YOGA for SCOLIOSIS: Sensing the spiral - WITH DEBORAH WOLK
OHM CENTRE, VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC
JULY 21-24, 2023

AT CAPACITY - REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

This workshop will be held at Open Heart Mind Centre (OHM) in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, BC. MAP

ABOUT THE RETREAT
Scoliosis is a 3-dimensional condition involving the entire body, not just the spine and trunk.  The effect on the body is both front to back (sagittal), side to side (lateral) and rotational —in other words, a spiral.  How can we see and sense these spirals within ourselves in their entirety?  How much of the body/mind is affected?  What are some approaches those of us with scoliosis can take to unwind the spiral that don’t leave us prone to injury? 

Through Anatomy, Asana and Pranayama, the workshop will begin with parsing out these 3 directions through internal and external sensory feedback in the asanas. Participants will then practice asana and pranayama to integrate and clearly sense the spiral. This self-awareness will lead to more length, balance and comfort in the body.

Join us for this exploration at OHM.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION
Vancouver Island is renowned for wild, untamed beaches that are an idyllic summer sanctuary, and a hub for storm-watching, surfing, and skiing in the winter. In addition to its endless list of hiking, camping, whale-watching, and paddling adventures, there are also old-growth forests, endless beach combing and golfing. The Comox Valley is acclaimed for its incredible array of products harvested and created from its wild oceans and fertile soils, including organic vegetables, wild fish, free-range meats, and local chocolates, baked goods and wines. This workshop will be held at the wonderful new Open Heart Mind Centre (OHM) located in Merville in the Comox Valley. It’s a quick plane trip from Vancouver, or you can arrive via a stunning ferry ride.

ABOUT DEBORAH WOLK
Having practiced yoga for her own scoliosis since 1994, Deborah has found that alignment-based yoga can control back pain and arrest the progression of the curvature and twist. In January 2015, Deborah founded Samamkāya Yoga Back Care and Scoliosis Collective in New York City – the only Yoga Center specializing in back care and scoliosis operating as a workers’ cooperative in the world! Deborah’s yoga teaching is inspired by her mentors, Elise Browning Miller, Bobbie Fultz, Genny Kapuler, Karin Stephan and Donald Moyer, and by therapeutic practices observed at medical classes at The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India. Her understanding of the nervous system is supported by ongoing study of Experiential Anatomy with Genny Kapuler and through her work with teacher Rachel Lynch-John in Body-Mind Centering techniques, a study she loves as much as Yoga itself. Deborah Wolk is certified by IAYT.