The word "scoliosis" is derived from the Greek word skol, which means twists and turns. In scoliosis, the spine forms an S curve (or reversed S) from side to side down the back, twisting the rib cage, making the sides of the back uneven and shifting the body's center of gravity.
Although every scoliosis is different, there are certain philosophical guidelines and practical yoga postures that can be helpful to yoga students with every scoliosis.
By combining the yoga postures with breathing awareness, one can develop a structural alignment. This is accomplished by stretching muscles that have tightened and strengthening muscles that have become weak from this asymmetrical imbalance.
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The body will then create a more effortless posture using the bone structure, rather than over working the muscles to hold itself up.
Each week we will focus on one of these five major areas of the body where yoga can begin to aid in the process of realigning the spine: feet/legs, scapulae, balance, breath, and (of course) spine/psoas.
