Yoga is an age-old science which inherently is a holistic approach, simultaneously working on the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga practices systematically strengthen different systems in the body, including the heart and cardiovascular system, the lungs, muscles, and the nervous system. Yoga practices can improve function of the digestive system, foster psychological well-being, and improve oxygen delivery to tissues. Yoga also can help the body more efficiently remove waste products, carcinogens, and cellular toxins.
What is Yoga Therapy?
Yoga therapy in the recent years has also started being considered as a complementary mode of treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders, as the improved blood flow, need to longer attention spans, help in training the child become more calm, improve his or her sensory processing, and thus, help in alleviating some of the symptoms of ASD and help children not only manage their physical bodies but also become mentally peaceful.
What are the benefits of yoga therapy for my child with Autism?
While anxiety is natural, yoga and breathing techniques can help kids with autism handle the pressures associated with peers, studies and their grades In practice, asanas may be difficult to perform for children with autism. This may be due to their inattentiveness, hyperactivity, inability to sit at one place and follow sequences of complex commands. However, some children with autism have exceptional imitation abilities.
It is believed that Belly Breathing or Diaphragmatic breathing in through the nose, helps calm the mind and centralise energy. When anxiety strikes and the child’s sympathetic nervous system is triggered to fight, flee or freeze, the child can be trained to focus on his/her own breath can help bring the system back into a place of calm.
Sitting in Child’s Pose not only stretches the back and shoulders but can give the child a sense of protection and comfort.
Practicing Tree Pose creates a sense of stability and expansion. Children with Autism may often feel anxious and may seem out of their bodies. The Tree pose helps to reconnect that presence in the body; the feeling of the ground beneath their feet. This pose is great practice connecting to the earth while reaching for the sky. The balance required in this pose also builds confidence and focus. Tree Pose can be very empowering for kids.
When can I start and who should I do it from?
Yoga therapy is a safe non-invasive therapy method that can easily be tailored according to each child's needs and requirements. Thus, it can be started whenever a child is ready for it.
Most children on the autism spectrum already consult an occupational therapist; depending on the type of therapy suggested by the therapist, parents also get a better idea of when to start this type of therapy. You can refer to our exhaustive database to look for a certified Yoga Therapist in your locality. Since it is simple and does not have any side effects or complications, it can typically be started even without consultation.
What can I do at home?
At home, it is recommended that parents work closely with the yoga therapist and occupational therapist to find methods that work well for their children. Since different children react differently to the therapy, parents can either be asked to do some simple exercises and activities at home or limit the yoga therapy to the therapy sessions with the yoga therapist.
What is Face Yoga?
Yoga itself is a multi-faceted approach to balancing your physical, mental, emotional, and energetic well-being.
Face Yoga is a special technique of Asana/Exercise that targets the 57 muscles of the Face, Tongue, Neck, and Scalp. It stimulates the central nervous system, brain, and endocrine glands through facial muscles.
It increases blood circulation to the muscles of the Neck, Tongue, Face, and Scalp. It also increases cell nutrition and oxygenation. The muscles in the face are responsible for speech and swallowing. Isolating the muscles that control the mouth with various exercises can have a positive effect on overall speech quality for patients.
Face yoga is proving effective in facial paralysis, autoimmune conditions and Autism Neurorehabilitation, Autism apraxia and Neurodegenerative disorders, stroke, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Face, mouth, and tongue muscles, Swallowing, speech, etc.
Increased muscle weakness and coordinated movements. Utilizing various facial exercises can help to build muscle tone. Exercises involving lips, cheek, and tongue help to improve speech and swallowing difficulty. The Phonation exercises help to improve the clarity, pitch, and loudness of speech.
Face yoga uses the principles of Ashtanga yoga to rejuvenate the head, face, and neck muscles. It includes unique exercises to strengthen, stretch, and coordinate movements for autism and Neuro patients. The head, neck, and bulbar functions can be a major issue. Face yoga can provide a new way to preserve or improve these functions. It can also be utilized as a tool for stress and anxiety management. Visualization, meditation, positive affirmations, and deep breathing exercises enhance the spiritual lining.
A revolutionary exercise program, Using a research and mind approach and change: develop and innovative thinking in the designing process.
The Aiyan Face Yoga program is tailored, according to the patient's need, for strengthening of particular facial muscles.
Our focus leans towards the impact of work on an individual's life and relationships. So is the goal with the Aiyana Face Yoga tailored programs for those on the Autism Spectrum, ALS, Caregivers, Friends, and Co-workers.