Alternative Therapies

Though yogasanas are generally practiced by adults, there are certain yogasanas that can be performed by children. It helps them calm their mind and senses strengthens their bodily functions, increases immunity, and also improves their concentration.
Yoga can be practiced by children from the age of eight. In the initial stages they can perform simple asanas. Yoga needs to be practiced methodically. It has to be done under the supervision of a yoga teacher.
Two of the basic asanas that can be easily performed by children are,

Tadasana (the mountain posture) is the first step in the standing yoga postures.
Stand with feet close, and the toes touching each other. Lift your toes first and then lay them down on the floor. Sway from side to side so that your weight is balanced equally on the feet.

Raise your head up and lift your head towards the ceiling. Raise your legs- calves and then thighs. As you breathe in, imagine your breath rising through your legs to the crown of your head. While exhaling, imagine your breath moving from the head to the feet.
This posture is considered to improve your respiratory and digestive system.

Trikonasana (the triangle posture)

Keep your feet 3 feet apart. While breathing in, raise your arms parallel to the ground and palms down.Turn your right foot 90degrees out and left foot 45 degrees in.

Bend towards the right side from the hip. Let your right hand touch the right foot or the floor behind your right foot. Stretch your left arm towards the ceiling. Turn your gaze to the palm of your left hand. Stay in this pose for half minute. Repeat the step on the left side.

This posture is considered to strengthen your shoulders, thighs, knees, ankles, hip, calves and spine.