If a student is seeking Yoga instruction for an ailment - where is she or he to go? Yoga instruction comes in many varieties. Some schools focus on fitness, heat, children, moms, gentle classes, seniors, spiritual growth, and the therapeutic application of Yoga. When you combine the differences, in emphasis between styles and teacher personalities, the possibilities are endless.
Some schools have a mix of these objectives within the same classes. Therefore, not all Yoga teachers are equal when a student is in need of special care. For example: An adult student, with high blood pressure, would be wise to avoid "extreme" fitness-oriented Yoga classes.
Who are the "care givers" of Yoga? When considering the definition of a care giver, we may think about a person who attends to the needs of students. Yet, this could also mean those who address the special needs of the elderly or dependent adult Yoga students. There are care givers who specialize in the needs of children, as well.
At this time, disabilities are still being classified and some care givers are specialists. For instance: Some care givers may specialize in helping people with Parkinson's disease, physical rehabilitation, and working with special children.
Where there is a disability, there is a need for those who mindfully give care. Initially, those who teach Yoga to students with special needs, must have a deep sense of compassion. The next step to becoming a care giver is specialized training. It is true that innovation is useful, but it should be based upon strong foundational training.
Practical therapeutic applications of Yoga, anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology are solid aspects of foundational training for teachers who desire to meet the needs of special students. This may require additional specialized training on the part of Yoga teachers.
At times, there is too much focus on the body - when we consider Yoga as a form of therapy. It should be noted that meditation is an extremely valuable tool for calming and training the mind. Meditation is a good practice for stress relief. Meditation is also good for finding solutions to problems without worrying.
Chronic stress is often overwhelming, and it can cause serious problems such as: ulcers, high blood pressure, narrowing of the arteries, and elevated cholesterol levels. This is just a short list. The multitude of problems chronic stress can cause is worthy of a book. We cannot live without stress, but therapeutic forms of Yoga can teach our students to manage it.
Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
