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Precautions
Children and adolescents with injuries, medical conditions, or spinal problems should consult a physician before beginning yoga. For children with special needs, parents should find a yoga teacher who is properly trained and experienced and can give children individual attention. Certain yoga positions should not be performed by a person who has a fever or is menstruating.
Children and adolescents who are beginners at yoga should always be properly supervised, since injuries are possible, and some advanced yoga postures, like the headstand and full lotus position, can be difficult and require strength, flexibility, and gradual preparation. Proper form and alignment should always be maintained during a stretch or posture, and the stretch or posture should be stopped if pain, dizziness, or excessive fatigue occurs.
While yoga can be used therapeutically to help alleviate certain symptoms in children with various medical conditions, it is not a cure. A physician should be consulted for standard medical treatment.
Risks
Injuries have been reported when yoga postures were performed without proper form or concentration, or by attempting difficult positions without working up to them gradually or having appropriate supervision. Beginners sometimes report muscle soreness and fatigue after performing yoga, but these side effects diminish with practice.
Parental concerns
Parents should make sure that the yoga instructor is qualified to teach yoga to children. Yoga instructors experienced in teaching adults may not understand that teaching children requires different skills and methods. Yoga certifications and/or training in teaching children are available.
KEY TERMS
Asana—A position or stance in yoga.
Dyana—The yoga term for meditation.
Hatha yoga—A form of yoga using postures, breathing methods, and meditation.
Meditation—A practice of concentrated focus upon a sound, object, visualization, the breath, movement, or attention itself in order to increase awareness of the present moment, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance personal and spiritual growth.
Pranayama—The yoga practice of breathing cirrectly and deeply.
Yogi (female, yogini)—A trained yoga expert.
Yoga classes for children, adolescents, and teens are held at local schools, community centers, fitness clubs, and YMCAs. In addition, yoga videos for children are available online at <www.collagevideo.com>. For children
BOOKS
Caldwell, Micheala, et al. The Girls' Yoga Book: Stretch Your Body, Open Your Mind, and Have Fun. Berkeley, CA: Maple Tree Press, 2005.
Hall, Doriel. Yoga for New Mothers: Getting Your Body and Mind Back in Shape the Natural Way after Birth. New York: Anness, 2005.
Iyengar, B. K. S. Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health. London: Korling Kindersley Limited, 2001.
PERIODICALS
Cohen, L., et al. "Psychological Adjustment and Sleep Quality in a Randomized Trial of the Effects of a Tibetan Yoga Intervention in Patients with Lymphoma." Cancer 100 (May 15, 2004): 2253–2260.
Cooper, S., et al. "Effect of Two Breathing Exercises (Buteyko and Pranayama) on Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Trial." Thorax 58 (August 2003): 674–79.
Leschin-Hoar, C. "Seeking Yoga's Soothing Touch: Many Say Children with Medical Issues Benefit from its Use." Boston Globe November 20, 2003.
Oken, B. S., et al. "Randomized Controlled Trial of Yoga and Exercise in Multiple Sclerosis." Neurology 62 (June 8, 2004): 2058–2064.
Raub, J. A. "Psychophysiologic Effects of Hatha Yoga on Musculoskeletal and Cardiopulmonary Function: A Literature Review." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 8 (December 2002): 797–812.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Yoga Association. Web site: <www.americanyogaassociation.org>.
International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). Web site: <www.iayt.org>.
WEB SITES
Itsy Bitsy Yoga. Benefits of Yoga for Babies and Toddlers. Available online at <www.itsybitsyyoga.com/babyandtoddleryogabenefits.htm> (accessed November 15, 2004).
Lipson, E. "Yoga Works! Medical Science Is Finally Validating What Yogis Have Known for Thousands of Years." Yoga Journal, Winter 1999–2000. Available online at <www.yogajournal.com/health/115.cfm> (accessed November 15, 2004).
Orkin, Lisa. "Yoga Helps Kids Find Balance in Their Lives." The Yoga Site: The Online Yoga Resource Center, August 2004. Available online at <www.yogasite.com/yoga%20kids.htm> (accessed November 15, 2004).
Sumar, Sonia. "Yoga for the Special Child," August 2004. Available online at <www.specialyoga.com/> (accessed November 15, 2004).
"Yoga." Nemours Foundation: TeensHealth, August 2001. Available online at <www.kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/exercise/yoga.html> (accessed November 15, 2004).
Jennifer E. Sisk, MA
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Author Info: Jennifer E. Sisk MA, Thomson Gale, Gale, Detroit, Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health, 2006 |
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