Click to play videoBangalore: A unique form of therapy for physically and mentally challenged kids is becoming increasingly popular. Complementing the conventional modes of therapy is a whole wave of alternative therapy that involves horses, dance steps and even plants to help the disabled children.
Manish, a cerebral plasy patient is made to ride horses as part of therapy. A horse that’s been named High range has been helping him. The experts say animals are therapeutic as their rhythmic movement is similar to the human gait. The horse’s body heat acts as physiotherapy for a child's stiff muscles.
"More than 80 per cent of the child's problems are cured gradually with this therapy. It has been proven in the West that alternative therapy is successful. It’s unique and the learning process is slow, yet it is more effective than counseling sessions," says Pushpa Bopaiah Equine Therapist.
And it's not just the therapists who are raving about it. "My son is autistic and has shown a lot of improvement after coming here," says Dr Manisha Krishna.
Other than horse therapy, there's also dance therapy, which helps patients overcome their disabilities. The therapy helps in co-ordination of various body parts and increases concentration. And with 80 per cent success rate, participants seem to have found a new rhythm to life.
Far away from horses and dance steps—horticulture therapy is also spreading its roots in the city. It involves simple gardening yet it’s a technique that helps autistic kids.
Unconventional and out-of-the-box therapies are showing results. And with the more and more differently-abled persons opting for such alternative methods, the traditional psychiatrists’ listening-couch seems to be getting outdated.
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