A type of yoga accessible to individuals irrespective of physical challenges and limitations has taken the world by storm
If you are still flinching from joining yoga classes for reasons whatsoever, a look into adaptive yoga might convince you in the affirmative. The highly-inclusive adaptive yoga is a specialised form of yoga that deviates yet not so much from traditional yoga practices to accommodate individuals with various physical limitations, disabilities, or health conditions. In essence, it involves personalised adjustments to poses, the use of props like chairs, blocks, and straps, and tailored sequences. Adaptive yoga transcends barriers to make yoga more relevant and engaging in daily life. Having its roots in the thousand-years old ancient practice of yoga, adaptive yoga symbolises a broader societal shift towards recognising yoga as a tool for physical and mental well-being.
A combination of pranayama and asana, the classes encourage one to hold on to a pose—a style known as passive yoga, which establishes a mind-body connection and act therapeutic. This type of yoga integrates spinal twists to alleviate lower back pain, increase fluidity in movements, and improve the strength and functionality of the spine. Even for young adults who need to spend a chunk of time sitting at desks and/or in front of the laptop need adaptive yoga to prevent negative health consequences.
Over the years, adaptive yoga has emerged to be a progressive style and assimilates the values of urban communities. At its core, the principles of empathy, inclusivity, and creatives bind to adaptive yoga. Unlike regular or traditional yoga classes that rely on structured poses, adaptive yoga offers a more flexible approach and relies on a varied sequence of poses specific to treat medical conditions and other disabilities. Even for bruises and injuries, adaptive yoga remains a crucial part of the treatment process.
By providing a means for regular physical activity and mental relaxation, adaptive yoga contributes to a better quality of life for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions.
Even those who are new to yoga and harbour a certain degree of cynicism and discomfort are comforted and tremendously benefited by the practice sessions. With yoga, the energy flows through the spine in the upward direction. The right position influences the way you feel and emote with your surroundings.
Adaptive yoga creates an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of physical ability, can engage in and benefit from yoga, enhancing self-esteem and a sense of community. Needless to say, it is a space which eventually instils a sense of achievement and confidence within individuals. Individuals and groups alike feel the warmth of belongingness from enhanced social connections and reduced feelings of isolation. This is especially relevant to those who live aloof in urban settings without family and friends.
Regular practice helps to alleviate chronic pain and manage symptoms of various health conditions through gentle, adapted movements and breathwork. Even elderlies who are not at ease with yoga are walked through the easy way to performing the movements. A lot of time and efforts are invested into helping people get aligned with their surroundings. Since yoga is all about a customised approach, each individual does what is most needed to their circumstances.
This type of yoga offers a comprehensive approach to wellness by addressing physical, mental, and emotional health, contributing to overall quality of life. Technically, the practitioners of the yoga believe in inducing a degree of awareness in the body through a synchronisation of physical postures, breathing, and meditation practices irrespective of the student’s level of skill and expertise.
