Ive known for more than ten years (im 33) that my pelvis is tilted and i regularly see osteopaths or bowen therapists to alleviate discomfort caused. I have recently seen a new therapist who said i am profundly assymetrical, tilted at the pelvis, shoulders, neck… She has suggested that the erector spinae between my scapula are taking no responsibilty at all and all the work is being done by my pelvis and shoulders/neck. I have been doing sivananda yoga for 9 months about 5 times a week, and find myself more painfree than ever. My question; is it possible to realign structure from practising asana? Does anyone have experience of observing realignment independently (without manipulation from a therapist) through asana practice alone. Im wondering how my body would recognise correct alignment without suggestion via manipulation.:roll:
Yes it is possible to realign structure through the practice of asana. I have seen it but it mandates an alignment-based practice (obviously, right? Since that is the topic.)
There is one other catch to it and that is a clear view of ourselves. This is quite rare and is the primary reason to study with someone who is doing the work and can see you clearly without being bogged down is deception, politeness, facade, ego, and veneer.
As Patanjali points out, the first (and primary) of the five obstacles to our evolution is ignorance (avidya) and it misleads us in four powerful ways (or eight if you look at both sides of the sutra.
Additionally, i tend to steer clear of the panacea approach that only one thing can manage all other things. For me it would be more accurate to say that a clean alignment-based asana practice along with Yoga’s other tools and the assistance of other appropriate modalities can realign structure.
[QUOTE=anula;32510] Does anyone have experience of observing realignment independently (without manipulation from a therapist) through asana practice alone. Im wondering how my body would recognise correct alignment without suggestion via manipulation.:roll:[/QUOTE]
We all are asymmetrical. I have different size feet:) Need to get 2 pair of shoes every time:(
I’m not sure what you therapist does, but lot of physical therapy came from yoga practice.
I’ve seen people cured very severe form of scoliosis and “flat-feet” doing asanas REGULARLY for YEARS.
PS: not quite sure what you meant by the last sentence. Would you explain? Do you mean alignment in the pose (asana) or alignment in you pelvis?
Thankyou for the replies. City Monk, in the last question i was trying to ask how my body would know which were the "correct " position that it should be in (not tilted pelvis, spine, shoulders, neck). Clearly being very assymetrical is the norm for it. I was just wondering if without manipulation from a therapist it would ever find its own way back through asana alone. my understanding now is that many things will probably influence me finding better alignment.
you can consult with EXPERIENCED yoga teacher (Iyengar yoga or Yoga therapist) about alignment.
My might find you way back through asanas along or maybe not. It never hurts to try thought. I took me years (about 6?) to work out my scoliosis.
Om Namah Sivaya Anula,
Try not to be overly concerned about what you might “think” of as, or what your therapist might call “correct” alignment, forming too strong an idea of what that is, but rather KNOW that in yoga you are going to embrace what you are, as you are, and take the necessary steps, day-by-day, to change the patterns that cause the imbalance and misalignment, liberating yourself from them both physically and mentally so your body (mind and heart) can be the best it/they can be.
You’re practicing a superb form of asana, in my opinion, one that’s going to take you quite far. Fall in love with it, with yoga (Sivananda and Vishnu D. too.), practice hard, and nature will reward you with the most that it can. You can only do what you can do on any given day, and you’re doing it.
peace and love,
siva