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Yoga, Reiki, Tai-chi

General overview

Yoga was born in India over 5000 years ago, and remains a discipline widely practiced by many people around the world today. Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) has its origins in Japan, 2 centuries ago. Reiki and Yoga both rely on the movement of energy in the body, and the balance between mind, body, and soul. However, Reiki is different from Yoga in that the movement of energy is guided by the Reiki master through poses, breathing techniques and meditation. Finally, Tai-chi is a Chinese martial art, with health benefits and its meditative qualities, whose origins date back to the 17th century. Several styles exist and have followed one another, but the first creator of Tai Chi Chuan Chen style would be Chen Wang Ting (1600-1680).

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Main objectives of the method

All of these methods aim to improve the body perception and motor function of children with motor disorders. The child must, by the regular practice of one or more of these disciplines, become aware of the different parts of his body and differentiate them between them. Finally, he is supposed to better control them and regain balance and coordination in his body. In addition, the classic effects of stress reduction can be sought for the child.

Specificities of the method

  • These methods have the particularity of generally reducing stress in children, improving their breathing, allowing them to tame and enjoy their body. They are sweet and playful. They can be practiced at home, being guided by videos or books for example. They can also be practiced in group or individual lessons.

  • The advantage of these methods remains the absence of necessary equipment, which makes them free solutions (when one does not opt for the “group course” option) which can have interesting effects in the treatment of certain pathologies. .

  • However, it should be noted that the physical effects are often limited, the main contribution of these methods being mainly psychological. It is therefore important that they are supplemented with medical treatment.

Who is this method for ?

These methods can be indicated for a wide variety of children. Yoga, Reiki and Tai-Chi can be adapted for children who do not have the ability to stand up, even if it is better to prefer Yoga and Reiki in this case. As these methods are gentle, they are likely to be accepted by most children. In addition, they can be beneficial for the well-being of the child in the case of a large number of pathologies, in particular when the child encounters a problem in the awareness of his body.

What parents say about it

No testimony from parents of children with neurological disorders who have tested these practices found.
"As an effective and safe exercise program, tai chi can be added to current physical therapies to treat some of the major movement disorders in Parkinson's, such as postural instability and gait disturbances," explains to the "Daily" Dr. Fuzong Li (Oregon Research Institute, Eugene, USA)
"From the point of view of rehabilitation, the practice of tai chi - which focuses on the transfer of rhythmic weight, controlled torsion of the ankle to the limits of stability, the alternation of a narrow and wide position , extended rest time on the supporting leg, engaging the pelvic and trunk rotation, and practicing step movements, resting the heel against the toes and lowering the heel - can help improve postural control and the ability to walk, alleviate the cardinal symptoms of the disease and improve functional independence. "

Scientific references

  • Yoga as an Ancillary Treatment for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders: A Review

  • https://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.neuropsych.11040090

  • “On the basis of the literature published to-date, we conclude that yoga shows promise in treating the symptoms of several neurological and psychiatric disorders.”

  • Yoga treats the symptoms of several neurological or psychiatric disorders.

  • Meditative Movement, Energetic, and Physical Analyses of Three Qigong Exercises: Unification of Eastern and Western Mechanistic Exercise Theory

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5750593/

  • “Beyond articular stimulation, improved flexibility, and muscular coordination within the physical domain, the relaxation effect of slow deep breathing is evident in Qigong practice.”

  • Tai Chi (linked to Qigong) stimulates the joints, improves agility and flexibility, and relaxes.

  • Tai Chi Chuan in Medicine and Health Promotion

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3789446/

  • “During the performance of Tai Chi, weight shifting, body rotation, and single-leg standing in different positions are frequently practiced. Delicate joint control with muscle coordination is required during motions, and hence balance function may benefit from long-term practice of Tai Chi. In studies using simple balance tests (e.g., time duration in single-leg standing with eyes open or closed), older Tai Chi practitioners showed better postural control than sedentary subjects”

  • The long-term practice of Tai-Chi increases agility and posture in sedentary subjects.

Any remarks or comments ?

This work is based on a collaborative approach to sharing research and family experience.

If you have any comments, suggestions for modifications or corrections or clarifications to make, please let us know by email at contact@leneurogroupe.org

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