Elise Miller will present information on scoliosis with time to explore in depth our imbalances. Then she will teach how to adapt the asanas for any asymmetry whether it’s a major structural scoliosis or minor imbalance.
All levels are welcome, including teachers wishing to enhance their skills with an emphasis on back care.
Why Yoga for Scoliosis? 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.
Elise Browning Miller, M.A. in Therapeutic Recreation from UNC-CH, is a Certified Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT) and is Certified from International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT). Elise has been teaching yoga throughout the US and internationally for over 40 years. A founding director of California Yoga Center in Mountain View, CA, Elise has successfully used yoga to minimize the effects of her own scoliosis.
She has published numerous articles on scoliosis and other yoga related subjects in Yoga Journal and other national magazines. Elise has studied on numerous occasions with the Iyengars in India and specializes in Scoliosis, lower/upper back problems and sports related injuries. Elise co-authored a comprehensive book Yoga for Scoliosis - A Path for Students and Teachers, as well as a Yoga for Scoliosis DVD and booklet, Yoga for Back Care booklet, and her book, Yoga: Anytime, Anywhere.
Her joyous personality and ease of communication endear her to students with a teaching style that is down-to-earth, precise and nurturing.
For more information about Elise and her workshop schedule, visit www.yogaforscoliosis.com and www.ebmyoga.com.