References:

Birdee, G., Yeh, G., Wayne, P., Phillips,

R., Davis, R., & Gardiner, P. (2009).
Clinical applications of yoga for the
pediatric population: a systematic
review. Academic Pediatrics, 9(4),
212-220.
doi:10.1016/j.acap.2009.04.002
White, Laura Santangelo (2009).
Yoga for Children. Pediatric Nursing.

Why Pediatric Yoga?

-

With the practice of yoga

and mindfulness, positive
influences are present
within a childs physical,
neurological, educational
and emotional growth.
Yoga provides a
framework for groups or
one-on-one treatment in
the least restrictive
environment possible.
Integrating movement
and breathing sequences
into an educational or
therapeutic environment
provides evidence-based
techniques to prepare
children for growing and
learning.
Studies show that
pediatric yoga may also
help with anxiety, chronic

Evans S., PhD; Sternlieb, B.; BFA,

Zeltzer L, MD; Tsao J, PhD.(2013).
Iyengar yoga and the use of props for
pediatric chronic pain: a case study.
Alternative Therapies, 19 (5)

PEDIATR
IC YOGA

PEDIATRIC YOGA
[Kelsey Smith, OTAS;
Abbey Shamp, OTAS;
Larissa Johnson, OTAS;
Cindy Johnston, OTAS]

[An overview of
pediatric yoga and
how it enhances
child development]

Types of Poses
Yoga may be classified as standing,
seated, balance, twists, supine,
forward bends, backbends, and
inversions. The inversions include
postures in which the legs are
above the level of the heart (White,
2009).

Here are some examples:

Downward Dog: It is best to start
from being on hands and knees.
Then lift your knees off the ground
so that your feet are flat on the
ground and your knees are fully
extended. Arms should also be
straight. Hold pose for 30 seconds.
Rag Doll: Stand upright with feet
shoulder width apart. Bend at
waist, and let your arms hang
loosely and try to touch the ground
with your figure tips.
Cobra: On the floor, lay on your
stomach. Without lifting legs, arch
your back by placing hands next to
your shoulders and lifting upper
body until your arms are fully
extended.
Boat: While sitting on your bottom,
bend your legs and lift feet off the
floor. Then extend arms in front of
you so that your elbows are next to
your knees.

History of Yoga:
Yoga is a mind-body practice
that originated in India at
least 2000 years ago. For
over two millennia, yoga has
evolved into different schools
of thought, while maintaining
the purpose of directing the
mind and body (Birdee et al.,
2009).
Iyengar Yoga is a tradition of
yoga that B.K.S. Iyengar
developed to ensure that all
individuals including those
with medical complications
and pain, have access to the
postures, breath work, and
meditative practice of yoga.
(Evans et. al., 2013) Kuttner
et al completed one
randomized controlled yoga
study in children with Irritable
Bowel Syndrome. Their
findings supported the
successful outcome of our
case study. (Evans et al.,
2013). Yoga provides children
relief from chronic pain.
Iyengar yoga has an
individual use props to
facilitate the practice of
therapeutic poses and to
support the body. (Evans et.

[young girl in downward dog pose]

Benefits of Pediatric
Yoga:

With regards to
cardiovascular effects,
studies seem to
suggest that yoga
lowers blood pressure,
heart rate, and
respiratory rate in
children and young
adults (Birdee et al.,
2009)
It has also been studied
that yoga can enhance
the mental health of
children.
Yoga has also been
known to help make a
childs mood better and
reduce their stress and
negative emotions.
Studies also show that