Yoga Journal – Yoga Asana Columns – Easy Rider Asana Sequence

Yoga Journal – Yoga Asana Columns – Easy Rider Asana Sequence

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Check with your surgeon before doing any of these poses. The nice thing here is that there are photos of the all the poses.

A nice variety of assisted poses (using the wall or bolsters) for sciatica. Be careful with the Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose -variation 2. This is a twist even though you are using a chair and doing one leg at a time. The opposite hip cannot leave the mat. 

Extended Triangle pose and Extended Side Angle Pose are best done under supervision.

The Chair Twist should be approached with extreme caution. Do not force. Move within your limits. Dr. Guzman had me doing an exercise similar to this. I would try doing this standing first and reaching the crown of your head up as you turn. Lift up and out of your waist. You should not feel any discomfort.

Yoga Journal – Yoga Holistic Healing – Back to Back

Yoga Journal – Yoga Holistic Healing – Back to Back

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This is a lengthy article written by Elise Browning Miller on Scoliosis. It’s very well done.

As usual, consult your surgeon before attempting any of the exercises. Overstretching your spine following surgery can do damage.

Yoga Journal – Yoga Anatomy – Debunking the Tucked Pelvis

Yoga Journal – Yoga Anatomy – Debunking the Tucked Pelvis

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Interesting article on how many of us were taught to do yoga or aerobics- tucking the pelvis was once done for safety…

Update on the Modified Reformer Workout

All is going well. I was tempted to take the jumpboard down and use the footbar instead. I’m not ready for that as I found out. 

Done as written with cat stretches or glut stretches in between, I find it to be a nice workout. The more I do the workout, the fewer stretches I feel I have to do in between.

I do the stretches at the end, including the Bones section from th Yoga for Scoliosis DVD by Elise  Browning Miller.

Yoga for Scoliosis

YOGA FOR SCOLIOSIS Click here to go directly to the website.

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I’m going to review this DVD. First I’d like to introduce you to Elise Browning Miller (posted from her website) Living with Scoliosis. Read past for the review.

Yoga DVDs by Lillah Schwartz

Yoga DVDs by Lillah Schwartz – Lighten Up Yoga – Asheville, NC

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Lillah Schwartz is a RYT trained in the Iyengar method (great attention to detail and body position plus the use of props) and has developed a Gentle Back Care practice.

Yoga Journal – Yoga Asana Columns – Back Talk

Yoga Journal – Yoga Asana Columns – Back Talk

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For the full article, please go to the website

From the article about Dr. Mary Pullig Schatz, M.D., offers the following information about sciatica in her book, Back Care Basics: A Doctor’s Gentle Yoga Program for Back and Neck Pain Relief (Rodmell Press, 1992):

<<snip>>If the sciatica is from a bulging disc, focus on improving posture and body mechanics in daily activities. Yoga practice should be modified so that the pain is neither created nor intensified. Good poses to work with are Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) and its modification, Push the Wall Pose, as well as Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II Pose). Do several sets, holding each pose for a moment.

If a tight piriformis muscle is the problem, then it must be gently stretched. Schatz suggests Piriformis Stretch, a seated pose that resembles the leg position of Matsyendrasana (Lord of the Fishes Pose), but without the torso twist. Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose) with the support of a table or countertop can also help. Do not overstretch or more spasm can result. These poses can help relieve both piriformis spasm and piriformis-related sciatica. Remember to always speak with a physician before beginning any type of physical exercise.<<snip>>

Yoga Journal – Yoga Expert Q&A – Coping With Sciatica

Yoga Journal – Yoga Expert Q&A – Coping With Sciatica

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Sarah Powers answers the question: Which poses are best to avoid for an aggravated sciatic nerve? Are there any poses that are restorative or healing for sciatica?

She gives a variety of poses that, as always, should be appoached with caution.

As usual, consult your surgeon before attempting any of the exercises. Overstretching your spine following surgery can do damage.

Sometimes More is Less: Exercise and Eating

I’ve really been getting tired of this whole thing. Sitting around. Getting fat and feeling sorry for myself. I switched to Weight Watchers on Saturday even though I lost 4 pounds at Jenny Craig. I just don’t eat like Jenny Craig. I eat healthy food that is prepared fresh or if it’s frozen, I made it first. So I’ll let you know how that goes. They have a new CORE program where you don’t have to count points (whew!) you just have to eat from a core group of food until you are satisfied.