click to enlarge

Now that my daughter and I have had the opportunity to experience some of the benefits of Yoga practice, I thank God for that newspaper article, which led me to Sonia Sumar and her community of Yoga practitioners. I say "community" in the literal sense of the word, since all of us are friends who share a common bond, and we are able to support one another through an open exchange of ideas and experiences.

Lorena began practicing Yoga with Sonia in August of 1983, when she was nine months old, and now it is a part of our daily life. But Yoga is not like any sport. It is much more comprehensive.

Nowadays, "Lo" is nine years old and studies at a public school near our home. It is difficult to describe the light, tranquility, strength and optimism that Yoga brings to us. My little daughter is a happy child, communicative and clever. We are very proud of her.

Glória Buval Moreira 
Belo Horizonte, Brazil. 1 December 1991 

click to enlarge

We are deeply grateful to Sonia Sumar, a gifted and caring teacher.

Maria Piedade Kilson 
Belo Horizonte, Brazil. 1 December 1985 

click to enlarge

With Sonia's help, I have learned to give up my bitterness about the past. I have also learned to view the passing events of my life, tragic as well as joyous, with a measure of equal vision."

Maria de Lourdes Ramos de Souza 
Belo Horizonte, Brazil. 14 March 1994 

click to enlarge

The effect on his body tone was immediately noticeable. His sitting posture and sitting balance improved. His body tone, especially in the shoulders, arms, and hands relaxed, enabling him to more easily perform tasks requiring upper extremity dexterity. His head and neck alignment improved, allowing him to hold his head erect for significantly longer periods. Cognitively, he was able to pay attention to conversations for a longer time before fatiguing and was more focused while listening. An integrated calmness of body and centeredness of demeanor developed as the Yoga therapy sessions continued.

Because of the cumulative benefits of regular practice, his spinal scoliosis diminished. It also became apparent to his physician and therapists that, due to his decreased muscle tone, the surgery contemplated for Param was no longer necessary. This surgery is often performed on the muscle group that causes hip dysplasia.

I want to acknowledge and emphasize here the direct influence that Renata has had in this process. Besides being a superb Yoga practitioner, she is a wonderful embodiment of the spirit of Yoga. Sonia's enthusiasm for Yoga, imparted to her daughter from a young age, has inspired Renata to grow into a shining person, filled with compassion, joy, and a love of service to the world.

Renata is not only a gifted Yoga teacher, but also a certified speech and language pathologist. As a result, she was able to give Param training in oral motor skills. His tongue-thrusting and other increased-tone symptoms were greatly reduced as a direct result of Renata's intervention.

In conclusion, I believe that Param benefited, and continues to benefit, from Renata's work with him in 1995. I attribute this both to her expertise as a Yoga therapist and to her integrity and dedication as a person. Thank you, Renata, for the wonderful gift you have given us.

Richard Atman Johnson, R.N., for the Johnson Family 
Buckingham, Virginia, 26 May 1997

Richard Atman Johnson has been a Registered Nurse for twelve years, primarily in Adult Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 

During a period of approximately four months, "P.J.," a nine year old child with very severe total body dystonia and dyskinesia secondary to Cerebral Palsy, was fortunate to receive adjunctive regular Yoga therapy in addition to his regular weekly combined Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy treatment. The latter therapy consisted primarily of neuro-developmental therapy; orthopedic therapy; myofascial release techniques; and use of custom adapted positioning and mobility devices and assistive technology devices as needed.

Among the improvements noted in P.J.'s condition during this period of combined Yoga and traditional PT-OT therapy were:

1. An apparent overall "quieting" of the central nervous system, with a decrease in P.J.'s tendency to thrust into total body extensor patterns; a decrease in his tendency to "generate" muscle tone through severe jaw extension; and a decrease in his tendency to "hold his breath" during strong volitional efforts.
2. A decrease in muscle tone of the upper extremities during intentional movements, allowing P.J. to more easily reach and press switches to operate a toy.
3. An increase in passive joint range of motion, particularly in the hamstrings and hip adductor-internal rotator muscles, which contributed to P.J.'s ability to sit independently on a mat in cross-legged sitting for the first time in his life.
4. An increase in P.J.'s ability to redirect attention to tasks when requested to do so; a decrease in distractibility; and an increase in eye-to-eye contact.
5. A noticeable improvement in P.J.'s breathing pattern characterized by slower, deeper breaths.
6. An improved ability for P.J. to "tune into" his own high body tone and to self-inhibit this tone.
7. An apparent improvement in self-esteem and confidence.

It certainly appeared, in P.J.'s case, that Yoga therapy was a very beneficial adjunct to traditional PT and OT treatment, and that it contributed to enhancing P.J.'s physical, mental, and emotional development in a safe, gentle, and loving way.

Kathryn T. Broecker, R.T.P., M.S. 
Director of Physical Therapy, Richmond Cerebral Palsy Center 
Richmond, Virginia. April 21, 1997

Please consider attending one of our programs or reading our book to find out whether our methods can make the difference for the special child in your life.