Implementing Yogic Techniques into Speech-Language Pathology

Implementing Yogic Techniques into Speech-Language Pathology

Christine Ristuccia M.S., SLP-CCC, RYT-200

www.adddriya.comwww.sayitright.org1Welcome to Yoga for Speech.

Story about how and why I started yoga.

Why I teach yoga to children.2

23Course ObjectivesAt the end of the session participants will be able to:Know the causes and effects of stress & anxietyDiscuss the benefits of movementDemonstrate knowledge of 5 yoga poses and the benefits. Demonstrate 3 ways to implement yoga & learning into a speech session. 34The World Today Is Moving at a Fast Pace

Things have certainly changed since I was even in graduate school. The use of Electronic devices is staggering. Everyone seems to be in a hurry to get to the Next place, the next text, etc. 45Every SLP faces many challenges in this fast, moving world

In this world, come changes in the job of a speech language pathologist.

Have them tell me the Positives of the job/negatives of being an SLP56Solutions and job satisfaction are within reach with simple, easy to use yogic techniques.

Even though the world is moving at a rapid pace, we have a toolCalled yoga which was not readily available when I was in graduate school. This tool is entitled yoga. 67Solution: Incorporate Yogic practices into your life and in therapy.

Bringing this invaluable tool I into your lifeAnd your therapy sessions can give you a senseOf calmness. I refer to the yoga techniques you will learnToday as tools in my Yoga toolbox. They are quick, easy and Effective. 78Incorporating yogic techniques into your therapy and your own lives will help you and your students obtain self-awareness and the ability to become self directed and balanced.

8 9What is Yoga?

9Yoga means union.

10psychologicalphysicalsocialmentalYoga Works HolisticallyYoga Is a Tool That to Treat Clients In A More Holistic Manner.

Holistic healthis a concept in medical practice upholding that all aspects of people's needs, psychological, physical, social, and mentally should be taken into account and seen as a whole. As defined above, the holistic view on treatment is widely accepted in medicine.1011Yoga Poses Are Designed to Achieve Various Emotional EffectsDepending upon the type of yoga pose practiced, the individual can achieve a desired state of mind.

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Yoga Poses Are Designed to Achieve Calming or Energizing Effects in the Body

12Calming poses can be used with kids/clients who are anxious and aggressive.

Energizing poses can be used to evoke expressive language and in the mid afternoon to Provide energy to the session. 13Yoga Consists of Physical Exercises and BreathingPhysical exercise (poses)Mindful breathingA connection to selfEnergizing & calming poses13When most people think of yoga, they think of these things. In my experience, I viewYoga as a Reset button. Yoga is a non-competitive activity that can be used inClassroom setting s and is a wonderful family activity to calm down after a longDay.

Mental Benefits of YogaA path for clear, direct communicationFosters imaginationEnhances memoryPromotes creative problem solving/self disciplineHelps calm the mind while increasing ones ability to focus and concentrate. (Khalsa & Khalsa)

14Yoga calms the aggressive children and increases the self Confidence of the shy and more introverted children. 14Yoga Consists of Mindful MovementsReady to learnAttentiveRelaxedSelf-aware15Basic Alignment for the Lower BodyThe Rule of 4-head lights facing forward

Knee caps facing forward, Alignment of head and neck

Hips and shoulders facing forward 1617Yoga Can Be Practiced in aChair!The beauty of yoga is that it can literally be done anywhere at anytime.

17As you have seen, we have done all of the yoga posesIn or in front of our chairs. The beauty of yoga is that it can literally be done anywhere at anytime.AttitudeSetting an IntentionCommitment statementGoal for studentStudent goalChecking inEmotionsRecapping last sessionWhat worked?What did not work?18Setting an Intention=ClarityWhat is your goal for the student?What is the students goal for themselves?Ways to achieve the goal=TechniqueEducating student about the game plan/way to reach the goal.19Agreement to Release Old Habits and Replace with New SkillsImportant to review every session.

Check in every session

Checking in20What worked.What did not workStudent Feedback is essential20AlignmentTechnique or method-How to do somethingSLPs job to educate studentWill vary according to the disorderWays to achieve goal.

ExampleArticulationManner and placement

21ActionNeed to physically practice the alignment to integrate technique into the bodyMastery =knowledge of technique

22Educating Students about Assisting ThemselvesAwareness of ability-AlignmentAwareness of need-AttitudeReminding self what to do-alignmentAsking for help if needed-Action2324Yoga & Speech Therapy

24You need breath to produce speech. ... And the link between speech and . . . Yoga . . . Is . . . Breath.

Speech and Yoga: the link is breath.

More boys than girls are typically enrolled in speech therapy. Boys require more movement than girls for Brain growth and development. Girls can also benefit from the movement.

25Stress & Anxiety and the Relationship to SLI KidsChildren with Speech Language Impairments (SLI), including expressive language disorders, have been rated as more withdrawn and anxious than peers. (Benner, 2002)

25Yoga makes you better at being yourself. Yoga is the great balancer of our personality.

In my experience of teaching yoga to childrenI have noticed that shy and quiet kids become more outgoing and aggressive and loud Children become calm and able to focus.

Why not give our kids extra tools to help them be successful in life!26Anxiety Affects EmotionsAnxiety affects

Limbic system (emotions) which

Releases adrenaline which

Activates the Sympathetic Nervous System

26add arrows to connect the words. Add pictures if you can find good ones. 27Watching for Signs of Anxiety Can Alert You That Children Arent Emotionally Ready to Learn.Shrugged shouldersFidgetingShallow breathingEye movementsCracking the neckTeeth grindingIncessant, nervous talking

If you see these signs check in with students.

27Many of us see these signs in therapy with students. We think that they are just messing aroundAnd avoiding getting to work on their goals and objectives. Many times, however, this is not the case. They are anxious and do not have the tools to deal with the anxiety.

In fact, many adults are in the same situation. Do you know any of them? 28Autonomic Nervous System Stimulates Either the Fight or Flight or Relaxation Response

This is an automatic response in the body that regulates-blood pressure-flight or flight-relaxation responseFight or flightRegulates the internal organs

2829The Purpose of the Autonomic Nervous System

29Autonomic Nervous System is a Balance. Body maintains balance between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic systemsBodies natural state is parasympathetic system, however our culture seems to be Stuck on the sympathetic nervous system-fight or flight.

We are beginning to accept this as normal. Stress and Your Nervous SystemAffects your body in multiple ways: PhysicalMentalMuscularlyBreathing

30Stimulates the relaxation response in the body3031Yoga Activates the Relaxation Response in the BodyThe brain perceives muscle stretching as the opposite of muscle tensionThe biofeedback from yoga stretches is a sense of safety and well being

31When we do yoga or long deep breathing even for a short amount of time, the Parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation response) in the body is activated. Many kids and adults begin to yawn and feel that yoga makes them sleepy. They are not Sleepy, they are relaxed and their body views the exercises they are doing as safe resulting In a relaxed state of mind.

Lets do a few poses in our chair and you can experiment how your body responds. Benefits of Yoga and SpeechA safe and nurturing place to practiceTools for checking in with selfRelease old habit and embrace the newConnection to selfTools to check in emotionallyCalm nervous system = calm memories at cellular level

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Studies Have Shown That Many Speech-Language Kids Have a Variety of Additional Issues:

Motor-skill deficienciesLanguage delaysAnxietySocial skill immaturitySensory integration issues

33I bet you are wondering when I am going to share with use how to use yoga in therapy? When I was doing my researchFor this PowerPoint, I found some amazing articles that shared with me information that I did notLearn in graduate school. When I began to learn about yogaThrough my yoga teacher training program, I began to take notice of the kids in my therapy sessions. I began to see many of these things. I realized that it would be beneficial to Incorporate my Yoga Tools into therapy with these students. Teaching Kids Positive Ways to Deal with Various SituationsRespond vs. reactProper breathingProblem solvingGrounding your body/mind

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Breathing before making a decisionPositive self-talk (I like who I am when I do my best)Respond Breathing before making a decisionRespond versus reacting (counting to 10)Breathing to calm your self down.

34Its the SLPs Duty to Make Kids Feel Safe During TherapyAwareness of ourselves is first priorityCheck in with ourselvesCheck in with kidsMentally do the Self Awareness checklistHave kids do Self Awareness Checklist35What are our limited notions and ideas about therapy?A particular student progress and ability levels.

35Classical ConditioningTherapist = stress

Student = stress

Students intuitively pick up on ourEnergyStress

36Getting out Nervous or Aggressive Energy37

Get It All OutPunch the AirLion BreathWoodchopper Upside Down PoseQuiet Pose37Calm Down Yoga Set38

Ocean breathSeated forward foldSeated cat/cowWashing machineTemple massage3839Quiet Pose: Achieving a Sense of CalmnessClears the mind.Resting poseHelps to decrease frustrationCreates walls within their own body

39Creating a Calm Environment for Students to LearnAt cellular level the neural pathways will be associated with learning the desired skill in a relaxed state of mind.Student will leave with good memories

40Being Fully Present and Aware Leads to Greater CarryoverChecking in with emotions leads to a greater connection and knowledge of self.

Being fully present = mindfulness and greater acquistion of the skill level.Emotionalphysical41Connecting to SelfAllows us to be present and observe our thoughts and behaviors to learn more.

Make more progress because we are paying attention. 42Checking in With EmotionsWhen you mis-produce a word or work on a skill that is difficult, how are you feeling?

Being aware of emotions when hands and feet, posture are in a certain alignment, 43Holistic TherapyWe as SLPs do not only help the students with speech, but also with themselves.Mentally: TechniquePhysically: PracticeEmotionally: Checking in44Therapy is All About the StudentRemember is about the students paceNot about our ego

The students behavior is not something to take personally.

Accommodate their needs.45Checking in with Emotions Allows Self-RegulationA time to reset.Ability to know when to utilize tools to self regulate (Yogic tool box)EmpowermentSelf responsibilityIncreased motivation46Physical Ways to Check-InPostureBreath: Hands: Moving aimlessly or placed in lapFeetVoice: loud vs. softShoulders/neck: back vs. forward

47Benefits of Checking-InBrings awareness to the body-KinestheticAwareness to emotionsAre in the present momentActivates the relaxation response Understand themselves We can understand their reactions vs. judging them.48Knowledge of SelfStrongSteadySupportive to selfGrounded and self observingAccountable for progress vs. clueless and feeling out of control.

49Do Verbal Emotional Checklistas Student is Doing PosesChecking in-What is happening for you?Anxious-what that feels likeSadEnergeticHappy50Signs that Students Need to Check In/Be PresentCracking NeckWiggling in seatNot listening/talkingLook anxiousIf these actions are happening than something is going on emotionally. Could be related to anxiety

51Techniques for Checking InAsk questions: Be curiousWhat is happening with you?How are you feeling? Watch what body part is moving and ask them to check in with that part. Apply the cooresponding poses to the body part. Have them do the poses to relax that part of the body.

52Checking in with PostureS-Spine

Rainbow back 53

Checking in with BreathInhale/exhale

Hands on belly

Temple massage54

Checking in with the HandsWrist circles

Starfish/clam hands

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Checking in with the ArmsEagle Arms

Teddy Bear Hug 56

Checking in with the FeetGas Pedal feet

Ankle circles

Point/flex toes57

Awareness of Feet and LegsLunges

Hip opener

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Checking in with the VoiceLion pose

Shoulder Shrugs

Yes/no59

Awareness of VoiceLoud vs. soft-auditory awarenessKinesthetic awareness of articulatorsProper alignment of the head and neck is essential. 60Warming Up the Throat CenterAlign head and neckS. P. E. E. C. H.Coherent belly breathing 61

Align head and neck: Komodo Dragon Pose

Coherent belly breathing-Inhale/Exhale

6162Breathing May ReflectYour State of MindIf you are relaxed, your breath is slow and deep.If you are stressed, breath is shallow and you may even be unconsciously holding your breath.

62The breath acts like a metronome from one thought to the next. We also sawHow improper breathing can cause activation of the wrong muscles and cause fatigue and stress.

The key is diaphragmatic breathing. Signs of the Relaxation ResponseYawningA result of deeper inhalation=more oxygen to the brainStimulates sympathetic nervous systemHelps with productivity due to ability to slow the mind.

6364Breathe in and belly expands out like a balloon, exhale and belly draws inward.

64Yoga and AutismChildren with autism have sensory issues.

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Many students with autism or Asperger's have been shown to benefits from yoga.

They too have sensory integration issues and yoga has been used to help With these issues.

It is more effective to only show these children on pose at a time. I show them appropriate waysTo deal with being overwhelmed than flapping or running back and forth in a straight line for example. 65Autism: Yoga Addresses Sensory Issues 66

Vestibular (balance)ProprioceptionTactileSensory issues (proprioception-where the body is in space, vestibular (balance) and tactile (sense of touch).

Many students with autism or Asperger's have been shown to benefits from yoga.They too have sensory integration issues and yoga has been used to help With these issues.

It is more effective to only show these children on pose at a time. I show them appropriate waysTo deal with being overwhelmed than flapping or running back and forth in a straight line for example. 66Self Regulation-Dr. Heather McKenzieIn addition, people with ASD have significant learningstrengths. They typically include:visual/spatial abilities: seeing is truly believing and it also improves understanding and remembering.musical/rhythmic abilities: using melody and tempo can enhance processing and comprehension.

67Using Yoga Poses to Promote Turn Taking68

Pizza pose is a wonderful to end a language session and encourage turn taking. I have the kids sit around in a circle on the floor and we talk about what Topping we want on our pizza. We also work on sequencing skills such As. Turn on the ovenRoll the doughPut on the sauce

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The Nervous System and the Entire Body is Connected69In terms of the anxiety and stress that I mentioned with many of speech and language students,It is important to realize that they may appear stressed, but other problems in the nervous systemMay be the cause. They may have sensory integration issues in which yoga can help with. The nervous system is all one unit-The nervous system has many parts, however there is no part that is not connected to every other part. From: speechtherapydevelopment.com

6970Yoga Requires Use of the 6 of the 7 Senses of the BodyTactileSmellAuditoryVisualVestibular (Our sense of balance)Proprioception (where body is in space).70When we think of the senses in the body, we usually think of 5. Has to do with being present. However, there are actually 7. The other two senses arevestibularproprioception

Proprioception and tactile work together. It helps us grip an egg firmly enough, but not too hardThat it breaks. We may see this with some of our students with Apraxia. 71Yoga Requires Use of the 6 of the 7 Senses of the Body

71When we think of the senses in the body, we usually think of 5. Tactile, smell, auditory, visual, taste

However, there are actually 7. The other two senses are: vestibularproprioception

Proprioception and tactile work together. It helps us grip an egg firmly enough, but not too hardThat it breaks. We may see this with some of our students with Apraxia. Using Yoga To Learn Language72

7273Lets Learn With Our BodyYogi Says can help teach or reinforce spatial concepts.

73Have participants stand in Mountain pose using long, deep breathing. Works on receptive language, listening skills, Being present and attention. Have to connect from the head into the body-which are 2 different skill sets.

Now have them step to the left, now back to the center, to the right, back to center

Step forward, backward and then back to the center. 74Yoga Requires Knowledge of Spatial Concepts and Prepositions

74Practicing yoga poses will allow the students to review and/or learn spatial concepts and prepositions (e.g. around, over, under)Spatial concepts (above, below)The reinforcement of language concepts and labels during physical and motor activities will help facilitate the comprehension of vocabulary concepts which are essential for following directions and language development.

When giving verbal instructions for each of the poses, you can work on spatial concepts.I work with 2-3rd graders and adults that have no speech and language disorders and thisCan be a challenging task for them. Most people who are not involved in dancing or yoga do not have a good Proprioceptive awareness of their body. Yoga helps to increase this awareness.

Go slow and have them physically participate while learning. 75Yoga Exercise Can Helps Children Learn New ConceptsYoung children need to physically experience concepts in order to truly grasp them.(Pica, 2009)

75Show a yoga card with the spatial concepts questions. Lets put in a video of me describing the poses to the kids. 76Using Your Body to Learn Can Help With Language AcquisitionThere appears to be a link between the physical domain and speech-language skills. (Murata, 2004)

76The rese77Yoga and Learning: Research Has Linked Fine and Gross Motor Skills to Learning If you improve motor skills then speech & language may skills improve

77Many children who have speech and language issuesAlso with fine or gross motor issues as well. The nervous system isOnly one unit even though many of the disciplines divide it up Into their area of expertise. Motoric ally large muscles correspond with smaller muscles (fine motor skills)78Using Your Body to Learn Can Help With Language AcquisitionPreschoolers interact with their environment with gross and fine motor skills. Proprioception relates to where the body is in space (spatial concepts)

78The resePlaying with OppositesYes * No (1min) (up and down)

Seated Kite (30 secs) (arms up and down)

Washing Windows (30 Secs) (breath in and out), arms up and down

Komodo Dragon (1min) chin/hyoid bone forward then back-feel the difference

79Need to add images79Playing with OppositesYogi saysGive instructions and have students do the oppositeExample: Right hand-they have to use the left hand8081Using Yoga in Speech Language Therapy SessionsHave a specific goal in mind.What do you hope to achieve? How can you integrate to enhance and enrich experience for the client?

When using yoga in therapy, think about what goals you want toAchieve. 81Ways to Incorporate Yoga With LanguageActing out storiesStory retell & WH questionsSpatial concepts and prepositionsFollowing verbal directionsVocabulary

82Using yoga to work on our speech and language goals can make the therapy session more exciting by using all parts of the body To learn.

And interactive learning to our sessions8283Using ABC Yoga Cards Can Help Practice Students GoalsChoose one goal and usethe appropriate questionsAlphabetic principalPhonemic awarenessSegmentationRhyming

83I used to send home homework calendars for parents to work on language skills. The yogaPoses can be a way for the entire family to work on language and pre-reading skills. These cards allow you to not only teach the yoga posesBut to incorporate pre-reading skills. 84Doing Yoga While Waiting for a Speech Turn in a Group SettingSet up a yoga mat or chair in the corner of the speech room and put one pose on it. The kids can practice their target speech sound silently while doing the pose.

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85Acting out stories is a fun and effective way to work on speech and language disorders. Incorporates active versus passive learning in auditory comprehension of directions and story retell. All children can be involved in the activity simultaneously. You can then ask wh questions for story Retell.

Seated cat/cowBirdOcean breathGatekiteWhole Group Participation in the Learning ProcessAssign a separate character to each student or group (if in a classroom)Have the character out the assigned role or poseStory retell (have them answer the WH questions at the end of the story). 8686Using Yoga With Non-Verbal childrenSign languageAnimal noises. Associate noise with the animal. Play Simon Says. The kids do the poses while the adult labels the action. 87Need pictures8788Use Noises of the Poses If You Are Working on Expressive LanguageIf your student is non-verbal, then using the appropriate noises for each of the poses can help stimulate talking.

8889Using Sign LanguageYou can pair the signs with the verbal name of each pose to work on expressive language and vocabulary skills.

For younger children, you can show the child the picture and then pair a sign with it for added reinforcement. 89907 Energy Centers Within the Body: Activating the Throat ChakraThere is one at throat area (thyroid)Controls communicationExercises:

90Exercises: Neck stretches & shoulder shrugs Warming Up the Throat Center91

Warms up the throat center and activates the relaxation response in the body.

Shoulder RollsShoulder shrugsYes/noNeck stretchesLionBumble bee breath91Yoga Exercises to Warm-Up the Throat Center92

The energy center for speech is located in the throat center.

Ocean Breath, Neck stretches, and Shoulder Shrugs help warm-up the throat center.

Using mantra helps open the throat center and when used with a Mudra is very calming to the nervous system. If one of the students I am working with Is stressed, I often have them do the mudra by itself to calm them down. This is a tool from theYogic Tool Box. 9293Yogic Principals Can Be Used As Themes for Speech SessionsNon-violence to yourselves and otherCompassion for allHonest communicationNot stealing: Appreciating what you haveDont steal "another persons turnDont interruptNot holding on to things: Do your best!93use pictures94Yogic PrincipalsPurity/cleanliness: Respect self and space. Be responsible for own space--clean-up.Contentment: Be at peace with own circumstancesDisciplined use of energy: Working with enthusiasm/directing energy. Be present Dont think about after class/future94How Can You Use Yoga at Work?

95You can use this pose with Inhale/exhale or Ocean breath. You can incorporate the Chair yoga poses that we did at the beginning of this presentation into your work setting.9596

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101Journal and Discuss How You Could Incorporate Yogic Principals Into Your Speech Sessions

101102Yogic PrinciplesActivityWith your neighbor discuss one principal and tell how you will implement it into your practice.

Take one minute per person.

102Preparing the Body to Learn Using Upper Body Movements 103

Teddy Bear armsEagle armsCow face103Review of Yoga TechniquesYoga is calmingYoga can help with learning new conceptsVarious yoga poses can have different effects on the body (calming versus energizing)

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