What is Adaptive Yoga? Meaning, Benefits, Full Guide

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Yoga is a great way to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. It is known to enhance physical strength and mental well-being. Some people avoid yoga because they have physical or mental disabilities. However, this happens because of their false belief that yoga is a form of physical exercise that can be done by healthy individuals only. 

What about those people who suffer from disabilities and diseases? 

Some diseases decrease your strength and limit your body’s potential. Is there a way these people can adapt yoga to a healthy lifestyle? 

People with cancers, arthritis, Parkinson’s, and other chronic disorders might think their body is incapable of becoming fit. 

Believe us, all these assumptions are not true. Your body and mind have limitless potential. They are capable of achieving more than you can think. All you need to do is find the perfect yoga methodologies that suit you the best. 

Perform yoga poses suitable for your current condition and help you with your disabilities. This is the basic concept of adaptive yoga. Now let us put some light on what adaptive yoga is all about. 

What is Adaptive Yoga? Meaning & Definition

It is a form of yoga that a person adapts according to their ease and physical capabilities. The idea behind adaptive yoga is to mold conventional yoga postures to benefit people with disabilities.  

Adaptive yoga poses are the perfect solution for anyone with a physical disability. No matter if you cannot stand, bend, sit or lay down, adaptive yoga makes it possible to achieve a positive lifestyle. 

This specialized yet simple yoga is somewhat different from conventional yoga. You need to learn and perform the asanas under the guidance of a professional yoga guru. Learning adaptive yoga is not a difficult task but somewhat challenging for a few people. 

Remember, a few modifications in your lifestyle will not only fix your body but also heal your condition. Not only disabled people but every person should perform yoga poses that suit them best. 

Also Read- How to Stop Worrying and Start Living?

adaptive yoga

Yoga Adaptations

Every body is different, and so are the physical lifestyle goals. Every individual has a certain aim that they want to achieve through yoga. A yoga asana that works for one might not benefit the other person. A yoga guru will listen and understand your condition and guide you accordingly.

The meaning of adaptive yoga is to bring some flexibility in yoga practice to make the most out of your yoga routine. 

Why Adaptation in Yoga is Necessary?

Sometimes people suffer from injuries and diseases that make some parts of their body nonfunctional. A person may be born with disabilities that make it quite difficult to function normally. 

What if they want to practice yoga for a healthy lifestyle or healing purposes? 

Adapting specific modified yoga patterns, including asanas and breathing techniques that can be easily performed with disabilities, is best for these people. 

Firstly, the basic conventional yoga poses that are beneficial for conditions are selected. The prana of these poses aims to benefit or heal the conditions. Then the teacher, with their experience and command, alters the pose in a way that the disabled person can perform it. 

Also Read- Tips for How to be happy in life?

Top Benefits of Adaptive Yoga

Adaptive yoga as a whole is a substantial life-changing yoga domain for several people. But there are certain crucial benefits for people with chronic illnesses, physically challenged people, and other bodily challenges. 

1. Healthy Lifestyle

A study by California State University claims that challenged people who performed adaptive yoga for eight weeks tended to have a more positive and joyful attitude toward their life. 

2. Increase Confidence

Generally speaking, some people with disabilities are low on confidence and esteem. They feel different and rejected by the normal population. 

Adaptive yoga can alter their mindset and boost their self-confidence. They feel stronger and capable of achieving milestones in their life. 

3. Help with Neurological Disorders

Including adaptive yoga as a part of daily routine significantly improves mental disorders. It helps people to cope with depression and anxiety issues as well. 

4. Increase Self-Awareness

Certain yoga poses help the person to explore their body and capabilities in a better way. Taking your body under new challenging conditions enhances your self-awareness. You become more aware of your capabilities and body. 

5. Enhance Social Life

Attending yoga programs and meeting your kind of people creates a sense of normality. You get a chance to share your problems and situation with alike people. Small gathering and social learning with fellow mates brings positivity to life and increases healing. 

Also Read- Complete guide to Ujjayi Pranayama

Adaptive Yoga for Cerebral Palsy

Brain damage causes distorted movement and coordination problems, known as cerebral palsy. Adaptive yoga help enhances strength, mobility, balance, and coordination and, to some extent, heal our body. Adaptive yoga poses are modifications of general yoga asanas. 

The best part is that individuals can modify yoga poses that fit their physical condition. People can perform asana sitting on a chair or lying on the floor. 

A person unable to stand due to balance problems or muscle weakness can perform yoga on a wheelchair. The approach is to get mental healing and physical well-being. Take advice from a yoga teacher or join professional online yoga courses before practicing adaptive yoga for any disease or disability. 

Adaptive Yoga FAQs

1. Who should perform adaptive yoga?

People suffering from physical disabilities where some part of their body stops functioning properly and people with mental disabilities who find it difficult to function normally can perform adaptive yoga. 

2. Can we perform Adaptive yoga by ourselves?

You can do it, but it is essential to have proper support and knowledge while performing adaptive yoga. It is best to communicate and take help from professional yoga trainers to learn adaptive yoga. 

3. Can Adaptive yoga heal cerebral palsy?

Few asanas and methodologies of adaptive yoga can minimize the symptoms and benefit cerebral palsy. Degenerating symptoms will automatically lead to an improvement in quality of life.

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Conclusion

No matter whether an individual suffers from a physical or mental disability, adaptive yoga has infinite benefits. Technological advancements allow one to easily go for online yoga courses to connect with expert trainers. 

To heal, you need to believe in yourself. A positive mindset assists the body in bringing energy for healing. All you need to have is the right yoga guru

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