice of a healthy A gives the muscles and tendons a point of relaxation, releasing general stress and tension along the muscles and around the joints. At the same time as the A healthy relax the body, also provide some resistance to exercise the areas of the body with a low muscle tone. In this way, healthy A actually improve both the problems of high how low muscle tone in children with cerebral palsy. Perhaps the most important aspect of healthy A practice for children with cerebral palsy is its ability to stretch and align the spine. Asanas flex and twist the spine in all directions. This series of scientifically designed stretches and contractions helps create more space between the vertebrae and reduce pressure on the discs and nerves that radiate outward from the spine. The reduction of pressure on the radial nerves facilitates the release of muscle tension from the entire body and improves overall nerve function. As a result, the child is able to develop a greater range of movement and coordination, as well as greater independence.

Down's Syndrome

Down syndrome is a congenital disability with an overall incidence of one in 700 births . The incidence of Down syndrome in children born to 25-year -old mothers is approximately 1 per 1200 ; the risk increases to approximately 1 in 350 for mothers 35 years of age and 1 in 120 for women over 40 years . The chromosomal abnormality involved in most cases of Down syndrome is trisomy 21 . As a result, the affected person has 47 chromosomes in all body cells, instead of the normal 46 . People with Down syndrome are lower than average, with truncated limbs. Some other common features of Down syndrome include an epicantic skin fold that extends from the eyelid over the inner edge of the eye, strabismus (crossed eyes) and hypotonia (low muscle tone). Motor development is slow; and instead of walking at 12 to 14 months, as most children do, children with Down syndrome usually learn to walk between 15 and 36 months. Language and cognitive development are also significantly delayed. Most children with Down syndrome are in the range of mild to moderate mental retardation. In addition to these delays, children with Down syndrome are also susceptible to certain medical problems, including: congenital heart defects; increased susceptibility to infection; respiratory problems; clogged digestive tracts and childhood leukemia. The positions of Y oga ( A healthy) help to stretch, tone and strengthen the entire body. Asanas also benefits the internal organs and helps to balance and revitalize the endocrine glands. For this reason, children with Down syndrome who practice Yoga remain thin and flexible, while those who do not practice Yoga tend to gain weight as they age. Together, with yogic breathing exercises, which have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, healthy A facilitates the development of body awareness, concentration and memory - vital skills for any child with a developmental disability.

Autism: Spectrum Disorder

Autism is a developmental disorder that typically appears during the first three years of life . This disorder makes it difficult for children to communicate verbally and nonverbally, interact socially with others and interact with the outside world. Many children with autism, however, also have remarkable abilities in the areas of art, music and mathematics. Autism was a rare disorder, which occurred in approximately one in 1, 500 children . However, since the late 1980s, the autism rate has increased considerably in the US. and other countries. Now the autism rate has risen to one in 100 . For decades, most psychiatrists considered autism as a psychological disorder. It is now generally recognized that autism is caused by biological factors, but there is little agreement on which factors are the most important, and exactly how they cause autism. Unlike other disorders, autism is not defined by its cause, but by its symptoms, which may include, repetitive behaviors without purpose, such as shaking hands, rocking or opening and closing doors. Language skills develop slowly or not at all, the meaning of words is often ignored and gestures are used instead of words. Some individuals with autism may exhibit aggressive behavior and resistance or self-injurious tendencies in the face of changing routine. Others may in appearance, lack common sense, have tantrums for no apparent reason, or become obsessed with an idea, object or person. Children with autism may also experience sensitivity to certain visions, sounds, touches, smells and tastes, and have strong reactions to them. Although autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults can exhibit many different combinations of these behaviors, at any degree of severity. Two children, both with the same diagnosis, can act very differently and have different skills.

The first step in teaching Y yga to a student with autism is to establish a strong bond with the child . To do this, the Yoga teacher will have to enter the world where the child lives - to communicate with the child on his own level, so to speak. Only then will the teacher be able to obtain the child's full confidence. Massage, music, dance, rhymes and stories are some of the different techniques that the teacher can use to connect with the child. When the student and the teacher gradually develop a foundation of mutual trust and friendship, the Yoga teacher can introduce some of the positions of Y oga ( A healthy) and breathing exercises ( P ranayama) that will help the child out with autism from its shell and enter the world of social interaction. After the student becomes familiar with these introductory postures, the Yoga teacher can progressively add more healthy to the routine, as well as deep relaxation techniques. The combination of healthy A , P ranayama and deep relaxation will strengthen the child's nervous system, increase overall health and facilitate the development of body awareness and concentration. Through optimal physiological establishment and psychological integrity, Yoga therapy helps children with autism gain new motor, communication and social skills. The end result is a general improvement in their quality of life.

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) Attention Deficit Disorder

Behavioral disorder, formally defined as a significant deficiency in age-appropriate care, impulse control and rule-governed behavior, which manifests itself in early childhood. Associated behaviors include: difficulty following instructions; talk or act before you think; poor organizational skills; restlessness; impatience; I forget; low self-esteem; and, in the case of children with ADHD, hyperactivity.

Some experts believe that attention deficit disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but there is no documented evidence that this is really the case. The incidence of attention deficit disorder varies from 3 to 15 percent of the school-age population, depending on the severity of the diagnosis. He is sometimes referred to as ADD or ADD / WO (attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity).

Children with this disorder generally did not perform well in school, although most of them are on average or above average intelligence. Since breathing is closely linked to emotions, teaching breathing and breathing exercises ( P ranayama ) is an ideal way to start working with children who have a disorder. due to attention deficit. However, it is important that the Yoga teacher first find a way to create a strong bond with the child, in order to gain the child's trust and attention. Then the exercises will progress faster. In addition to its positive effect on emotions, P ranayama stimulates vital areas of the brain and central nervous system. By combining P ranayama with Y oga ( A healthy) postures and deep relaxation techniques, the benefits are greatly increased. With the regular practice of Yoga, children with attention deficit disorder develop greater awareness of the body, emotional balance and concentration - increasing their capacity for school work and creative play. As overall performance improves, so does your self-esteem.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or Hyperactivity Disorder with Attention Deficit

Behavior disorder formally defined as a significant deficiency in age-appropriate care, impulse control and rule-governed behavior, which manifests itself in early childhood. The associated behaviors are: hyperactivity; talk or act before you think; difficulty following instructions; poor organizational skills; restlessness; impatience; I forget; low self-esteem; and social skills. Children with ADHD they have difficulty slowing down, even when they want to; They are often so rushed that they seem clumsy and uncoordinated. Some experts believe that ADHD is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but there is no documented evidence that this is really the case. The incidence of ADHD varies from 3 to 15 percent of the school-age population, depending on the severity of the diagnosis. It is sometimes referred to as ADD / WH or " minimal brain dysfunction ." Children with ADHD generally do not perform well in school, although most of them are on average or above average intelligence. Currently, more than four million children in the US They have been diagnosed with ADD / ADHD . There are many factors that contribute to this behavior disorder: violence on television; poor nutrition; prenatal drug use by parents; sensory overload; pollution; crowding; and the breakdown of family structure.

Yoga uses physical postures ( A healthy), exercises ( P ranayama) and deep relaxation techniques to calm and strengthen the central nervous system of breathing. It helps children and adolescents with ADHD get in touch with their bodies in a relaxed and non-competitive way. There is also a spiritual side in the Y oga that immerses its practitioners in its own silence and inner knowledge - something that is becoming increasingly difficult to experience with the slow pace. Ethical of current life.

Children with ADHD often experience delays due to their hyperactivity and learning distraction. Y oga teachers often find it easier to introduce P ranayama and healthy A to these children, before trying to teach them a routine of all Yoga. This will help them calm down enough to follow the instructions. Alternate nasal breathing will be especially beneficial for children with ADHD, due to its ability to calm the mind and balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Teaching these children proper breathing techniques is an important aspect in the formation of Yoga . Once the child with ADHD is able to follow instructions, the Y oga teacher can gradually introduce more healthy and deep relaxation techniques into his Y oga routine.

So far our dissertation on Yoga and its benefits for children with special needs. In successive articles, we will examine each of the specific cases in greater depth, and offer a series of exercises to practice at home.

I hope you found it interesting, and above all, useful.

SOURCE: “Yoga for the Special Child” by Sonia Sumar.

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