Why Yoga for Scoliosis?
Yoga, meaning yoke or union, is an ancient physical mental and spiritual practice with its roots going back 5,000 years to India. The practice of hatha yoga which includes the physical postures, breathing techniques and relaxation has many physical benefits such as improved posture and increased flexibility and strength.
The body with scoliosis has developed a highly sophisticated compensating ‘act’ and it can also learn a more refined symmetrical ‘act’ with proper instruction. By combining the yoga postures with breathing awareness, one can develop a structural alignment, creating a more normal symmetrical alignment. This is accomplished by stretching muscles that have tightened and strengthening muscles that have become weak from this asymmetrical imbalance. Thereby the body will create a more effortless posture using the bone structure, rather than over working the muscles to hold itself up. Through yoga, one can find that balance point that allows the scoliosis curve to coexist with gravity and activates the body’s natural plumb line. The result for most people with scoliosis is better posture and less pain.
Choosing to do yoga for scoliosis requires commitment and inner awareness. With scoliosis, it is important to not expect perfection but instead accept oneself, and find ones own optimal alignment and center. As there is beauty in the straight alignment of a palm tree, there is also beauty of an oak tree with it’s many twists and turns. Psychologically, doing yoga is very empowering. It gives hope that we can do something to improve our condition and our quality of living.
“I am always happy with the smallest improvement. I do not try to reach ultimate perfection but only the little perfection of every day.” Sparks of Divinity, BKS Iyengar
Featured Yoga for Scoliosis Teacher Trainer
Koren Paalman
Koren Paalman, MS, is Iyengar certified and has been teaching yoga nationally and internationally since 1995 to both adults and youth in a variety of settings. In 1998, Koren developed the first yoga program for credit at Los Angeles Unified School District and taught daily classes to at-risk teens. She was honored to work therapeutically with BKS Iyengar and his daughter Geeta in Pune, India biannually for 10 years. In 2007, Koren founded Conscious Grieving®, a grief support service that combines yoga with other modalities in individual consultations and workshops nationally. She is certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and worked directly with Elise Miller to become a Yoga For Scoliosis Teacher Trainer.
Living with a wired sternum plate since 1964, Koren understands the benefits of using yoga therapeutically. In her practice, like a practice for scoliosis and backcare, she has learned how to lengthen her spine, realign her posture, strengthen her back and core muscles, reduce her pain as well as bring about deep breath awareness. This has been deeply and positively transformative for both her body and mind.
In her home studio, Koren works privately with students interested in using yoga to minimize the effects of both structural (congenital) scoliosis and functional (result of lifestyle) scoliosis. She also offers yoga for backcare. Koren teaches at various YogaWorks locations as well as The Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles. She also offers workshops and retreats.
Koren believes yoga should be enjoyable so infuses each yoga experience with enthusiasm, humor, compassion and intelligence leaving people energized, refreshed, motivated and restored.
To learn more about her approach to teaching yoga check out Yoga Journal’s June, 2017 issue: http://www.yogajournal.com/tag/koren-paalman
** Koren is an Iyengar Certified Instructor who has done additional training with Elise to become a Yoga for Scoliosis certified instructor. She is highly qualified because of her Iyengar training and has a deep understanding of how to work with scoliosis.
Koren Paalman
korenpaalman@gmail.com
310.392.4758
www.korenyoga.com
Elise Browning Miller
Elise Miller, M.A. in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of North Carolina, is a Senior Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher (CIYT) and is Certified from International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT). Elise resides in Carmel, CA and has been teaching yoga throughout the United States and internationally since 1976. As a founding director of the California Yoga Center in Mountain View, CA, Elise teaches classes and workshops specializing in back and sports-related injuries.
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NEW! Yoga for Scoliosis: A Path for Students & Teachers
Elise’s new comprehensive 150+ page Yoga for Scoliosis book co-authored with nancy DL heraty.
Order your copy today!
Complete with anatomy of scoliosis, detailed information and photos of poses specifically taught for those with scoliosis. Yoga poses for fused spines included. More detailed with additional poses than the previous Yoga for Scoliosis booklet.
NEW! Yoga for Scoliosis T-shirts
Designed using an x-ray image of Elise’s spine along with inspirational words. Available in three styles, makes a great gift!
Yoga for Scoliosis DVD and booklet
This DVD provides a beginning home practice for anyone with major scoliosis to minor imbalances throughout the body. These poses will empower you to take charge of your own back to improve posture and reduce pain and discomfort. This DVD is based on a therapeutic yoga program that Elise has developed for her own scoliosis and has been used with countless clients around the world.