Dr. Shamanthakamani Narendran

M.D. (Pead), Ph.D. (Yoga Science)

New insights into the needs of children in their growth and development and physical, mental, emotional and also spiritual progress is in the forefront.

There is a shift in our approach to human health problems giving increasing attention towards behavioral and social aspect of child health.

The richness of the heritage of yoga and spirituality is gaining sharper focus through modern scientific research.

The wisdom of the East is being restated in a terminology that is familiar to the west.

Dissemination of research findings has played a vital role in establishing the efficacy of the integrated approach of yoga therapy.

Children now face stressful situations at a more early age. It has a huge impact on the child’s personality and maturity.

If affects their coping ability for latter part of their lives.

HOW DO STRESSED CHILDREN REACT?

TENSION OUTLETS

Physical Bedwetting, eating disorders, stammering, diarrhea, back pain

Mental Poor memory, poor concentration

Emotional Destructive activity, fear, anger, anxiety, temper, tantrums, aggressive, irritable

HOW DO STRESSED CHILDREN REACT?

TENSION OUTLETS

Social Solitary behavior, mistrust

Spiritual Disbelief in God and ethical values

If not recognised and treated, it will lead to Health problems Psychosocial complications Triggers existing diseases

1. Respiratory training – Pranayama (breathing and energy flow),

2. Postural training – Asana (physical postures),

3. Relaxation training – (guided relaxation techniques),

4. Concentration training – Trataka,

5. Meditation.

YOGA PRACTICES

RESPIRATORY TRAINING PRANAYAMA

Normalizes breathing rate Allows uniformity of breathing Maximum oxygen utilization Increases concentration Increases sensitivity

POSTURAL TRAININGASANAS

Increases the threshold of muscular excitability

Quicker relaxation and quicker reflexes. Decreases muscular tension Decreases inattention and impulsiveness Increases stamina and strength

RELAXATION TRAINING

Increases body awareness Calms the mind Reduces aggression Reduces impulsivity

CONCENTRATION TRAINING

Increases memory Improves discipline Focuses attention

MEDITATION TRAINING

Silences the mind Removes negative feelings Increases self-awareness

Loosening exercises

Shake down Hands stretch Forward/backward bending Side bending Twisting Neck rolling Shoulder rolling Face stretching

Tiger breath Dog breath Sighing tree “ha” Lion roar (Simha Garjana) Bee humming breath (Brahmari) Throat breathing (Ujjay breath)

Breathing exercises

Tree (Vrukshasana) Dancer (Natarajasana)

Balancing Asana

Monkey - Palms to feet (Padahasthasana) Crescent Moon (Ardha Chandrasana) Warrior Pose (Veerasana) Triangle (Trikonasana) Downward Dog (Adhomukha Svanasana)

Standing Asana

Cobra series (Bhujangasana) Crocodile (Makarasana) Bow (Dhanurasana)

Prone Asana

Camel (Ushtrasana) Rabbit (Sasangasana) Thunderbolt (Vajrasana) Squat (Malasana) Butterfly (Badhakonasana)

Seated Asana

Nostril Breathing (Anuloma Viloma) Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shuddhi) Bellows Breath (Bhastrika and Kapalabathi) Complete Yoga Breath / sectional breathing

(Vibhagha Pranayama)

Pranayama

Finger focusing (Trataka) Light focusing

Focusing and gazing techniques

Instant relaxation technique Deep relaxation technique

Relaxation techniques

OM - AAA, UUU, MMM Silence

Meditation techniques

RIGHT UPBRINGING

Yoga games Skits Story telling Slokas/Devotional songs Diet and Hygiene Lifestyle changes

Ride your Bumpy Camel

COBRA POSE

ELEPHANT POSE

FISH POSE

RunningTrain

Air Walk Sliding Board

Birthday Candles

Candle Pose

Deep Relaxation

Jogging Through the Jungle

MEDITATION

OTHER DIMENSIONS OF YOGA

Age groups 6-8, 9-11, & Above 12 Yoga games & skits Story telling Bhajans, Kirtans, Sanskrit slokas Shanthi (peace) chanting Diet Hygiene

THANK YOU