All posts by Sumana Rao

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Anger management in child

How To Help Manage Anger In Child

Children can experience anger for a variety of reasons, just like adults.

Common factors that can contribute to children feeling angry are:

  • Frustration: Children often lack the language skills or coping mechanisms to express their frustration when things do not go their way. This can lead to feelings of anger.
  • Feeling misunderstood: Children may become angry when they feel like their needs or desires are not being understood or acknowledged by adults or peers.
  • Lack of control: Children may feel angry when they perceive a lack of control over their environment or situations, such as being told what to do or not having a say in decisions that affect them.
  • Overwhelm: Children, like adults, can become overwhelmed by emotions, sensory stimuli, or situations that feel too challenging or stressful for them to manage, leading to feelings of anger.
  • Unmet needs: Anger can also arise when children’s basic needs, such as food, sleep, or attention, are not being met adequately.
  • Emotional regulation challenges: Some children may have difficulty regulating their emotions, which can lead to outbursts of anger in response to even minor triggers.
  • Modeling behavior: Children learn from observing the behavior of adults and peers. If they see adults expressing anger in unhealthy ways, they may mimic this behavior.
  • Underlying issues: In some cases, anger in children may be a symptom of underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD.

Understanding the root causes of a child’s anger can help caregivers address it more effectively and provide appropriate support and intervention.

Reducing a child’s anger involves a combination of empathy, understanding, and teaching effective coping strategies. Here are some steps you can take:

  • Stay calm: It is important to remain calm yourself when dealing with an angry child. Your calm demeanor can help diffuse the situation.
  • Validate their feelings: Let the child know that it is okay to feel angry and that you understand why they might be upset. Empathize with their emotions by saying things like, “I can see that you are really angry right now, and that is okay.”
  • Encourage communication: Encourage the child to express why they are feeling angry. Sometimes just talking about their feelings can help them feel better. Listen actively and without judgment.
  • Teach coping skills: Help the child develop healthy ways to manage their anger. This could include deep breathing exercises, counting to ten, or taking a break to calm down in a quiet space.
  • Provide positive outlets: Encourage activities that help release pent-up energy and frustration, such as physical exercise, drawing, writing, or playing with stress-relief toys.
  • Set limits: Make sure the child understands appropriate behavior when they are angry. Set clear, consistent boundaries and consequences for unacceptable behavior, but also provide positive reinforcement when they manage their anger well.
  • Lead by example: Children often model their behavior after adults, so demonstrate healthy ways of managing anger in your own interactions.
  • Seek professional help if needed: If a child’s anger issues are persistent or severe, it may be beneficial to seek the help of a therapist or counselor who specializes in working with children.

Remember that reducing anger in children is a process that takes time and patience. By providing support, understanding, and teaching valuable coping skills, you can help your child learn to manage their anger in a healthy way.

Image credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/411539  CC0 Public Domain


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: April 29, 2024
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Mucocele remedies

Home Remedies For Mouth Mucocele

Mucoceles are small, painless cysts that form when saliva becomes trapped in a small pocket on the inside of the mouth, usually on the inner surface of the lips, particularly in lower lip or under the tongue. It is also known as ranula.

Mucocele is different from canker sore. Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, painful lesions that form on the inside of your mouth, including the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, and the roof of your mouth. They are usually white or yellowish with a red border and can make eating and talking uncomfortable.

Common reasons for mucoceles development in mouth are:

  • Trauma: Accidental biting of the lip or cheek, or any injury to the mouth’s soft tissue, can lead to the development of a mucocele.
  • Salivary gland duct blockage: Anything that obstructs the salivary gland ducts, such as thickened saliva or damage to the ducts themselves, can cause saliva to accumulate and form a mucocele.
  • Oral habits: Certain oral habits like lip biting, sucking on the lips or cheeks, or constantly running the tongue over the lips can contribute to the development of mucoceles.
  • Oral piercings: Tongue or lip piercing can sometimes cause trauma to the surrounding tissues, leading to the formation of mucoceles.
  • Dental procedures: Trauma or injury during dental procedures, such as injections or dental extractions, can also result in mucocele formation.
  • Minor salivary gland abnormalities: Sometimes, abnormalities in the minor salivary glands themselves can lead to the development of mucoceles.

Some of the home remedies that may provide relief from mucoceles are:

  1. Warm salt water rinse: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day. This can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
  2. Avoiding irritating foods: Spicy, acidic, or hard foods may irritate the mucocele and prolong healing. Avoiding these foods can help prevent further irritation.
  3. Aloe vera gel: Applying a small amount of pure Aloe vera gel directly to the mucocele can help soothe irritation and promote healing.
  4. Turmeric paste: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and discomfort. Mix turmeric powder with water to form a paste and apply it to the mucocele.
  5. Honey: Applying a small amount of honey to the mucocele may help soothe irritation and promote healing. Make sure to use pure, raw honey.
  6. Ice packs: Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb the area, providing temporary relief from discomfort.
  7. Avoiding trauma: Try to avoid biting or sucking on the area where the mucocele is located, as this can further irritate it and prolong healing.
  8. Vitamin E oil: Applying vitamin E oil directly to the mucocele may help promote healing and reduce inflammation.
  9. Tea tree oil: Dilute tea tree oil with water and apply it to the mucocele using a cotton swab. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that may help prevent infection.
  10. Maintain oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential for preventing further irritation and promoting healing. Brush and floss gently and rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash.

If home remedies do not provide relief or if the mucocele persists or worsens, it’s important to consult a dentist or oral surgeon for further evaluation and treatment. In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend draining the mucocele or surgical removal.

Image credit: Klaus D. Peter, Gummersbach, Germany, CC BY 3.0 DE <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/de/deed.en>, via Wikimedia Commons


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: April 28, 2024
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Benefits of Practicing Somatic Yoga Movements

Benefits of Practicing Somatic Yoga Movements

Somatic yoga offers a range of potential benefits, both for the body and the mind.

1.       Increased body awareness: Somatic yoga encourages a heightened awareness of internal sensations, helping individuals become more attuned to their bodies.

2.       Stress reduction: The slow, mindful movements and emphasis on breath awareness in somatic yoga can promote relaxation and reduce stress.

3.       Improved flexibility and range of motion: Somatic yoga incorporates gentle movements and stretches. By moving slowly and with awareness, participants can release muscle tension and improve overall mobility.

4.       Enhanced mind-body connection: Somatic practices emphasize the integration of the mind and body. It helps deeper connection to their bodies, fostering a sense of unity and balance.

5.       Pain management: Somatic yoga is often used as a complementary approach for managing chronic pain conditions. The focus on releasing muscle tension and improving movement patterns helps in back pain or muscular discomfort.

6.       Mindfulness and presence: Practicing somatic yoga encourages extend mindfulness beyond the yoga mat, promoting a more mindful approach to daily activities and interactions.

7.       Improved posture: Somatic movements often address patterns of muscular tension and imbalances that contribute to poor posture.

8.       Emotional release: Somatic yoga may facilitate the release of stored emotions and tension held in the body. This can provide a holistic approach to emotional well-being and contribute to a sense of emotional release and freedom.

9.       Enhanced relaxation response: The slow and deliberate nature of somatic yoga movements can stimulate the relaxation response in the nervous system, promoting a sense of calm and balance.

10.   Self-care and self-compassion: Engaging in somatic yoga encourages a compassionate and non-judgmental attitude toward oneself.

Image credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1638322 (CC0 Public Domain)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: April 26, 2024
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Slow Moving Somatic Yoga Poses

Slow Moving Somatic Yoga Poses

Following Five Somatic yoga poses are generally practiced in Somatic yoga. These are modifications of traditional yoga with very slow movements where one will completely focus on the muscles and release tension that is holding in muscles.

1.       Somatic breath awareness: Begin in a comfortable seated position. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. Notice the natural rhythm of your breath without trying to control it. Focus on the gentle rise and fall of your chest and abdomen.

2.       Pandiculation: This is a stretching and contracting movement used in somatic education. Start in a comfortable standing position. Inhale and reach your arms overhead, lengthening your spine. Exhale and slowly contract your muscles as you bring your arms back down.

3.       Somatic cat cow: Begin on your hands and knees in a tabletop position. Inhale as you arch your back, lifting your head and tailbone (Cow Pose). Exhale as you round your back, tucking your chin to your chest (Cat Pose). Move slowly and consciously with your breath.

4.       Somatic forward fold: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale as you lengthen your spine. Exhale and hinge at your hips, folding forward with a slight bend in your knees. Let your head hang and your arms dangle, focusing on releasing tension.

5.       Somatic twist: Sit comfortably with your spine tall. Inhale and lengthen your spine. Exhale and twist to one side, placing one hand on the opposite knee and the other behind you. Move slowly and gently, feeling the twist through your spine.

Image credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1435085 (CC0 Public Domain)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Difference Between Traditional and Somatic Yoga

Difference Between Traditional and Somatic Yoga

Other differences between traditional and somatic yoga involve Yogis ultimate goal, breath awareness and posture alignment.

Breath awareness:

·         Traditional Yoga: Breath awareness is a fundamental aspect of traditional yoga, with specific breathing techniques (pranayama) incorporated into the practice. Breath is often coordinated with movement to enhance the flow of energy.

·         Somatic Yoga: Somatic yoga also places importance on breath awareness, but it may not involve complex breath control techniques. The emphasis is on natural, relaxed breathing that supports a sense of ease and relaxation.

Alignment vs. Internal sensation:

·         Traditional Yoga: Traditional yoga often places emphasis on proper alignment in poses to promote physical integrity and prevent injuries. There may be specific instructions for aligning the body in each posture.

·         Somatic Yoga: Somatic yoga is less concerned with achieving a specific external form and more focused on the internal experience of movement. Practitioners are encouraged to explore their body’s sensations and move in ways that feel natural and comfortable.

Goal:

·         Traditional Yoga: Traditional yoga often has a holistic goal that includes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The practice generally aims at self-realization, enlightenment, or union with a higher consciousness.

·         Somatic Yoga: Somatic yoga is often more focused on improving body awareness, releasing tension, and promoting overall well-being. The goal may be to enhance the mind-body connection and facilitate more efficient and comfortable movement.

Image credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/810216 (CC0 Public Domain)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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How somatic yoga is different from traditional yoga?

How somatic yoga is different from traditional yoga?

Somatic yoga originated from traditional yoga. It is modification of traditional yoga for specific reasons and the practice of certain poses depends particularly on one’s need. In somatic yoga practice involves continuous micro movement, it is gentle, and it is slow.

Philosophy and approach:

·         Traditional Yoga: Traditional yoga is often rooted in ancient philosophical traditions, such as those found in classical yoga texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. It often incorporates ethical guidelines (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), meditation, and spiritual elements.

·         Somatic Yoga: Somatic yoga is more contemporary and draws on principles of somatic movement and education. It emphasizes internal awareness, the experience of movement from within, and the integration of mind and body. The focus is on releasing tension, improving body awareness, and facilitating natural, efficient movement.

Movement style:

·         Traditional Yoga: Traditional yoga can involve a wide range of movement styles, from dynamic flows to static poses. The emphasis may be on achieving and holding specific postures to promote strength, flexibility, and balance.

·         Somatic Yoga: Somatic yoga typically involves slow, mindful movements that prioritize internal sensations over achieving external postures. Movements are often exploratory and focused on releasing muscular tension and improving overall movement patterns.

Image credit https://pxhere.com/en/photo/649488  (CC0 Public Domain)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Gentle Somatic Yoga -Slow Mindful Movements For Stress Release And Overall Well Being

Gentle Somatic Yoga -Slow Mindful Movements For Stress Release And Overall Well Being

“Somatic yoga” typically refers to a style of yoga that incorporates principles of somatic movement. Somatic movement involves a deep awareness of the body and focuses on internal sensations and experiences. The term “somatic” comes from the Greek word “soma,” meaning the body as perceived from within.

In Gentle somatic yoga, practitioners are encouraged to explore movement from the inside out, paying attention to sensations, breath, and the subtle nuances of each posture. The practice often involves slow and mindful movements, allowing individuals to release tension, improve body awareness, and enhance their overall well-being.

Yoga from inside: Somatic Exercises can change how we live our lives, how we believe that our minds and bodies interrelate, how powerful we think we are in controlling our lives, and how responsible we should be in taking care of our total being – Thomas Hanna, a philosopher, and movement therapist, developed the concept of somatic yoga. Somatic practices aim to reconnect the mind and body, facilitating a more conscious and integrated experience of movement. Some somatic yoga classes may also draw inspiration from other somatic disciplines, such as the Feldenkrais Method or Body-Mind Centering.

It’s important to note that the term “somatic yoga” can be used by different instructors or studios to describe various approaches, so the specific practices and techniques may vary. If you’re interested in somatic yoga, it’s a good idea to explore classes or resources from instructors who specialize in this area to get a better understanding of their approach.

How somatic yoga is different from traditional yoga?

How somatic yoga is different from traditional yoga?

Difference Between Traditional and Somatic Yoga

Difference Between Traditional and Somatic Yoga

Slow Moving Somatic Yoga Poses

Slow Moving Somatic Yoga Poses

Benefits of Practicing Somatic Yoga Movements

Benefits of Practicing Somatic Yoga Movements

Image credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1094338 (CC0 Public Domain)

References:

·         https://somatics.org/

·         https://essentialsomatics.com/

·         https://denizaydoslu.com/what-is-somatic-yoga/

·         https://celebrate.energypsych.org/


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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