ScoliYoga

The muscles of respiration are the muscles of posture. Every time we breathe we change the shape of our trunk and the posture of our spine. (Read Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff)

In ScoliYoga Breath-Centered Yoga Therapy we link our attention to the flow of breath, strengthening the muscles of the trunk which enable us to root the pelvis and lift the rib cage. Much like holding the thumb down on a rubber band, we learn how to lengthen our spines and reduce abnormal curvature.

A breath-centered practice also relaxes the mind and calms the nervous system, reducing the physiological symptoms of stress which are associated with long-term illness.

ScoliYoga is a movement exploration, a dance with the breath. There is no recipe or formula for curing scoliosis. Traditional yoga poses are modified asymmetrically as a trained instructor observes the effect on the spine, gradually guiding the practitioner towards movement which is more balanced and whole.

Changing the Exercise Paradigm

I am beginning this blog as a forum for discussion of any areas of interest to those with scoliosis and/or spinal fusion.

The inspiration comes from Lila Mead, who wrote me a kind email following a workshop in New York last week at The Breathing Project in New York City

” You shifted my paradigm on my illness which is difficult since I’ve done so much work on it already! I came away with hope and a knowledge that it is a continuous journey, no one quick fix. I forget that even though I know it. And I was trapped in the notion that there is a ‘right’ way of doing things. You opened that up for me, and I am so thankful and grateful.”

Thank YOU, Lila.