People tend to associate yoga with the physically fit. But yoga enthusiasts believe that it is not just for those sound of body and mind. They are hence trying to make the practice a welcoming space for persons with disabilities and learning disorders.

“People with disabilities can definitely do yoga, and for them slow-paced styles like yin yoga are most suited. Yoga also helps people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as it calms the nervous system,” said Francisca, yoga practitioner at Yogisthaan, Bengaluru.

With this goal in mind, The Practice Room, a training centre in Cooke Town, has — in association with One Step at a Time, an organisation working with people with disabilities — started classes aimed at persons with physical disabilities.

The approach towards yoga remains the same, says Jaya Chakravarty, founder of The Practice Room. “The only difference is that there are certain actions that persons without a leg or arm cannot do. If one is missing a limb, the teacher modifies the action in such a way that the effect can still be transmitted, or the participant is given support to complete the asana,” she explains.

She gives the example of tadasana (mountain pose), which involves standing straight with feet together and hands on the sides of the body. “If someone is seated on a chair, we start the process on the chair. We teach them to find their centre through their sit bones,” she explained. The centre has had eight participants with disabilities and hopes that over time, they can be integrated in the normal classes.

“People with physical disabilities deal with physical pain and psychological distress. By focusing on strengthening and caring for ourselves, it is possible to overcome our disabilities to a large extent and lead healthier and happier lives,” said Hema Subhash of One Step at a Time, who is an amputee.