The benefits of yoga - How does yoga really benefit children?

Yoga has many aspects one of these being the physical. This includes the practice of kriya'sin kundalini yoga or what can also be known as Asana meaning a position or a movement held in yoga practice. The physical side of yoga is only part of a bigger picture and the benefits include helping children to gain mental and physical flexibility through movement, focus and concentration on the body.

When yoga postures are performed they put pressure on a certain part of the body which helps to stimulate activity in the cells of the body and brain making a healthier happier child.

Yoga gives children the ability to be able to handle stress from within. One of the main practices we teach a beginner of yoga is how to breathe correctly, this is the practice of breath awareness or pranayama as it is known in ancient Sanskrit text. Unfortunately the majority of society are unable to breathe correctly and instead of using the full capacity of the lungs only use a small percentage and breathe from the upper chest instead of the abdomen. Yoga focuses on learning to deepen the breath and encourages the use of different breathing techniques.

Some examples are:

• Breath of fire-this is a strong abdominal breath which brings energy and vitality to the body.
• Alternate nostril breathing-this has the opposite effects and is a calming and balancing breath.

When we are stressed it is important to breathe deeply. With the correct breathing techniques handling stress becomes easier.

Meditation and relaxation calm the body and mind. They help put confused thoughts in order and give children the knowledge on how to gain a positive mental perspective on all aspects of their life. Meditation combined with chanting creates focus, positivity and a centred child.

Relax at home
To help encourage your own positive peaceful child who can learn to be totally in tune with who they really are I have included two simple practice sessions for you to do together at home.

Basic breathing technique(full yoga breath)
Lie comfortably on your back and become aware of the movement of the breath flowing through the nostrils. Place your hands on top of your abdomen with the middle fingers touching at the navel. As you breathe in pull the abdomen out like a large balloon this will naturally create a space between the middle fingers, use the full capacity of the lungs. After 5 minutes you will feel totally calm and relaxed.

Candle gazing(tratakam
Choose a candle that is special to you specifically for this practice. Sit comfortably on the floor, ideally with the legs crossed and the hands resting on the knees. If it is possible place the candle at eye level and begin to stare at the centre of the flame. When you feel the need to blink bring the palms together and rub the palms as fast as you can until they are warm, then rest them over the eyes, relaxing the eyes behind the warm palms. When you are ready place the hands back on the knees and repeat the whole process. Resist the temptation to blink and let the eyes water and cleanse. This beautiful practice has many benefits. It strengthens the eye muscles, brings focus and clarity to the mind and helps with symptoms of insomnia. When practicing this technique always be aware of the breath as it moves in and out of the body.