Yoga Pose of the Month is: Parsvakonasana      

(in sanskrit parsva = side, kona = angle, asana = pose. Side angle pose.

Pose A.                                         Pose B.                            Pose C.

I am demonstrating this pose 3 ways above.  Parsvakonasana is a tough pose.  Classically, the hand comes to the floor but as you see in Pose A. I am having trouble opening the torso and elongating the side body well due to thightness in the groins and legs and spine with my hand on the floor.  I am literally collapsing my torso into the leg, not good!  As my teacher Gabriel says, "I've been to the floor, there is not much there..."  So, if I bring a block under my hand, as in Pose B., I can get more lift, more space, more elongation in the side body and I can look up!  Another variation is to bring the arm in front of the leg as in Pose C. If your knees are weak, or you are having trouble keeping the bent leg knee in line with the hip in a 90 degree angle, this is a great way to practice.  Try these variations and see if they give you more access to the alignment in the pose. Remember, come to class and I can show you many other variations in this and other poses.  Your practice will be improved with more teachings! 

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(in sanskrit: Virabhadra was a mythic hero, asana= pose. This pose is in honor of the hero.)

Vira II using a chair is a great way to add structure to the base of the pose in order to work on the curves.  This makes the pose look easy, but as you will find, it is still challenging.   

Begin with a folding chair, and a blanket.  You can work on a mat or just on the floor as I am showing here.  Sit with your left thigh in line with the edge of the chair seat, knee pointing to the side, back of the knee right at the edge.  The shin is vertical, making a 90 degree angle with the front leg (add a blanket under the thigh or the foot as needed to insure the angle).  Keep the whole foot pressed well to ground the pose.  Next, walk your right leg back straightening it, and angling the foot in.  The outer edge of the foot must plant well, walk the leg forward until it can.   

The spine in Vira II must be vertical, so use the right arm to help with that.  Reach back strongly, keeping the arm in line with it's shoulder, and pull the right side back in space while you press the left hand into its thigh to lift the spine at the same time.  Then, elongate the left arm forward shoulder high.  Look to the left fingertips.  BREATHE!!!  

For your thoracic curve, keep both sides of the spine lifted, especially the concave side.  The convex side can actually shorten and compress a bit more, this is especially felt when the convexity is with the back leg. For the lumbar curve, keep the hips squared to the front line of the seat and press both sit bones well.

Elise Miller talks about this pose being a very important pose for Scoliosis. It builds strength in the spine and lifts it well and adds space between the vertebrae.  You will also feel the work that takes place in the legs and hips and arms too!  Become a HERO/HEROINE for your scoliosis! 

Have a HOOT! 

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Preregistration and prepayment required. This is not a walk-in class.  

Beginners, call DL to schedule a pre-class private assessment of your scoliosis, history, pain issues and curve pattern.  Assessment Special: $80 for 1 hour session!  

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Schedule a private session with DL.  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 an hour and a half.    

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