Workshop Descriptions
The workshops are designed to accomodate those with a wide range of physical conditions and experience. They are designed as a consecutive course, with each workshop building upon the information of the previous, but can also be taken out of sequence at the discretion of teacher and/or student. They are not to be viewed as "alternative" medecine, but rather as "complementary", working hand-in-hand with Medical guidance, including physical therapy, bracing, or surgery, in accordance with individual choices. They are intended for people with scoliosis, but anyone is welcome, especially yoga teachers who want to learn about how to work with different types of scoliosis. The techniques are powerful, joyful and effective for those willing to participate actively in their own healing process.
Introductory Discussion: Yoga for Scoliosis 60 -90 minutes. We will discuss:
- The different forms of scoliosis (C-Curves, S-Curves, Left Lumbar, Right Thoracic, etc), vertebral rotation, disc, nerve & rib compression. Students are encouraged to bring x-rays, or a working knowledge of their specific condition. Stories may be shared.
- Importance of understanding and maintaining regular x-ray measurements of the 'Rate of Change' (degrees of curvature) .
- Emotional issues that may confront people with scoliosis.
- How yoga is fundamentally different from PT and ordinary stretching, both in in specific techniques. , as well as fundamental assumptions about the nature of body/mind.
- The different types of yoga available commercially and their relative suitability for people with scoliosis.
Introduction toYoga for Scoliosis, Basic Technique: (2 hrs + break) This is a basic, gentle course for those with little or no experience in yoga. It is specifically oriented to people with scoliosis, with or without surgery, but is appropriate for anyone with back pain or a compromised physical condition. We will cover
- Poses (Asanas) and techniques specifically oriented to releasing and lengthening the chronically tense, overused muscles, while strengthening weak, underused muscles. The focus will be on understanding the principles of physical alignment, improving symmetry, and appropriate use basic props & tools.
- An introduction to yogic breathing techniques, enabling each individual to proceed comfortably at their appropriate level. .
The Essence of Scoliyoga: Chakras and Energetic Alignment (3 hrs + break) Although people with scoliosis may not be physically aligned, we can learn to align the flow of energy through our central channel, and come to feel more powerful, graceful and whole. We will begin with breathing and very light stretching., and review poses covered in part 1. Then through guided meditation, we will learn to focus our radiant awareness on specific anatomical points along the spine, and align them wiith clear directional flow.
Maintaining Your Personal Practice (2 or 3 hours) The goal of this class is for each student to understand the fundamental building blocks of how to learn and maintain a personal yoga practice that is right for them, whether working in a commercial yoga studio or at home alone. It is open to anyone with previous yoga experience. The first part will be talk & discussion, the second part will be experiential review. Students should bring notebooks to write in.
- Setting a time & place
- Self-evaluation: current state of body/mind and desired goal or intention.
- Creating a well-rounded, plan for the week
- Establishing breath awareness and even, steady flow.
- Understanding the essential function of each pose (including pranayama and meditation) and it's role in your practice (Forward bends, side bends, twists, hip & groin openers, balances, inversions).
- Choosing poses you need vs. just doing what feels good.
- Use of the mirror
- Allowing your practice to evolve and change over time
Teaching Yoga for Scoliosis: a workshop for Yoga Teachers (Ideally, 2 separate classes)
- Different types of scoliosis, & the extremes
- The importance of measurement
- Different types of treatment & their limitations
- Vulnerabilities of people with scoliosis, with & without surgery
- Modifying the poses
- Effective meditations for reorganizing posture
- Hypermobility and overstretching
- Personalities and individual goals
- The importance of recordkeeping