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.
Featured Yoga for Scoliosis certified instructor
find a certified instructor near you
Kelly Ariagno, San Francisco, CA
Kelly Ariagno has been practicing physical therapy since 1999, teaching yoga since 2002 and is also a thai massage therapist. Kelly studied physical therapy at Bradley University in IL and completed yoga trainings with Ganga White and Tracy Rich at the White Lotus Foundation (2002), Sarah Powers (2005), and Elise Miller (2008). She studied thai massage at the Shivagakomarpaj school in northern Thailand and completed Reiki I and II with Donna Gaus in Menlo Park, CA.
Kelly primarily works in a hospital setting, treating physical therapy clients who have neurological disorders. However, she is also available for in-home private sessions, incorporating Elise Miller’s “Yoga for Scoliosis” approach.
Contact Info:
kariagno@gmail.com
(415) 484-2368
Website: www.integrativephysicaltherapy.org
Elise Browning Miller
Elise Miller, M.A. in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of North Carolina, is a Senior Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher from Palo Alto who has been teaching yoga throughout the United States and internationally since 1976. As a founding director of the California Yoga Center in Mountain View and Palo Alto, CA, Elise teaches classes and workshops specializing in back and sports-related injuries and is a faculty member at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco.
Upcoming workshops
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.