Namaste David,

I have a coworker who had her right leg amputated above the knee (she has about 6 inches below her hip). She has taken one yoga class but it was a one-time workshop and would like to take more with me. She does not use a prosthetic. She has a hand-powered bike she uses recreationally so she has significant upper body strength. Her doctor does not object to her trying whatever activities she would like to try. I want the opportunity to teach her but feel "green" about her circumstance and don't want to misdirect her. Is there a resource out there we can refer to help her modify her practice to fit her circumstance? Is there a resource book out there we could refer to that you would recommend? Should I suggest another style of yoga altogether? Any and all suggestions welcome.

K

Dear K,

Thank you for the message.

I will give you some general information for amputees and the practice of Ashtanga Yoga:

If there is a prosthetic used then in some ways it is easier to seek a point of balance of support and structure while in such postures as downward dog. In your friends case she does not use a prosthetic so there must be another approach. Balance must be sought through awareness and learning how to hold the body in proper alignment rather than seeking support through weight bearing the balance is found through support from the core. This is good training for all of us. It is best to seek our place in any asana by feeling the structure from the inside/out rather than attempting to build the asana from the outside/in. I do not know of any books on the subject thought that does not mean that there are none out there. You could do a search on the internet. I would be interested to know if you run across anything. THe advice or suggestions that I am giving are based purely on my personal theoretical ideas about it. I do think that this practice may be adjusted to suit the needs of anyone wishing to practice it. I have seen Pattabhi Jois work with a Quadriplegic boy. His family would carry him into the Yoga Shala and lay him on the floor. Pattabhi Jois would move his body into a series of asanas and encourage the boy to focus fully on his breathing while Pattabhi Jois manipulated his body for him. It was an example of not seeing the physical limitation as a limitation for someone to experience the benefits of yoga. Each instance must be dealt with on a case by case basis. The expertise of the teacher is to understand how best to apply the foundations of the practice to the specific needs of the student. Sometimes it is a journey for both student and teacher to learn what is the best method of approach. As long as you communicate clearly with each other and explore possibilities slowly and with breath there is sure to be knowledge gained to benefit both parties. Look for the overall structural appearance and explore ways of lifting or supporting from the core to achieve the lines of energy that you are looking for. I hope that this information is of some use. I know that it is quite general in terms but that is the best I can do without physically being present. Please keep me informed of the progress and the Journey.

Thank you again and I wish you all of the best on your teaching journey!

With Respect,

David