children and yoga

8/22/2019 Children and Yoga

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YOGA FOR HEALTHIN CHILDREN

Yogacharya

Dr. ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANIM.B.B.S, A.D.Y, D.S.M, D.P.C, P.G.D.F.H.,

CHAIRMAN

International Centre for Yoga Education & Research,

Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry, South India


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Children are the wealth oftomorrow- take care of

them if you wish to have astrong India

- Pandit Jawahar lal Nehru


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INTRODUCTION

Children, a unique segment of population Have very specific health needs

More than 40% deaths are seen below 5 years

Age of both physical and mental growth

Stressful periods (puberty and adolescence)

Stress of academic pressures

Need outlet for creativity & abundant energy

If youthful energy isnt canalized properly -socially deviant behaviors such as truancyand juvenile delinquency


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BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR

CHILDREN

Prevention is better than cure

Improved immunity

Asanas, Kriyas, Mudras and Pranayamastabilize and balance the energies

Develops and strengthens all systems anddevelops flexibility of the body

Yoga seeks balance, which is lacking inmost other sporting activity

Various disorders such as Asthma andDiabetes can be controlled


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Better coordination, concentration, mentalcalmness and attention span in ATHD, MR

and other mental disabilities Reduced duration, frequency and severity

of epileptic attack

Reduce anxiety and aggressive behaviour

Asanas tone up abdominal area and helpsrelieve functional abdominal pain, juvenileDM, hepatic and renal disorders

Loma Viloma : flexibility, balance, control, strength and

endurance are developed

helps improve and regain lost power andfunction in children suffering handicaps


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Pranayama: improves the academic performance of slow

learners

internal cleansing

improves lung function, heart function, speed ofreaction and cognition

develops an integrated personality

synchronized use of breath power with

movement brings about revolutionary effects onperformance and improved state of mind,

emotions and all round health


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Children are prone to glandular imbalance

Homeostatic influence on the psycho-

neuro-immuno-endocrine system and thus

both the hypo as well as the hyper

functioning of the system is controlledand equilibrium is attained

Proper and proportional growth and

development through Yoga

Positive anabolic growth in children -genetic potential attained


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Inculcation of Yogic values prevent problems that children face as they

grow into young adults social life improved- children also influence

elders

mental solace and ethical strength

never become asocial or anti social beings andwill have a positive self image of themselves

substance abuse, juvenile delinquency andother social disorders that plague modernyouth can be prevented as well as controlled

Yogic concepts - Only a quiet mind andcontrolled body can produce real skill inaction


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Yogic relaxation

counterfoil to the extreme stress of

competitive pressures

fosters mental, emotional and physical health

Concepts of Spanda-Nishpanda or exertion-

relaxation-exertion-relaxation in an alternating

rhythm

Yoga provides a more conscious and

aware outlook of the whole phenomenon

of human life on earth Makes the child a more valuable member

of the human social unit


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TEACHING YOGA TO CHILDREN

Yoga is fun

Stimulate interest in Concepts ofYoga

Emphasis should be on movement initially

Emphasize breath - movement correlation

Adequate relaxation at end of class Follow the carrot approach

Jovial advise on diet and pitfalls of modern vices

Periodic discussions with parents

Yoga family - emotional and psychical bonding

A happy home makes a happy child


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Karma Yoga at home

Importance and power of prayer - emotionaland mental strength

Antenatal period of the mother is an importantcontributor to the childs health.

Strive to bring the young mothers-to-be intothe Yoga fold as a healthy baby is spawnedfrom a healthy mother

Young girls must be stimulated to take up

Yoga as it may help to prevent many geneticand congenital disorders in their offspring aswell as help them have a safe delivery


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YOGA SPORT : A TOOL TO

REACH CHILDREN

Yoga Sport a fact in todays Yoga world

Outlet for the competitive spirit, drive and energy

Learn to accept the highs with the lows

Enthusiastic participation more important Intense practice -develop amazing skills

Meeting point positive peer pressure

Shaken out of the complacency Competitive edge sharpens and focuses the body

awareness, greater accuracy and perfection


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IMPORTANT YOGA PRACTICES

FOR CHILDREN Play Yoga

Asanas :animal and bird poses

Pranayamas: sounds and breath

Kriyas: Children enjoy adventure

Mudras: pre-puberty- no topsy turvy Relaxation: very important

Yoga theory: wholistic development


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CONCLUSION

Yoga practices and values need to beintroduced early to children and youth

Health and happiness can be attained Yogic qualities are to be imbibed with joy, and

not learnt with fear or compulsion

Parents and teachers must reiterate the

importance of Yoga by example Our duty is to make them aware and

conscious of these wonderful concepts ofdaily living


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ALL THAT IS NEEDED

IS A SMALL SPARK

TO I LLUMINATETHEIR L IVES WITH

YOGA FOREVER


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THANK YOU

children and yoga

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