practicing yoga with scoliosis

by Ina
(Philippines)

Hi!
I just started practicing yoga.

I just wanted to ask if it's safe to do yoga even if i have slight scoliosis?
Thank you!

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Hi Ina,

Thanks so much for your question. The quick answer to your question is, "YES" you can practice yoga. But here is more background.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine. Currently their is no cure, but with "slight" cases most people can improve with exercise.

The spine has normal curves when you look from the side, but when looking from the front it should appear straight.

Often people notice they have scoliosis because one shoulder looks higher that the other or the head seems tilted or the person seems to lean to one side when standing.

Practicing Ashtanga Yoga

In Ashtanga Yoga, Pattabhi Jois and Sharath would often say, "Everyone can do this yoga, young person, old person, sick person, healthy person... everyone accept a lazy person."

It is very good to try to maintain the mobility of the spine as we age. This is especially true with scoliosis. So practicing yoga is definitely good.

This said you should aways find a good qualified teacher and have the approval of your personal health care provider or physician.

What Postures

The Suryanamaskara and the standing postures (the fundamental asanas) are excellent for general health and are also good for scoliosis.

Remember to always find length in the spine. In all the movements try to make your spine as long as possible. Trying to refine our understanding of the core, lifting the pelvic floor muscles and lengthening up through the crown of the head.

Never practice postures that are causing you pain!

Get guidance from an excellent teacher.

Ashtanga Yoga will definitely contribute to your overall health and can help reduce the effects of scoliosis over time.

Blessings,
Jeff