Yoga & Disability in Physical Education
Niyama (Self-Purification & Study)
Rules of Conduct
These rules govern personal interactions and our inner world. There are five types:
- Saucha (Purity): Implies both external and internal purity. Water purifies the body, truthfulness the mind, and true knowledge the intellect. The soul is purified by knowledge and austerity. This advocates for intellectual, speech, and bodily purity, aiming to remove all impurities from the body.
- Santosha (Contentment): Described as not desiring more than what one has earned through honest labor. This state of mind doesn’t depend on external factors. Santosha involves practicing gratitude and joyfulness, maintaining calm at all costs.
Asana (Postures)
Asana means ‘position or posture of the body,’ specifically for practicing yoga. Asanas maintain flexibility, agility, and youthfulness, enhancing the body’s beauty by reducing excess fat. There are various types, including corrective, relaxative, and meditative asanas, each with different effects on various organs, activating their functions. Asanas can be performed by people of all ages.
Pranayama (Breathing Control)
Pranayama controls breathing—specifically inhalation and exhalation. Its three components are Puraka (Inhalation), Kumbhaka (Retention), and Rechaka (Exhalation). Various types include Ujjayi, Suryabhedi, Sheetkari, Sheetali, Bhastrika, Bhramari, Murcha, and Plavini. Pranayama regulates metabolic activities, enhances heart and lung function, and promotes longevity.
Pratyahara (Sense Control)
Pratyahara is self-control over the senses. It involves introverting the mind and senses, preventing them from responding to external distractions that hinder mental concentration.
Dharana (Concentration)
Dharana develops and extends concentration powers by directing and controlling attention and the mind.
Dhyana (Meditation)
Dhyana is a meditative state of focused concentration without distraction. It’s often advised to perform tasks with ‘dhyana’ (attentively).
Samadhi (Enlightenment)
Samadhi, the highest state of consciousness achieved through meditation, is spiritual enlightenment where the self, mind, and object of meditation merge. It is the process of enlightenment.
Yogic Kriyas (Shat Karmas)
While outer cleanliness is easy, inner cleansing is more challenging. Shudhi kriyas, or Shatkarmas (six actions), achieve inner bodily cleanliness, essential for maintaining health.
Kapalbhati (Purification of Lungs)
‘Kapalbhati’ combines ‘Kapal’ (skull) and ‘bhati’ (light/bellowing). This breathing exercise stimulates the brain, cleanses nasal passages and trachea. It’s not recommended for those with mental health issues.
Disability and Disorders
Disabilities can be visible (e.g., wheelchair users, hearing impairments) or invisible (e.g., autism, dyslexia). A disorder is a medical or psychological deviation from typical functioning, diagnosed based on specific criteria.
Types of Disability
- Vision Impairment (blindness, low vision)
- Hearing Impairment (deafness, hard of hearing)
- Physical Disability (cerebral palsy, dwarfism, muscular dystrophy, acid attack victims)
- Mental Health Conditions (mental illness, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability)
- Neurological Disorders (acquired brain injury, neurological disability, chronic neurological conditions)
- Speech and Language Impairment (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia)
- Blood Disorders (thalassemia, hemophilia, sickle cell disease)
- Multiple Disabilities (simultaneous occurrence of two or more physical or mental disabilities)
Aims of Adapted Physical Education (APE)
APE helps students with disabilities develop physical fitness, motor skills, and positive attitudes towards physical activity. It provides equal opportunities, develops physical fitness and motor skills for these students.
Disability Etiquette
Disability etiquette promotes respectful communication with and about people with disabilities.
Traditional and Regional Sports
Traditional sports include Kabaddi (India), Sumo wrestling (Japan), Hurling (Ireland), and Indigenous games like lacrosse. Regional games are similar but specific to smaller areas.
Leadership in Physical Activity and Sports
Leadership is the ability to influence, motivate, and empower others to contribute to the effectiveness and success of their organization or group.
Olympics
An ancient Greek festival held every fourth year, featuring sports contests.
Olympic Movement
The Olympic Movement comprises the International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Sports Federations (IFs), and National Olympic Committees (NOCs).
Olympic Values Education Program (OVEP)
OVEP offers free resources to teach young people the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship.
- Goal: Inspire young people to apply these values in all aspects of their lives.
- Resources: Provides resources for in- and out-of-classroom use, including teaching resources, capacity-building activities, and networks.
- Benefits: Aims to improve educational performance, enhance civic responsibility, and respect cultural diversity.
- Target Audience: Designed for young people of all backgrounds, cultures, and athletic abilities.
- Usage: Can be used by teachers, instructors, coaches, sports clubs, government and education authorities, and Olympic family members.
Role of Professionals for Children with Special Needs
These professionals provide instruction and support, facilitating the participation of students with special needs in classrooms. Special educators use various teaching methods tailored to each student’s needs, helping them achieve important learning milestones.