Yoga Pose of the Month is:  Ardha Chandrasana 

(in sanskrit ardha = half, chandra = moon, asana = pose)

On a good day I LOVE this pose!  When I nail it, I feel like I am flying, hence it goes with this month's theme of AIR.  To begin this pose, try it against a wall or railing or counter to support the balance.  You may need a block under your hand if it is a tight day, or go to the floor with your hand if you are loose and open.  The block under the hand lifts the trunk higher to aid in opening the hips and relieving tight hamstrings.  When you get the hang of it, balance without the wall, freestyle.

Begin with your right hand on the block, the pinkie toe side of the right foot in line with the forward edge of the block.  Bend the right knee, step the left foot back a bit, that is your launching leg.  Look forward and open the body before you lift the pose, shoulders, ribs vertically stacked.  Then, inhale press the right hand and foot well, exhale launch and straighten both legs simultaneously, the left leg extending strong out of the hip, the right leg firm and straight as well.  Then OPEN it all up as if you are pressing back to a wall.  Look up if you can, (I had a dog, my Butsa, distracting me) so I looked forward...likely story... Repeat on the other side.   

See if you can FLY to the SKY!

Benefits: This is one of the best poses to lengthen the spine.  It also tones the lower spine, improves the ability to balance, and strengthens the abdomen, legs, buttocks, spine. This pose stretches the groins, hamstrings and calves, shoulders, chest and spine.  It is a great stress reliever!  (P.S. This is also a great pose for scoliosis students as well!!) 

ENJOY! 

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(in sanskrit parsva = side or flank, uttana = intense stretch, asana = pose), aka: pyramid pose

This pose is also known as Pyramid pose.  The pyramids lift up to the sky at the apex, another reference to AIR!  Parsvottasana is an asymetrical pose that is beneficial for scoliosis.  Classically, it is done as a forward bend, hands behind the back, nose to knee.  Remember that forward bends can increase the curvature of scoliosis so it is best to work with this modification to bring more length to the spine.  

Begin in Tadasana, standing straight and strong, with a lifted spine.  Step your right leg forward, and your left leg back, standing with wide legs.  The left foot angles out.  Adjust the hips and shoulders so they stay squared and level.  Keep the legs firm, straight and strong throughout.  Inhale to lift the spine, exhale and hinge at the hips and press your hands to a chair back or table top.  Push back from the pressed hands to extend the spine well.  Notice how the back feels.  One side of this pose accesses the low back muscles that are asleep.  They need to wake up, so feel for the depressed area in the lumbar and work to fill that in with your breath, by de-rotating the torso (cave up, vex down), and by activating the legs, inner thighs rolling back. Repeat on the other side. 

Benefits: This pose has similar benefits to Ardha Chandrasana as it stretches the spine, shoulders, hips, and hamstrings.  It also strengthens the legs, stimulates the abdominal organs as well as improves posture and sense of balance.  (P.S.P.S. this is also a great pose for any yoga student as well!) 

Have a HOOT! 

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YOGA FOR SCOLIOSIS 6 WEEK SERIES  

 
Preregistration and prepayment required. Call DL to schedule a recommended preclass private to assess your scoliosis and curve pattern, and learn 3 poses to begin a personal practice. $100 for 11/2 hour session.

 

New Series Dates for Summer:

May 31 - July 6 (current session under way!) 

July 12 - August 17 

Call DL to schedule a pre-class private to assess your scoliosis and curve pattern,  

and learn 3 poses to begin a personal practice. $100 for 11/2 hour session.

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YOGA PRIVATE SESSIONS AT ALL LOCATIONS

Schedule a private session with DL in Brookfield at her home studio.  Learn to work with a specific ailment, pain, back issue, Scoliosis, MS, and more, or just to deepen your practice.   

These sessions are one on one.  Learn how to take that practice into your daily life.  

Private sessions are $100 for and hour and a half.  

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