Yoga for Down's Syndrome
Yoga for Down's Syndrome with down’s syndrome by ShareLove.Fund’s Rainbow Women Social Enterprise endeavor and sponsored by your generous donations.
Down syndrome or DS is a condition that occurs when an extra chromosome is present in a person’s genetic makeup. It is the most frequently occurring disorder and causes developmental delays such as slow learning ability, impulsivity, short attention span and poor judgment. Babies born with DS have certain distinctive physical characteristics such as
A short neck
Flattened facial features
Small ears and head
Eyes slanting upward
Bulging tongue
Poor muscle tone
Yoga provides many benefits for people who have DS including children. It stimulates both mental and physical abilities. It can even work as a physical therapy routine for those with DS. It offers a wide range of benefits from body toning, increase in strength, improvement of the central nervous system, increase in body awareness and improving balance to development of memory and concentration, balance in hormones, regulated sleep rhythms, discipline development and much more.
Here’s a look at some of the poses that can help children with DS improve physically and mentally. Make sure to consult your doctor before starting a new yoga regimen.
Cat/Cow Pose– Get into the table-top position with knees perpendicular to hips and elbows in line with the shoulders. Inhale and lift your chest and buttocks towards the ceiling and let your tummy drop towards the floor, while looking forward. Then exhale and come back to the table-top position. This is the cow pose. For the cat pose, again assume the table-top position. Exhale and arch your back towards the ceiling, keeping you head centred so your eyes are towards the floor. Inhale while returning to the original position. This is the cat pose.
Child’s Pose –Kneel down and rest your buttocks on your heels. Lean forward with your chest and move your arms forward until your forehead touches the floor. Take a deep breath in this position and relax.
Eagle Pose – Stand straight and then bring the right thigh across the left leg. Take a shot at tucking your right foot behind your left calf. Then extend your arm outwards and bring your left arm to cross over the right at the elbow. Bring your hands together and try to make the palms touch but if it doesn’t happen then let the back of your hands touch. Bend the knees and hold the arms so that your fingertips are pointing skyward. Tighten all your muscles. Release and repeat for the other side.
Snake Pose - Lie down on your stomach keeping your legs stretched out. Rest your palms next to your shoulders. Bring your legs together and imagine it is the tail of a snake. Next, take a deep breath and start lifting your upper body off the floor with your palms pushing downwards. Tighten the abdomen, glute and thigh muscles First look up at the ceiling and then look straight ahead. Maintain this position for a few breaths.
Of course, it’s very important that children be supervised carefully while they are attempting these poses so that there is minimal risk of injury. It’s also important to consult with your doctor about which poses will be helpful for your child.