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In order to treat the problem of stammering, one must try to understand the root cause or the physiological and psychological reasons behind it. Speech in itself, is not merely the motion of the tongue rather involves a range of mental as well as bodily processes. Speaking is a consequence of our coordination between the nerves and muscles and a combination of electrochemical message transmission from the brain to the specific organ. In individuals who stammer, there is a failure in the coordination of the neuromuscular activity, and this usually takes place when the individual is emotionally high strung or extremely anxious. Almost all individuals who stammer have periods of lucidity where they are able to speak fluently, and this usually happens in a relaxed emotional setting and environment. Stress usually causes people to stammer and falter on their speech patterns. In order to effectively correct this disorder, yoga and meditation holds the key to the solving of this particular problem. Meditation helps to bring about a greater awareness of emotional and psychological balance, and through a control and balance these elements, the individual will be able to gain better control over speech. Some specific yogasanas designed to deal with stammering include Surya Namaskar, the lion pose also referred to as the Simhasana, and specific forms of Pranayama such as Bhastrika and Naadi-shodhana. Pranayama should not be practiced if the individual is experiencing any form of respiratory disorder or is suffering from hypertension or any other form of circulatory disorders. Deep meditation that involves the practice of Progressive relaxation can help the individual to regulate the respiration and in turn control the conflicting emotions in the mind.
It is important to cultivate a positive attitude in order to develop positive emotions and goodwill about oneself. Most individuals with the problem of stammering have low self-esteem and low-confidence which plays a major role in the development of their speech patterns. With the help of Pranayama and meditation, one is able to bring about good thoughts and a positive influence internally. This can help to boost confidence and self-esteem levels in the individual and gradually overcome the problem of stammering. In addition to yoga, it is important that the individual is comfortable in a social setting and special care must be taken to shower extra love and affection on the individual. Most persons with stammering feel unloved and often experience ridicule for the manner in which they speak. Hence, one must ensure that a person with a speech disorders such as stammering must be encouraged and given pep talks about oneself.
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