Yoga for Scoliosis for Students and Teachers

Whether we have muscle imbalances or a major scoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine), yoga therapy can bring awareness to such imbalances to facilitate transformation to a more balanced state both physically and mentally. Such muscle imbalances may not only lead to bad posture but may also contribute to a lateral curve of the spine if not attended to in the early stages. This yoga download series include information on scoliosis, the approach of yoga for scoliosis, and how to adapt the asanas for any asymmetry whether it be a major structural scoliosis or minor imbalance.

Lecture One:

The first lecture is focused on understanding more about scoliosis:

• the anatomy and physiology of scoliosis
• how scoliosis is measured
• traditional medical treatments for scoliosis
• the physical causes and effects of scoliosis
• the types and patterns of scoliosis.

It is very important to understand what pattern of scoliosis one has before one can apply yoga therapy to an individual’s scoliosis.

Lecture Two:

The 2nd lecture details:

• how each of the 4 major patterns of scoliosis affect posture and create
imbalance in the body
• how to determine appropriate action
• how and why yoga is effective as a treatment for scoliosis.

Elise Miller also discusses the psychological impact of scoliosis, the approach to yoga for scoliosis, and how the tenets of Iyengar yoga can be applied to meet the challenges of scoliosis.

Lecture Three:

The 3rd lecture is a continuation of exploration into asana as therapy for scoliosis. A series of yoga poses is presented with an explanation of how each of these poses can bring more alignment and alleviate pain. Also the effects of breathing and meditation are discussed.

See here for more information on Elise Miller and her work with Yoga for Scoliosis and Back Care