Yoga is an ancient method for integrating mind, body and spirit that has proven effective in a wide variety of modern applications, like treating stress-induced disorders such as asthma. Some physicians now recommend yoga for children who are hyperactive, have flat feet, scoliosis or even cerebral palsy. Child psychologists might recommend it for anger management or lessons in making and keeping friends.

Most authorities agree yoga also enhances flexibility, strength, coordination and body awareness, a boon to young girls who are struggling with their body image.

In a competitive, hurry-up world, yoga offers a counterbalance, encouraging children to look within, to value themselves and others. In Singhvi's class, even Mr. Bones gets a cheery "Good morning" as the children file in. The human skeleton hanging in her large mirrored studio offers young yogis a concept of the inner body and its workings.

Yoga also provides an introduction to the spiritual self. In Angelucci's class, little yogis learn a bit of Sanskrit, such as Ong Na-mo Gu-ru Dev No-Mo, meaning, "I greet the wise teacher within me."

Many parents expose their children to yoga for the pure pleasure it provides. "In the younger age range, the key is to tire them out enough to become calm," says Angelucci, who is certified by the Yoga Alliance to train yoga teachers. Her avant-garde methods allow children to experiment with rap dances set to yoga poses, and some happy yowling while in a dog pose.

In Eastern cultures, such as in Singhvi's home country, yoga is a way of life, she says, incorporating a set of values that includes a commitment to truth and respect for self and others. As a group activity, yoga stresses cooperation over competition and participation over outcome — something that children don't get in a graded classroom or in team sports.