During puberty and the later teen years, immense changes are taking place in
the body's chemistry and physiology. The chakras are also developing and
becoming more active at this time. Imbalances of the chakras, body chemistry,
and physiology often show up in rebellion and mood swings. The regular
practice of yoga can help you maintain balance in the different chakras
and keep the spirit and soul strong and healthy, thereby benefiting both
the body and mind.
Try these poses: Owl
Cat
Flamingo
Camel
Locust
Mantis
According to yoga philosophy, a healthy spine creates balance and is a conduit to
a sound mind. Yoga is designed to stimulate the nerves running along the
spine. Poses involving twists and upside-down positions are especially
effective for this purpose. When you practice all categories of yoga poses-seated,
standing, lying down on your stomach or back, and upside down-you cause
each vertebra (bony segment of the spine) to be slightly separated from
the ones above and below it. Creating space between the vertebrae serves
to 'plump' the disks between them, allowing energy to flow freely to the
brain and giving the blood a clear passageway to circulate in a healthy
manner.
Boys and young men in their teens usually develop their legs and arms through
sports or weight training. However, they often overlook flexibility of
the spine, back, arms, and legs. Yoga stretching poses are highly beneficial
in correcting this imbalance and in strengthening muscles that are not
used in strength training. The stretching may be difficult at first, but
with practice, you will become more flexible and the poses will become
easier.
When a girl begins developing breasts, the muscles that hold the spine in place
are often weakened or strained, because the front of the torso is carrying
more weight. Doing chest opening, backward bending, forward bending, and
upside-down yoga poses will strengthen arms, shoulders, and back, as well
as teach these parts of your body to balance out the weight in front.
Internal organs are growing and changing during this period and can become upset
with diet changes or over stimulation of nerves. Yoga helps to keep organs
healthy despite everyday stresses. It also assists in balancing out the
mood swings and eliminating the body aches resulting from the hormonal
imbalances experienced during sexual maturing. During this growth period,
yoga is useful in easing the tension of tight muscles, tendons, and ligaments,
and it can also help to strengthen bones. Certain poses alleviate menstrual
cramps, and others work internally on clearing energy blocks that may
cause headaches, sinus problems, irritability or digestive problems.
Yoga promotes unification of body and mind, and as you practice, it will increase
your awareness and your ability to look within, think for yourself, and
trust yourself. The result is that you will feel more peaceful and self-confident
during a period of rapid change and be able to engage the world with a
more positive outlook.
YOGA AND HYGIENE
In yoga philosophy, the body is considered a temple to be treated with
respect, understanding, and acceptance; but dealing with the rapid physical
changes of adolescence can be difficult at times. For instance, as girls
undergo hormonal changes and begin to experience the internal cleansing
process of the menstrual cycle, keeping the body clean and free of odor
is very important. As boys undergo the hormonal changes leading to manhood,
they often experience glandular secretions resulting in sweaty feet and
underarms, which also require regular cleansing.
Frequent cleansing is necessary to keep the pores open so that the skin is able
to release toxins freely. Bathing before practicing yoga enhances the
capacity of the pores to open and expel toxins and excess oil through
sweat glands. Yoga deep breathing exercises promote the process of internal
cleansing by improving circulation. An added benefit of yoga practice
is the release of negative energy, which can block nadis (energy channels), glands, and
pores.
YOGA AND SEXUALITY
Yoga poses tone and balance the sex glands, while improving energy. During
the teen years, most boys and girls become self-conscious about the changes
in their bodies that go with sexual maturing. Boys may suddenly become
concerned about whether hair is beginning to grow in the right places,
such as on their faces or in the pubic area. They may also be concerned
with muscle tone. Boys who mature more slowly or are not as physically
strong as their peers often feel less manly, when they compare themselves
with others. With regular practice, yoga will build muscle tone and strength
and will improve energy and balance to enhance your physical performance
and make your body the best it can be.
Girls experience shifting hormonal levels surrounding menstruation that
can create sudden mood swings, ranging from anger to sadness. Girls also
typically compare their physical changes, judging whose breasts are more
developed, and worry about various other aspects of their developing bodies.
Yoga practice improves fitness and health. It allows you to develop greater
poise, grace, and confidence, as well as a more accepting relationship
to your body and a positive image of who you are in the world.
YOGA AND SPORTS
Throughout adolescence, when the body is still growing, and bones, muscles,
tendons, and ligaments are changing, stress injuries are common. A quick
or energetic body movement can sometimes cause a stress injury to any
of these areas. Athletes who do not stretch enough in warming up experience
injuries that often could be avoided-such as pulled hamstrings, knee injuries
from tight tendons and ligaments, and shoulder, wrist, and ankle injuries
from weakness in these areas. By offering a complete body workout, yoga
balances out the stresses of any sport and helps correct tightness or
weakness.
Stretching before and after a rigorous workout from any sport is recommended.
About the Author
Thia Luby is a nationally known yoga teacher and best-selling author. She has developed yoga programs for children, teenagers and adults. Her Children's book of Yoga was selected by School Library Journal as one of the best children's books of 1998.
Excerpt from "Yoga for Teens" reprinted with permission of Clear Light Publishers http://www.clearlight-books.com. To order a copy of this book and other Clear Light titles call 1-800-253-2747.
