October 24th- Scoliosis & Spinal Health If you're living with any form of back pain, you know it can be quite debilitating. After all, your spine, abdominal muscles and back muscles comprise the better part of your physical "center". They hold you upright, making up this origin for much of our physical and energetic movement. One back issue experienced by an estimated 6 million people in the United States alone is scoliosis, or a lateral (side to side) curvature of the spine. Seen more commonly in women than in men, this curvature may be very slight or quite extreme, visibly altering a person's posture. There are two main types of scoliosis: structural, which a person is generally born with or perhaps develops during adolescence. It may also be functional, resulting from poor posture or performing repeated tasks like carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder every day. This is typically the less severe form of the two. As extreme as the condition sounds, the amazing thing is that with dedicated practice and focus on the surrounding muscles and bodily structures, yoga can actually change the spinal curvature over time and help reduce pain. Yoga teacher Elise Browning Miller's story is one great example of how a dedicated yoga practice can provide effective therapy for those living with this condition. In her Yoga Journal article, "Yoga for Scoliosis" she talks about her personal journey using yoga as therapy at a young age, avoiding surgery and helping her students to do the same. Curious about spinal conditions and how yoga can help? Perhaps you or someone you know is living with scoliosis? If so, we invite you to join us for the next installment of our Therapeutic Focus Workshop Series, where you'll come away with some practical knowledge in this area:  Therapeutic Focus: Scoliosis w/Leslie Ellis Sunday, November 11th 12-2pm Cost is $35 Learn more and register here... Coming Up Happy Hour: Zumba! w/Kari Parkinson Friday, October 26th 6-7pm Come get your dance on at HeartSong in this fun Friday Happy Hour class. Bring a towel, water bottle and shake your stress away. Drop in for $15 or use your regular class package or membership! If you've never tried it, now's your chance! iRest w/Suzanne Bigelow Saturday, November 3rd 1-3pm Based on the ancient practice of Yoga Nidra, iRest guides you on a journey through the 5 layers of being that will leave you feeling deeply relaxed and renewed.  Connect and share: