By: Dr. Michelle Hebert DC, CHT
9/19/07
The importance of physical activity, particularly with today’s youth, can not be understated. Because of the tendency towards a sedentary lifestyle that has developed especially over the past 15 years, there is now an emergence of health issues appearing in children that have extreme consequences not only for the future health and wellbeing of the children, but also detrimental consequences for all of society. Diseases that were once considered uncommon in children (like obesity, arthritis, fatigue and depression) are now becoming the norm. We are at a critical turning point where changes can now be made to intervene by teaching children healthy habits that will set a strong physical, mental and emotional foundation. These three components, or pillars, (physical, mental and emotional) are all necessary to have a healthy and balanced life. I know of very few systems that work on assisting children with healing and strengthening all three pillars simultaneously and in a fun way. Children’s yoga is one of these systems and I realize how fortunate we are at this time to have this system accessible when it is so needed.
In my years of practicing as a chiropractor and acupuncturist, treating all ages of children, I have found that there is a fundamental link between how well energy flows through the physical body tissues and the overall health of an individual. Research has now shown that the fascia and connective tissue of the body has electromagnetic properties and that when energy does not flow properly through these tissues, optimal functioning of glands, organ systems and even the brain and nervous system does not occur! In other words, when then the ability of energy to flow through these tissues becomes impeded, disease begins. As a chiropractor, I am very aware that these energy blockages in tissues can be remedied with re-aligning the body and breath work, but I am also very aware that the patients who practice Yoga on a routine basis have significantly less energy blockages in their tissues. These patients also seem to have a much better ability to maintain a balanced state of being and overcome any health challenges that do come about. Specifically for children, when a child learns and practices yoga, they are practicing how to maintain balance and good health in their lives and how to positively respond to challenges and stresses of living.
The other aspect of yoga that is less understood by the mainstream public, but no less important, is the mental/emotional healing aspect. Most often children will report to parents, “I love yoga. It makes me feel happy.” Then the parents will notice that their child asks to do yoga, as though the child is innately sensing that the mental/emotional balancing effect of the yoga is needed. The specific postures in yoga all have specific effects, helping to unblock stagnant energy in the acupuncture meridians (energy pathways). The effect of unblocking the stagnant energy helps the glands to secrete balanced levels of hormones and also helps the brain to balance the neurotransmitter levels. Overall, this balances the brain chemistry, allowing for a calmer state of mind, joyfulness and peacefulness. Children especially seem to innately connect with this pure state of being and this is another reason why teaching yoga to children is so important. Calming moments in yoga are a way for children to safely re-connect emotionally to their surroundings. As a chiropractor and acupuncturist, I have observed that there is a tremendous positive mental and emotional effect of balancing a child’s energy system. Anything we can teach our children to help them to balance their energy system, especially techniques that they can do on their own, is incredibly valuable because it gives them an opportunity to be well.
We live in a society with intense pressures that significantly impact our children. The pressure to fit in, to succeed, to be “cool” seems increasingly harsher as time progresses. The opportunity we have as teachers is to introduce healthy ways of dealing with these pressures. The sooner we introduce these to our children, the better! Perhaps you may sometimes even think to yourself, “If only I had been taught when I was younger the Yogic techniques that allow me to feel innately good, healthy, blessed and connected to the Infinite Source of Unconditional Love, then I think I would be a healthier adult.” It is very true that we can be deeply affected (positively or negatively!) by the things we learn when we are a child. Please take this opportunity to recommend children’s yoga to as many children as you can. It will change their lives for the better and it will also change our world for the better, one child at a time.
