Yoga and Scoliosis with Deborah Wolk

Studies show that yoga can help relieve the pain associated with scoliosis and even reduce or slow the amount of spine curvature. Since each individual’s scoliosis is different, practicing with and teaching students with scoliosis demands skills in seeing and understanding the body as well as modifying the asanas appropriately. In this workshop you’ll learn:

• The anatomy and physiology of scoliosis

• To understand and “see” lateral asymmetry and rotation

• How scoliosis affects spatial and balance issues

• How scoliosis affects the nervous system and can create joint issues and pain

• Asana to realign and connect with the limbs

• Asana and breath techniques to create awareness, relieve pain, balance the nervous system and in some cases, stabilize the curves themselves

• Ways to practice at home

This workshop is suitable for practitioners with scoliosis, spinal fusion, and other back conditions and teachers who want to work with this community.

Deborah Wolk has practiced yoga since 1994 and found that alignment-based yoga could control back pain and arrest the progression of her scoliosis. She has been teaching students with scoliosis and other back conditions since 2000 and is the founding member and manager of Samamkāya Yoga Back Care and Scoliosis Collective in New York City.

The workshop will be held at the Yoga Studio at Club Fit, 584 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510, on Saturday, November 14, from 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. The cost is $35 for YTA members and $45 for nonmembers who register in advance; $45 and $55 at the door. Preregistration is requested. Register at YTAYoga.com. Ample parking is available.

This is a prop-heavy class, so please bring a yoga mat and blocks, blankets, and straps if you have them. Please arrive early to check in and set up. For more information, contact Audrey Brooks at ytapresident@gmail.com or 914 582-7816.

This is the third of ten workshops hosted by the Yoga Teachers Association. The YTA’s 2015–2016 program year will continue with “The Principles of Backbending,” led by Freddie Wyndham and Darcy Bowman, on December 12, “Exploring the Buddha Body” with Michael Hayes on January 9, and Susan “Lip” Orem’s “Hips, Hips, Hips” on February 13.

YTA, a nonprofit membership organization for yoga teachers and students, was created in 1979. Its mission is to provide quality continuing education to yoga teachers and create a community of people interested in yoga. Visit us at YTAYoga.com.