Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Yoga in a Wheelchair

Wheelchair Yoga
With great joy I pass on some of the most rewarding highlights of my yoga experience.  Already convinced that the benefits of yoga can and should be experienced by all, I became reassured as I witnessed the most unexpected participants come to life in this practice.  I saw and heard first hand from those who have either lost mobility over time or due to injury, even some who have had physical challenges to deal with for a lifetime, reap in vast benefits and rewards from their own yoga classes and practice.
Though I had known of these classes, it wasn’t until I did my further training with Paul Jerrard Jr. in Attleboro, MA, that I was able to observe and learn up close the way these classes are shaped and taught and performed.  Clearly my mentor had invested himself into many of these relationships over time as these were people who trusted and respected him.
This is where I would like to emphasize the importance of how we should teach, especially and specifically to this dear population of individuals. Many of the common old age ailments are as follows:  poor posture, Arthritis, Stress/Tension, Osteoporosis, High Blood Pressure, Insomnia/ Fatigue, Loss of muscle mass, Autoimmunie concerns, Cholesterol issues, loss of mobility, fragile bones, breathing problems, memory loss, disc injuries, loss of balance, indigestion, heart concerns, spinal degneration, Anxiety/Depression, loss of flexibility, increase in fat mass, etc.  As the over-arching factor, most elderly have a decreased sense of overall well-being.
Practicing Yoga will increase the following:  muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, energy, blood flow, oxygen flow, blood circulation, mental clarity, cardiovascular health, mental health, good mood, improved sleep patterns, Endocrine system, nutrition absorption, elimination health, quality of life, etc.  It can decrease the following:  risk of osteoporosis, fatigue, fat mass, bad cholesterol, etc.  Overall posture is improved along with range of motion.  All of this feels good!
The sense of loss that each individual experiences is immense as we move into those later years.  However, a sense of feeling healthy and free will enrich their lives.  Beyond the benefits of the postures and breathing is the opportunity for meditation and relaxation.  This has the potential of relieving myriads of mental and emotional burdens that continuously constrain a person with tension and stress.

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