| Most children take stimulant medication like Ritalin to | | | | children with ADHD Hyperactive Type. At the same |
| manage their attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. But | | | | time, the slow pace teaches children how to exert |
| just because prescription drugs are the most | | | | control and focus on the task at hand. |
| widely-used treatment option for ADHD, this does not | | | | Aside from the exercise, the structure of the yoga |
| necessarily mean it is the best treatment. In previous | | | | class itself instills discipline and focus in a calm, |
| articles, we have talked about how ADHD medication | | | | non-competitive environment. A typical yoga class for |
| benefits only a small percentage of children, and how | | | | ADHD children begins with arranging the mat space |
| these improvements last only a short period of time. | | | | and performing breathing exercises to warm up. |
| Instead of depending on medication as a quick fix to | | | | Afterwards, children perform asanas designed to |
| this complex disorder, your child might recover from | | | | improve coordination and balance, which helps them |
| ADHD completely through natural mind/body | | | | control their thoughts and direct their attention to |
| approaches. | | | | relevant stimuli. The calming atmosphere of the yoga |
| As part of a holistic treatment plan, yoga is known to | | | | studio also decreases the number of stress hormones, |
| help children with ADHD overcome their inattentive and | | | | which are known to aggravate ADHD. |
| hyperactive tendencies. Yoga makes use of physical | | | | What makes yoga a particularly helpful treatment is |
| postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayamas), | | | | that the qualities learned can be used in practical, |
| and deep relaxation exercises to calm the minds of | | | | everyday situations. Learning to control impulse and |
| children and strengthen their nervous systems. Yoga's | | | | attention alone will increase your child's academic |
| spiritual component also promotes greater internal | | | | performance and enable them to harness their |
| awareness, which helps the child control impulses and | | | | potentials. Yoga will also teach your child to listen to |
| learn to focus - two things that children with ADHD | | | | the instructor and follow directions instead of running |
| have difficulty doing. | | | | off before instructions are given. In other words, yoga |
| A number of researchers have devoted their time to | | | | can correct certain behaviors characteristic of ADHD |
| studying how yoga can help reduce ADHD symptoms | | | | as it rehabilitates the body and mind. |
| in children. When the whole body is involved in physical | | | | Although the benefits of yoga will not show up |
| activity, brain functioning drastically improves, because it | | | | immediately, the changes that will occur are profound |
| receives neuronal stimulation from the postural | | | | and will last forever. Of course, yoga alone cannot |
| muscles. Certain routines like the Sun Salutation are | | | | treat ADHD. For your child to benefit from yoga, it |
| designed to stimulate both sides of the brain, to | | | | should be part of a comprehensive treatment program |
| facilitate efficient learning and assist brain integration. | | | | that includes healthy meals, a toxin-free environment, |
| The physical demands of the practice also serve as | | | | and other therapeutic approaches designed to treat |
| an excellent outlet for pent-up energy, especially for | | | | ADHD naturally. |