Yoga and Martial Arts Combined Therapy for Kids with Cancer

• Physical Benefits: greater flexibility, greater muscle strength, muscle endurance, and improved coordination.
• Enhanced Self-Awareness: tuning in to our bodies and minds.
• Bolstering Self-Esteem: as we gain greater control over the body and mind.
• Enhanced Imagination and Empathy: Many of the poses we use are based on the natural world (i.e., Bhujanngasana - the cobra; Vrksasana - the tree; Adho Mukha Svanasana - the downward dog; Bakasana - the crow). Children learn to connect with other forms of life and to awaken the recognition of life's continuity.
• Fun in a Non-Competitive Environment: Yoga teaches an internal attitude of integration of mind-body-spirit. It is thus about unity (the meaning of yoga, yug which in Sanskrit means union). There is no right or wrong way in our teaching. Rather it is about a continuing process of increased awareness and connection with our own life.
• Relationship: We teach the importance of relationships and working together to help each other in the journey of yoga and the journey of life.
• Discipline: An unromantic word, yet a most essential quality to develop for any serious progress. Yoga helps to develop a subtle and powerful inner self-discipline. Children practice a slowing down of the stimulation of our high-paced lives by holding yoga postures and becoming observant of the feelings and sensations that are generated. Breath work and chanting are emphasized for their ability to focus the mind and body. In this way, children are encouraged toward self-mastery.
• Strengthening Family Ties: We encourage family members (parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended family members) to practice yoga at home with the children. Yoga helps to create bonds which bring families closer together.
• Learning Relaxation Response and Getting Control of Stress: Children in our program learn to use meditation or breathing to initiate the relaxation response and to focus the mind.
• Healing visualizations and Affirmations: Disease is as much a mental pattern as it is a physical condition in the body. The children in our program develop a wellness consciousness and learn to shift into healing mental patterns.

The combined therapy program was developed by Dr. Rene David Alkalay in cooperation with sensei Duval Hamilton. The yoga and martial teachers at Genesis Tree of Life facilitating these programs are highly trained and experienced in working with children. Families in which there are children with cancer or in remission from cancer are encouraged to contact Genesis Tree of Life for screening to determine if this program is suitable for their child. Space is limited to twenty participants per cycle of 12 weeks. Participants in this program will have the opportunity of attending two classes per week. The venue for these classes is in Forest Hills. Genesis Tree of Life may be contacted at 718-544-5997 for further information.

THE GENESIS TREE OF LIFE YOFA AND MARTIAL ARTS COMBINED THERAPY PROGRAM

Empowers children by building self confidence and self esteem. The venue provides a positive and supportive atmosphere and the children are trained in Kyokushin Karate, one of the most effective systems of martial arts to build inner strength and energy. Both the yoga and the martial arts components teach pain management techniques as an integrative mind-body system.

Information about Dr. Alkalay’s program is available at:
Genesis Tree of Life Wellness Center
102-06 Metropolitan Avenue Forest Hills, NY 11375
Tel. 718-544-5997 Fax: 718-544-5488
www:genesissociety.org
www:treeoflifeyoga.net