Suitable Yoga Poses And Postures For Handicapped
Yoga is beneficial for all, and has proved to be especially so for handicapped people as well. There is no barrier of age or ability. It can be performed by the old and young alike. It can be performed by those who have undergone surgery, although a gap of three to six months after the surgery must be observed. Yoga can also be performed by those with acute or chronic and painful disabilities. Victims of polio have claimed relief after doing yoga exercises, as have accident victims, and even those who have lost a limb. Yoga has proved beneficial also for those with mental handicaps.
Traditional yoga has various schools like Karma Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Swara Yoga, Hatha Yoga or Mantra Yoga, and the exercises or postures can be taken from them.
The physical postures of yoga and the breathing techniques of Pranayama, along with meditation can be helpful for the disabled in many ways. They can improve balance, strength, stamina and flexibility. Practicing yoga regularly can reduce stress and anxiety, relax the body and mind, and induce better sleep.
Depending upon the type of handicap, most of the postures can be modified and adapted to suit the particular needs of the individual. In fact, yoga can even be performed while sitting on a chair, in fact there are individuals with serious disabilities who perform yoga whilst in a wheelchair.
Your yoga instructor will modify the poses for you, but it is best to begin with the simplest postures. Most sessions last for about half an hour.
Snake Pose (Bhujangasana) – this is performed lying down on the floor with your forehead touching the floor, and your hands on either side of your body. You then support your body on your arms and raise it slowly, while inhaling deeply.
Half Tortoise Pose (Ardhakmakasana) – this is an easy pose for beginners and is performed sitting down on the balls of your heels. You then extend your arms and slowly bend forward, touching the floor with your forehead, while exhaling slowly.
Yoga Pose (Yogasana) – this is a very restful pose, where you sit on the floor with crossed legs, clasping your hands behind your back and breathing in and out
Mountain Pose (Parvatasana) – This is a standing pose, where you stand straight on the floor. Keeping your back aligned, you gradually pull up your buttocks and thrust out your abdomen, tilting your head backwards, while breathing in and out.
