Yoga therapy for learning disabilities

Yoga therapy for learning disabilities is as effective as Yoga for any other condition – physical, mental or spiritual.



Yoga therapy is a great alternative treatment for kids with learning disabilities. Pranayama (Yoga breathing exercises) help invigorate the central nervous system as well as make the immune system stronger. Together with Yogasanas and Shavasana (Relaxation), breathing exercises facilitate development of balance, body awareness, concentration and memory.

Children with dyslexia time and again have reported getting special benefit from doing the Yoga eye exercises. They serve to relax facial muscles, strengthen the optic nerve and stimulate a number of different brain centers. Yoga exercises help enhance the ability of the eyes to concentrate and improve word recognition skills.



Yoga eye exercises are just one case or instance of how they can be tailored to minimize certain learning deficits. Then again, Yoga therapy for learning disabilities is, first and foremost, a holistic therapy. Its main objective, per se, is to improve all areas of a kid's development.

Five basic areas of practice are prescribed:

1. Yogasanas (physical postures)
2. Pranayama (breathing exercises)
3. Yoga kriyas (cleansing practices)
4. Shavasana (deep relaxation)
5. Sound and Music therapy

Urdhva Mukha Paschimottanasana

Technique:

1. Laying flat on the floor place your hands straight over your head.
2. Now stretch your legs straight, tighten your knees and take a couple deep breaths.
3. Breathe out and slowly raise your legs together. Slowly take them over your head.
4. Interlock your fingers, clasp your soles and stretch your legs straight up with your knees kept tight. Rest your entire back on the floor.
5. In this position take 3 deep breaths.
6. Breathe out again; lower your legs towards the floor. They should be beyond your head by widening your elbows. Try and keep your pelvis as close to the floor as you can. All throughout keep your legs tightened at the knees. Rest your chin on your knees.
7. Remain in this position from ½ to 1 minute, breathing regularly
8. Breathe out again and take your legs to the original position.
9. Breathe in, release your hands, take your legs straight to the floor then relax.