One of my cohorts in my yoga therapist training shared a protocol that piqued my curiosity. She shared that her sister was born with Scoliosis – Scoliosis? What’s that? The condition is more common than you might think – and according to some studies, the number of sufferers is said to be on the rise. Some famous people with this condition are Shailene Woodly, late-Elizabeth Taylor, Kurt Cobain, Liza Minnelli, YoYo Ma … Modonna’s daughter, Lourdes – really? (from Ranker.com) to name a few. So it’s not so uncommon and studying the various divination from the “normal” spine deepens yoga teachers’ understanding of the spinal column in general, whether curved “S” or “?”, the whole wide range of variations. We can work with the students to bring about alignment and balance whatever unique structure one was gifted with. I was thinking all this when the name, EliseBrowning Miller, a senior Iyengar yoga teacher, came up. Luck would have it that she’s holding her 10 hours training this weekend so…this weekend I am learning so much from yet another master teacher.
In spite of the stormy downpour, the studio was packed with students young and old. As I had expected mostly mature adults, this came as a surprise. Then it was no surprise as Elise explained that back issues usually come up during your teen years, around age 12 for girls; around age 14 for boys. Furthermore, for women, at pregnancy period and then at menopause. As far as Scoliosis, the ratio is around 8-1 for women:men sufferers which explained the just handful of men at this workshop. A young man participant in his 20’s joked, well, that’s kind of the case at all yoga classes anyway. To which Ellise, garnered some laughs with – I don’t know why more men don’t take up yoga?! True, it probably is a better place than alternatives to meet health-conscious, caring women – it’s a no brainer for me too:)
Most of the students were sufferers who wanted to apply yoga therapeutically to best care for their own special needs. She also educates yoga teachers and other professionals to become certified trainers to work with people living with Scoliosis (and with any other back issues for that matter). She observed our postures and conducted palpitations on some 30+ spinal columns to assess the state of our spinal shape Friday night. What I find her approach very trustworthy is the fact that she works with physical therapists and chiropractors and other body workers to bring about the best results. She motivates to empower the students by giving them this tool to work with what they’ve got. She actually believes one can partially cure this condition with enough tenacious practice as she has done. And it all starts out with – knowing or getting to know the Self.
I do love the Iyengar method – the approach is so intelligent. It all makes sense. I glided out of the studio into the rain feeling lighter and taller. Gratitude for this opportunity to learn from such experienced senior teacher who really knows this material so so intimately. She empowers the students by having them take responsibility for their own self-care. Strengthening weaved into the stretching in this methodical sequence of steps according to one’s body makeup. Without the scoliosis, it’s a general back care – a preventative practice for many of us.
The class ended with reciting of the chants – that primordial sounds of our consciousness – then… shanti, shanti, shanti. Many friends at a protest march today – I jointed them in spirit as I am committed to making a change too from the inside out. Sometimes one needs to disconnect in order to find connections- and that starts from connecting to what’s within first … there, breathing together with so many yogis, I felt that strength in-bedded in this peace of self-acceptance, that in turn yielded the motivation to do something about it. (Isn’t that the political climate these days …)
The take-aways from the 10 hours training – and there are many – but the key takeaways are:
Physically – we need to strengthen the muscles at the same time, lengthen and stretch the muscles.
Yes, stretching and relaxing, those are very very important component in any fitness plan – but never forgetting to strengthening the muscles “intelligently”. Strengthened muscles is vital to spinal health but to be done with intelligence.
As far as connective tissues, release and stabilization of the joints so that muscle “strengthening” is effective – to create and use the traction from within, load the joints to promote healing, spur new growth. “intelligence” in our practice is needed if you are working specifically to address a special condition. The practice is designed tailor-made, customized for that one person’s unique needs. It is not one size fits all – each practice is individualized. This is still possible in a all levels group class as each practitioner is given the yogic tools to apply to each unique conditions. This is possible once they cultivate the awareness of her own unique needs and then, modify accordingly.
Mentally/Spiritually – That focus, that concentration, to figure out what arises when there are no distractions … when someone says she can’t handle quiet, static, slow classes because that causes her to get agitated – some even get a headache – it’s more that the environment is finally peeling the layers of distractions away to makes her realize how agitated at the core she had been – Per Judith Lasater – and then, using the tools of yoga to quiet the nervous system for the ultimate feelings of “Sattva” … the Conscious Breath is engaged through a pranayama practice to reconnect from within. Isn’t it wonderful to feel the resurgence of sharpened senses and childlike clarity… Haaaahhhh, it’s blissful:)
One has to be strong and healthy to be in this resistance movement out there:) You have to have a strong spine to feel uplifted at the heart while rooted and grounded at your feet. Yoga works for the whole body and mind. We are blessed.
