Simple Yoga for Children
Dr. Riitesh Sinha highlights how childhood is a vital period for growth across all areas—physical, mental, and intellectual. This stage of life serves as a foundation for the future, and Dr. Sinha suggests simple yoga practices that can support overall development in children. These techniques are easy to incorporate into daily routines and encourage positive habits for lifelong well-being. Here’s a closer look at the recommended practices:
1. Starting the Day Right – Looking at Palms Dr. Sinha suggests that when a child wakes up, they should look at their palms and recite a special mantra called “Kardarshan.” This mantra is a short prayer to three deities: Goddess Lakshmi, associated with wealth; Goddess Sarasvati, representing knowledge; and Lord Govinda, symbolizing karma or work. By looking at their palms and reciting this mantra, children are reminded of the power and potential they hold in their own hands to learn, grow, and achieve. This simple gesture creates a positive start to the day, fostering a mindset that values learning, responsibility, and respect for tradition. Rubbing Palms and Face: After the mantra, children are encouraged to rub their palms together vigorously and then gently massage their face. This simple act helps wake them up fully, increases circulation, and promotes alertness and energy for the day ahead. Applying Saliva to Eyes: Saliva, which has natural healing properties, can be gently applied to the eyes to promote eye health. This traditional practice is thought to strengthen and soothe the eyes.
2. Showing Respect – Namaskaar Mudra and Ashirvad Respect for elders is a foundational value in many cultures, and Dr. Sinha introduces the Namaskaar Mudra to help children practice this respect in a physical and meaningful way. In the Namaskaar Mudra, a child touches the feet of elders with crossed hands. Elders, in turn, respond by placing their hand on the child’s head in a gesture of blessing, called Ashirvad. This exchange is thought to foster positive energy, as touching the feet with crossed hands is believed to balance positive and negative energy within the child. Additionally, this gesture is said to improve blood circulation, promoting physical and emotional well-being. Showing respect in this way strengthens relationships between generations, while also cultivating feelings of gratitude, humility, and happiness in the child.
3. The CPS Code for Health Dr. Sinha introduces a simple code—CPS—to make it easier for children to remember three key practices for physical and mental health: clapping, palate stimulation, and sole grounding. C – Clap: Clapping is more than a cheerful activity. The palms have numerous nerve endings, and when children clap, these nerves are stimulated, positively affecting related parts of the body. Regular clapping has been shown to strengthen the immune system, improve motor skills, and even boost academic performance by enhancing coordination and focus. Dr. Sinha encourages clapping when children are singing, cheering, or simply feeling joyful, as it provides both health benefits and a fun outlet for energy. P – Palate: The palate, or roof of the mouth, plays a unique role in yoga. Pressing the tongue against a specific “Magic Spot” on the palate during concentration, such as while studying, can improve focus and clarity. Known as the “La” spot, this position helps calm the mind, allowing children to concentrate better and engage deeply with their tasks.
S – Sole: Thumping Soles and Walking Barefoot: The soles of the feet, like the palms, contain nerve endings that correspond to various body parts. Dr. Sinha suggests that children occasionally thump their feet or walk barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or soil. These activities activate the nerve endings in the soles, which can improve the functioning of different organs, reduce inflammation, increase antioxidants, and strengthen muscles and the cardiovascular system. Walking barefoot in nature is also believed to improve mental health, reduce stress, and support overall wellness.
These simple yoga practices encourage children to start their day with mindfulness, respect, and a connection to nature. By incorporating these easy habits, children can grow physically, mentally, and emotionally in a balanced way. Dr. Sinha’s recommendations not only promote health and wellness but also help children develop positive values, focus, and self-awareness that will benefit them throughout their lives.
