Yoga is known to alleviate worry, aggressiveness and depression that we all experience. But could it help ease these problems among intellectually or physically challenged children? And how do you get an intellectually challenged child to listen and respond to instructions and execute an asana? The answer lies in simplified yoga therapy where such children learn elementary movements, and are gradually introduced to a routine that improves body coordination and psychological wellness.

Depression, worry and behavioural problems can inhibit special children from attending school or responding to discipline. Inducing behavioural change in them is crucial, because even just going to school is a therapy for them. Yoga can help achieve this behavioural change. However, we cannot rely on yoga therapy alone. It is useful as an added treatment. The parents have to find out what works best for their child.

Integrated approach

An integrated approach helps, says Dr. V. Murugan, senior consultant paediatric neurologist, adding, While we dont have a scientific study on the impact of yoga therapy on intellectually challenged kids, we already know it brings about a definite improvement in conditions such as depression, anxiety, behaviour and chronic pain that trouble kids with autism or ADHD.

Special children tend to have less body perception and self-awareness. Getting them to do simple asanas goes a long way towards improving body perception, especially as they get to flex various parts of their body consciously during a yoga session. With the help of yoga, the children hold their bodies in a particular position for a longer period, which gives time for their brain to register information, explains Mythili Chari, autism expert and education specialist.

Toilet training can be achieved by insisting that children practise yoga only if they have emptied their bowels before a session. Children will comply, because they enjoy trying out asanas. Incidentally, a study conducted by Mythili at Delhis Tamana School of Hope for Exceptional Children (through drawings by the kids of themselves before and after a yoga session), found that children showed improved self-awareness and body-perception after a yoga session.

To begin with, special children are helped to do asanas with the parent or therapist moving the childs body parts according to the instructions. Later they begin to do the exercises on their own. Using pictorial charts helps too, she adds. I have found that yoga calms hyperactive kids; they become less aggressive, says Mythili.

Manifold benefits

Yoga improves posture, balance, flexibility of the spine, arms and legs, and mind-body co-ordination. Sounds are also used to stimulate the childrens interest so they can let out their pent-up emotions. Thus, there is release of physical tension, says Geetha Srikanth, director, We CAN, yoga therapist and special educator at APL Global School. In addition, chanting may be used as a therapy.

Positive effects of chanting

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Simple moves, soothing chants

It's Time to Break Up . . . With Your Yoga Instructor

Whether you're a newbie yogi or have been Down Dogging for a decade, having an exceptional yoga instructor makes all the difference. If they're really good, they'll not only teach you new things, but will also inspire you to want to learn more. Is yours not up to par? Here are five signs the person leading your yoga class might not be right for you.

You love your instructor dearly because they were your very first yoga teacher. They were there when you learned how to balance in Crow, and they taught you how to hold a headstand without falling over. Now when you go to class, you know exactly what to expect, and you're no longer progressing in your practice. If you're not challenged, you're less likely to keep your passion for yoga alive, which means you won't be excited to go to class anymore. It's time to break away from the comforts of a well-known teacher and try someone new.

Obviously inappropriate touching is out of the question, but even if your instructor has the greatest intentions and adjusts you to get deeper in poses, pushing you too hard can put you at risk for injury. Check out someone else's class before a pulled hamstring prevents you from going at all.

I'm all for verbal cues, because sometimes they are even more effective than physical adjustments. If an instructor makes a blanket statement to everyone such as "draw your right hip back" or "relax your toes," it's a great way to help students without making them feel like they're making mistakes. But if your instructor calls out your name several times during a class to offer verbal corrections, it can make you feel really self-conscious. If you're constantly thinking your teacher is watching or judging you and worrying about what they're going to say, you'll be too stressed out to really enjoy your practice.

Hardcore yogis often make the practice and its philosophies their life. Most practice daily, meditate, and do pranayama, and many are vegan to avoid causing harm to living beings. If they start preaching about the "right" way to be a good yogi, they can make you feel bad for the choices you make. Without a supportive or comfortable environment, you won't feel confident on your mat. Find an instructor whose views don't clash with yours.

Yoga teachers can't be expected to know everything, but they should have a basic knowledge about safety. If your instructor offers to spot you in handstand and you end up tipping over, or they say something you know doesn't sound right, such as, "Yoga is supposed to hurt sometimes," it's going to be really hard to trust their words and actions in the future.

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It's Time to Break Up . . . With Your Yoga Instructor