Yoga and Scoliosis
Scoliosis: Searching for the Spine
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal asymmetry that involves three planes in space: the vertical plane (a lateral flexion, or a side bend), the sagittal plane (front to back, comprising flexion and extension patterns), and the horizontal plane (the plane of rotation). It results in a pattern of lordosis (a concave torso, extension pattern), kiphosis (a convex torso,flexion pattern), and an axial rotation. Because there is never only one curve but a combination, it involves many fulcrums. Any intervention should be addressed from a tri dimension pattern.
Yoga and Scoliosis
The mind is in the body and the body is in the mind. As the body waves so does the mind. As the mind waves so does the body. The path of embodiment is gradual and requires effort, persistence (tapas), self study (svadhyaya),and faith (isvarapranidhana)
The Iyengar system of yoga offers a profound paradigm in the work with scoliosis. The peripheral body as the key support for work with the spine. The inner body as underlying support for the peripheral body. The movement of the skin directing proper alignment for both sides. Through modified sequences that addresses the three-dimensional aspects of scoliosis. Concepts as stability, strength, and length are experienced through modified sequences that addresses the three- dimensional aspects of scoliosis. As proper stabilization is gained from the periphery to the core alignment of the asymmetric spine is improvement leading to improved quality of breathing and life.
What is Alignment in the scoliotic spine?
Alignment not as a straight 
spinal axis but one that is functional and alive, with equilibrium between both sides and a sense of central cohesion. The consistent practice of yoga unfolds the many layers of alignment from the various physiological systems.
Using forces of gravity and antigravity to conquer harmony and avoid further collapses.
The concept of balance, center and midline can be perceived with the asymmetric body, as the nervous system relinquishes from its on going command as the underlying intelligence of the organic support and cellular breath becomes one's own prop.
From a yoga perspective, scoliosis is not only a pathological syndrome but as a psychophysical and metaphysical pattern.
