ADHD Yoga

(September 3, 2010)

My son is 6 year old. He is hyper active and the doctor confirmed its ADHD. Kindly recommend yoga for him.

ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often diagnosed in children is a behavioral disorder with symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and impulse control. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be carried forward into adulthood as well.
As a parent, you want the best for your child irrespective of their special needs. However, if you identify the above symptoms along with repeated incidences of impatience, forgetfulness, lack of self-esteem, anger, poor physical co-ordination, lack of organizational skills, poor social skills and so on, you should consult your doctor or pediatrician immediately.
Many children suffering from ADHD use yoga as treatment along with recommended medication. As an alternate therapy for ADHD, Yoga helps children to engage in a physical activity in a relaxed and non-competitive environment.
ADHD and Yoga
Yoga is the ancient practice of reconnecting one’s body, mind and spirit. Yoga benefits children with ADHD as it uses physical postures or asanas, breathing exercises or pranayam and deep relaxation techniques to calm the senses, decrease hyperactivity and enforce discipline.
• Since learning difficulties or distractions are common problems of ADHD, Yoga instructors should introduce pranayam or breathing techniques and a few simple asanas to get the children involved. Following a series of exercises, for example, the Surya Namaskar poses develops strength and concentration.
• It is difficult to control large groups of children diagnosed with ADHD. Yoga instructors should manage small groups of children at a time to give personal attention.
• Since hyperactivity is the most common symptom of children with ADHD, Yoga exercises done slowly can burn excess energy and help to synchronize their movements.
• Children with adhd often find themselves clamoring for things or being unable to stop themselves in a particular movement. They may end up feeling embarrassed or clumsy. For children with ADHD, Yoga standing poses such as Vrksasana or Tree Pose, Tadasana or Mountain Pose, Trikonasana or Triangle

Pose are easy to demonstrate and practice. Alongside the fun, they have trying to hop on one foot; these poses will help them develop balance, coordination and flexibility.
• Pranayam is the art of breathing according to the ancient science of Yoga. For children with ADHD, Yoga relaxation techniques can help to decrease the amount of crying fits, temper outbursts, emotional instability and mood swings. At first, it may be difficult for you to get their undivided attention. Try short periods of exercise or asanas along with sitting sessions of pranayam. Gradually increase the duration of pranayam.
• For children with ADHD the world can be a confusing place. Even simple everyday activities can seem complicated. This results in frustration, anger and exhaustion. To cope with adhd, Yoga prescribes meditation in a bid to relieve stress and anger.
• As a parent/parents of a child with adhd, Yoga can be a ‘connecting’ experience. Doctors as well as Yoga instructors will encourage you to join a class where you can practice along with your child. This is reassuring for your child especially since children with adhd dislike interacting in a social set up and your presence can calm them. At the same time, the Yoga class could be your hour to bond with your child.

Submitted by A on September 3, 2010 at 06:08

Recent studies indicate the effectiveness of yoga as a complimentary tool in dealing with children who has ADHD. In addition to primary medication, yoga has proven to effectively control and manage the condition of ADHD. When introduced and practiced under daily basis, yoga provides a large number of health benefits. Apart from enhancing the physical aspect of an individual, psychological benefits are greater with the daily practice of yoga. In combination with physical activity and self-awareness is, yoga helps to create a balance between the mind and body, which is lacking in those with ADHD.

Yoga can help your child with ADHD to build a connection between the mind and body and with the help of deep breathing and relaxation techniques are greater sense of self-awareness and self-control will be fostered. The deep breathing and meditation techniques help the mind to concentrate on that particular moment which will stand to be of great benefit for your child. Yoga positions or yogasanas that work on the body are performed with the focus on deep breathing and helps in promoting the stretching and strengthening of the muscles and joints; while the deep breathing enhances mental awareness and brings about a feeling of calmness and composure.

Yoga is best described as a way of life, and its benefits are far-reaching in both the physical and psychological aspects. Hence it is the perfect form of alternative therapy for those with ADHD. It is easy to introduce Pranayama and simple breathing techniques and yogasanas to children with ADHD. This will help the child to calm down before attempting to teach him a complete yoga session. One particular deep breathing technique known as the alternate nostril breathing is of great benefit to children with ADHD because of the yogasana's ability to relax the mind and bring it and control and also create a balance between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. It is important to teach children with correct manner of breathing and restoration, as breathing place a very vital role in yoga. The yoga instructor will be able to introduce more yogasanas and initiate a child into a complete yoga session, once the child with ADHD has been able to affirm and practice according to the initial instructions. There is growing evidence that physical activity for children with ADHD has brought about positive results. According to research, physical activity helps to balance the production of neurotransmitters in the brain and bring down the levels of stress and anxiety in the individual with ADHD.

Submitted by C D on July 25, 2008 at 05:00