Learn How Yoga Helps Attention Deficit Disorder
Regular Classes Help Kids and Adults with ADD Focus & Concentrate
Oct 15, 2009
For children and adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), exercise is an ideal way to channel excess physical energy. More than team sports, though, yoga helps ADD in that it combines exercise with mental discipline. Yoga sharpens concentration and focus while working the body to help those with ADD, and especially ADHD (Attention Deficit with Hyperactivty Disorder) in ways that drugs can’t match. Yoga and ADD are an excellent match to manage and relieve symptoms.
Yoga Builds Mental Discipline
Yoga focuses on the mind, not just the body. This elevates yoga above other forms of exercise when it comes to helping people with ADD. There are eight distinct limbs, or aspects, of yoga. Five of these eight limbs specifically focus on honing the mind, as described below.
- Yamas: This is the first limb of yoga, and its meaning is “restrictions.” Practitioners of yoga work towards control of the mind – restricting it from certain things, like distractions. For anyone with ADD, this sort of control can help prevent the mind from wandering.
- Niyamas: The second limb of yoga, Niyamas means “observations.” Students should be able to observe and learn without being distracted.
- Pratyahara: The fifth limb of yoga, meaning “detachment.” By becoming detached from their surroundings, yoga students are less affected by them. This can help a student with ADD focus on only one thing, detaching themselves from all else.
- Dharana: Meaning “concentration,” this is the sixth limb of yoga. Obviously, learning the skill of concentration is vital for anyone with ADD.
- Dhyana: This means “meditation,” and it is the seventh limb of yoga. Meditation clears the mind, leaving it free to concentrate on only one thing – or on nothing at all.
These limbs are all interconnected; learning one helps to strengthen the others as well. When these five limbs are learned, Attention Deficit Disorder can be very manageable and reduce stress.
Yoga Provides Physical Release for those with ADD
It does take time and dedication in the form of regular classes to learn the mental strength that yoga offers. The mental benefits of Yoga may not be immediately apparent. While students are in the process of discovering the five mental limbs encompassed by yoga, they can at least benefit strongly and instantaneously from having a physical outlet.
The exercise aspect of yoga is both thorough and calming. Children or adults who might become more hyper when subjected to bursts of activity like aerobic exercise are likely to find themselves calmed by the gentle motions of yoga. Yoga helps ADD by being physically intensive as well as soothing – people with ADD can be rid of their excess physical energy while also calming down.
Yoga is an Effective, All Natural Treatment Option
Anyone who is reluctant to treat mental imbalances with the use of potentially harmful drugs can rest assured that yoga is the most natural remedy available. No medication at all is involved – only exercises to help sharpen the mind.
With a strong focus on mental discipline, yoga helps children and adults with ADD to focus and concentrate. Students of yoga can train their minds while enjoying a good workout and promote both mental and physical well being.
Sources:
Yoga Journal: Focusing on A.D.D (http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/597)
SpecialYoga.com - ADD - Attention Deficit Disorder and Yoga (http://www.specialyoga.com/add.htm)
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