Down syndrome is one of the mostcommonly seen congenital conditions, manifesting through a specificarray of symptoms stemming from the presence of the third chromosomeon the 21st one. Therefore, people with Down syndrome haveabnormalities affecting their physical appearance as well as theirmental performance.
Fortunately, people who are born withthis condition can find relief and help in many aspects of life. Oneof the most effective ways of boosting both the physical and mentalabilities is through practicing yoga on a regular basis.
Yoga for Down Syndrome
As far as the effects of yoga on Downsyndrome symptoms are concerned, there are quite a few of these.Namely, yoga is capable of boosting the performance of one's centralnervous system. Also, this discipline can tone the body through thebalanced and demanding exercises, increasing its strength andboosting it balance.
Furthermore, yoga has plenty ofbenefits on people's mental health. Apart from increasing the levelsof concentration and memory skills, it also balances the hormonelevels in one's body, making sleep patterns regular and natural.Additionally, yoga helps people learn how to understand and respectothers, being completely aware of their bodies and having high levelsof self-esteem at the same time.
Overall, yoga is a fun activity toindulge into and most people are likely to enjoy the process ofreaping all the benefits it has.
However, when people with Down syndromedecide to practice yoga, their caregivers or close ones need tooverlook their exercising process, preventing any injuries fromhappening. Namely, Down syndrome people have greater flexibilitylevels in their joints and this can easily lead to an increased riskof injuries. Therefore, guidelines are best to be followed carefullyand exercises are to be done according to the instructions.
Sometimes, the poses of the yogaexercises will need to be modified in order to accommodate to theshape and capabilities of the body of people with Down syndrome sincethey have shorter limbs and a generally smaller stature than otherpeople. Moreover, most children with Down syndrome suffer from acondition called hypotonia or low muscle tone. They commonly benefitfrom yoga greatly since it strengthens their muscles and tightenstheir ligaments, allowing them to boost the general fitness of theirbodies. Also, due to the fact that Down syndrome people commonlysuffer from flat feet, weak ankles and unstable knee caps, some ofthe most common yoga exercises are bound to help them overcome theseproblems.
The twists they perform during theiryoga exercising experience will help them with the digestiveprocesses and the overall health of their intestinal system. However,this form of exercising will also result in higher levels of goodposture and proper breathing.
Yet, the necessity of performing all ofthese exercises under supervision is not to be neglected. Thissupervision is best to be provided by a qualified yoga expert, eventhough a skilled caregiver may prove to be of assistance too.
Besides focusing on the physicalbenefits, yoga also applies some psychological ones too, mainlythrough its breathing exercises called pranayamas. These are capableof easing any cases of pulmonary hypertension, which occurs commonlyin children with Down syndrome. The benefits these exercises have onthe lungs will prevent nasal congestion and many other healthproblems. Moreover, they will boost the overall immune system of aperson, making him/her less resistant to illnesses of all sorts.
Adults with Down Syndrome
With all the positive discoveries foundabout this condition, people have managed to provide better lives forpeople with Down syndrome, allowing them to live longer and higherquality lives, reaching adulthood and finding work. However, the maindownside of work and Down syndrome is the fact that these people areprone to developing Alzheimer's disease many years before it becomeslikely to occur in other individuals. This might make work harder forDown syndrome people, even though, through proper health measures,they can prevent this condition from ever appearing in their lives.
In general, in the year of 1929, Downsyndrome people lived for about 9 years. This is a very shortlifespan, especially when we compare it with the situation nowadays,where these people live for more than 50 years. Many Down syndromepeople marry, get jobs and live productive and creative lives.Therefore, through proper assistance and help, Down syndrome peoplecan manage to live an independent life without any specific problems,bearing in mind that Alzheimer's disease and some other, similarconditions are likely to affect them after the year of 40.
All in all, yoga can help people withDown syndrome in overcoming some of the hardships related to livingwith this condition. Basically, through yoga, one can manage to gainboth physical and mental benefits which are bound to improve his/herquality of life significantly.
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