Yoga for Scoliosis Part 1 and Part 2 Workshop

 with Elise Browning Miller

January 2020

Elise Miller presents her internationally acclaimed workshop on working with scoliosis. This 20 hour workshop is designed to present information and experience in the ways that Iyengar Yoga can be used to meet the challenges of scoliosis. We will include an anatomical background on scoliosis, identify each participant’s scoliosis, and discuss cause and effect as well as psychological consequences of scoliosis.

Participants will learn optimal yoga postures for scoliosis as well as how to adapt specific yoga postures to their scoliosis. By combining the yoga postures with breathing awareness, one can develop more structural alignment of the body and become more symmetrical and balanced. Through yoga, one can find the balance point that allows the scoliosis curve to coexist with gravity and activates the body’s natural plumb line. The workshop will progress from beginning to more intermediate poses.

Students of all levels are welcome to attend. Teachers with or without scoliosis, and of all levels and systems are welcome and are invited to bring their continuing students with scoliosis so that both will have the opportunity to work together under Elise’s guidance.

PART 1: Participants will learn to work with their particular scoliosis with a variety of yoga poses including standing poses, back strengtheners, twists, and approaches to inversions. The workshop is intended for teachers with or without scoliosis and students with scoliosis, including all levels of skill and experience.

PART 2: Builds on the foundation of Part 1 and is intended as a continuation of Part 1 or for people who already have a strong foundations of yoga (a minimum of 6 months or yoga teachers). It includes work in more intermediate poses and back strengtheners in backbends, inversions, twists and forward bends.

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

FAQs about Yoga for Scoliosis

Do you have interest in becoming certified as a "Yoga for Scoliosis" Trainer?

This workshop will fulfill the 20 hours required to get started on the Elise Browning Miller "Yoga for Scoliosis" Training program. It is necessary to have completed a 200hr yoga teacher training program or be a medical professional. For more information, visit http://www.yogaforscoliosis.com/teacher_training

Elise Browning Miller

Elise Browning Miller, MA, is a certified senior Iyengar Yoga teacher who has been teaching yoga throughout the United States and internationally for more than 30 years. A founding director of California Yoga Center in Mountain View, and with a master’s degree in therapeutic recreation, Elise has studied on numerous occasions with the Iyengars in India and specializes in scoliosis, lower- and upper-back problems and sports-related injuries. She has successfully used yoga to minimize the effects of her own scoliosis and has published various articles on scoliosis and other yoga-related subjects in Yoga Journal and other national magazines.

Elise began her study of yoga in her twenties, an option she chose over having a metal rod placed in her spine. Practicing yoga regularly since that time, she now finds herself pain free. She has recently 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. For more information about Elise and her workshop schedule, visit www.yogaforscoliosis.com and www.ebmyoga.com.

Dates and Hours

Part 1

Thursday 30/1/2020 17.00-20.30

Friday 31/1/2020 17.00-20.30

Saturday 1/2/2020 8.00-11.00

Part 2

Saturday 1/2/2020 14.00-17.00

Sunday 2/2/2020 9.00-12.30 & 14.00-17.30

You can do Part 1 first and either continue on to Part 2 or just take Part 1.

Cost

For payments until 1st October 2019 early bird discount will apply:

Part 1 & 2: 456€
Part 1: 223€

For payments after 1st of October 2019:
Part 1 & 2: 496€
Part 1: 248€
Part 2: 285€ 

Payments are made to directly to Yoga for Scoliosis PayPal account: ebm@yogaforscoliosis.com

Testimonials

For years, my stepdaughter had been after me to go to Elise for my back. She said Elise was the best yoga teacher for maintaining and strengthening your back. And she lived right here in Palo Alto. Even my Spine Surgeon said ‘Yoga” for long term maintenance of the back. Finally in 2010 after recovering from a fall in my kitchen in which I yanked it pretty badly, I decided to go… to try to gain control. It has worked! I do the stretches prescribed by Elise for my particular scoliosis everyday. Within 2 months I was pain free. It is now one and a half years later and myback is stronger, more flexible and pain free. I still try not to sit too much, and I keep active by walking, swimming, biking and stretching. Elise’s coaching and tailoring of the exercise routine to my back curvature deserves the credit. Thank you Elise! - Lois McCluskey

I was looking for an alternative approach to surgery that had been recommended by two out of three top orthopedic surgeons in NYC for my daughter. I found an amazing yoga instructor who met with her once a week for about an hour to an hour and a half. My daughter was very good about doing the routine that they worked out about four to five times a week. She was just x-rayed last week and now she would not be considered a candidate for surgery. I would like to thank you for your encouragement to pursue this avenue of treatment! Blossom F.

I have scoliosis and, after reading your article last May, decided I would try yoga. I cannot even explain how it has helped me. I, along with my family, see a miraculous difference. My rib cage is not so protruding as it was and my posture has so improved. I am so happy with Yoga, and practice at home and also at a studio. It has changed my life physically and spiritually. I refer to my Mat as my magic carpet. It has become to me now a way of life. -Pat L.

For most of my life, I believed that yoga was not for me because I have scoliosis. Each time I attended a class in which students were instructed to move one vertebra at a time or to align the spine, I felt excluded and somehow defective. I have an S-curve 0f 35 degrees at the top and bottom of my spine. Thank you for opening new doors of possibility for me.- Susan G.

Booking conditions

In case of cancellation:
2 months prior to the event, 100% refund (except possible money-transfer fees)
1 month prior to the event, 50% refund
Less than a month prior to the event, no refund

For more information contact Athens Yoga at center@athensyoga.gr and +302130383611.

THE HOURS OF STUDY COUNT TOWARDS THE CONTINUING ATHENS YOGA - ADVANCED YOGA TEACHER TRAINING 300HRS, LEADING TO RYT-500 YOGA ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL.