3 minute read
Paediatric Yoga
How can the modern practise of this ancient Indian art form help occupational therapists working with children?
The concept of yoga for children seems a little counterintuitive at first glance: how do you ask a child who enjoys running around and playing to sit with their legs crossed for half an hour and deeply consider their breathing? To be fair, that’s a grossly simplified view of both yoga and the abilities of children. Yoga and children may seem mismatched, but who else takes so enthusiastically to being asked to pretend to be a tree or a frog for minutes at a time? As mindfulness continues to be introduced to classrooms around the country, we are gently introducing young people to the salient concept of taking care of mental health as well as physical health to ensure these bright young minds stay bright. Research shows that not only can yoga help to improve and maintain physical and mental health in young people, it may also help improve focus, memory, self-esteem, academic performance, classroom behaviour, and may also help in the reduction of anxiety and stress. Speaking to Harvard Medical School, Jessica Mei Gershen, who teaches yoga to young children in Brooklyn, New York, uses play and fun to help introduce young people to the benefits of the activity without overwhelming them. “Yoga is really effective because it’s so tangible. Learning physical postures builds confidence and strength as well as the mind-body connection,” she said. “Through yoga, kids start to realise that they are strong and then are able to take that strength, confidence, acceptance, and compassion out into the world.” From the perspective of an occupational therapist, yoga carries a host of additional benefits which can be utilised as an intervention for younger clients. Yoga can strengthen muscles without putting too much strain on joints, increase self-awareness, build concentration, and develop motor planning skills.
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TREE POSE
Also called vriksansana, the tree pose is a popular aspect of yoga as exercise as it strengthens the legs and core while improving posture and balance.
Steps:
1 Start by standing with feet hip width apart, 2 Stretch out your arms as if they’re large branches, 3 Slowly and carefully move the sole of your foot to the inside of your thigh so you’re balancing on one foot with your other resting on your standing leg, 4 Bring your arms up to the sky like a big tree reaching for the sun and hold the pose for as long as you can. A variation of the popular Bound Angle pose that is taught in yoga classes for exercise and mindfulness, the butterfly pose can help to improve sitting balance and posture.
Steps:
1 Gently plop yourself down on the floor, preferably on a comfy mat or blanket, 2 Slowly and carefully bring the soles of your feet together as close in to your body as you can, 3 Hold on to your ankles and try to sit up as straight as you can manage, 4 Imagine your legs are butterfly wings and hold the pose for as long as you are comfortable.
WARRIOR 1 POSE
Called virabhadrasana in Sanskrit, this is one of the three variations of the Warrior pose, and has been called one of the most iconic poses in yoga.
Steps:
1 Start in the mountain pose: stand upright and tall with your feet a little bit apart, 2 Using one foot, take a great big step forward. Keep the knee of your front foot bent a little, and your back leg as straight as you can manage, 3 Turn your back foot so that it points off to the side of your body, 4 Hold the pose for a few breaths, then return to the mountain pose, 5 Repeat on the opposite side.
SLEEPING POSE
Savasana - or the Corpse pose - is usually the last step in any yoga practice. It might look easy (or a little strange, depending on who’s looking), but it’s an integral part of winding down and finding calm after a session.
Steps:
1 Lay something soft and comfy on the floor, like a yoga mat or blanket, 2 Lie down on the mat with your hands out to your sides, 3 Take some time to breathe, relax and clear your head of all your worries or concerns.
