I teach a seniors class with a room full of aged care students, often suffering from bone and spinal issues. Kyphosis is not the most common disfunction but one that is prevalent enough that prevents a fair few students from being able to sit up tall in their chair yoga classes. It's interesting to understand and study whether emotional issues that are deep-seated is the larger cause of this misalignment or whether genuine poor posture is the larger cause. With my current observations, those who suffer from kyphosis often have a deeper story hidden within their hearts. Your body naturally protects your heart (emotions) even on a physical level by hunching or collapsing inwards to protect it.

SPECIFIC ISSUE - KYPHOSIS

THE BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR THIS ISSUE (SYMPTOM CONTROL)

Kyphosis is an excessive outward curvature in the thoracic spine (upper back) that creates a ‘hunchback’ appearance. This condition often brings on back pain, ranging from mild pain to more severe pain and difficulty in breathing and digestion.

There are several causes of kyphosis and this program here only attempts to address symptoms of kyphosis NOT resulting from congenital disorders, arthritis, osteoporosis or any bone degeneration dysfunctions in the body. This mini-yoga therapy program is designed for kyphosis often caused by holding poor posture chronically over time.

The benefits of yoga therapy for kyphosis are:

to stretch and strengthen the muscles causing the issue
to bring awareness of correct spinal alignment
to draw attention and bring awareness of any emotional issues that may be causing kyphosis
to bring healing of any emotional issues attached to the cause of kyphosis
re-train the body and implement lifestyle changes to minimise spinal alignment issues

CONTRAINDICATIONS

If your symptoms are severe, do not start or engage in any physical or yoga therapy without first getting clearance from your medical practitioner.
If your kyphosis is caused by osteoporosis, severe scoliosis, spondylitis and any other bone degeneration dysfunctions, take caution or completely avoid reclining, back bending poses and spinal twists.
If there are any sharp pains while doing yoga poses, stop immediately. Consult your yoga therapist to ensure the poses have been done correctly and if the sharp pain persists every time you get into a pose, stop and seek medical practitioner’s advice.

15-30 MINUTE FLOW

1. Mountain Pose with eyes closed (5 breath cycles and notice alignment of the body)

2. Son Salutation B

3. Easy Seated (SSRS)

4. Cow Face Arms (with strap. Left & Right)

5. Extended Childs pose

6. Cobra pose

7. Extended Childs pose

8. Bow pose (with strap)

9. Locust pose

10. Extended Childs pose

11. Bridge pose

12. Reclining Supported Bound Angle (rolled up mat underneath the back at the bottom of the ribs but above the lumbar)

REFERENCES:

*Disclaimer:
These suggestions offered on www.lovejosephine.com are intended to complement and support the medical treatment targeting the specified issue, with the goal of enhancing the well-being of the patient. It is not intended to replace medical recommendations by your medical practitioners. It is highly recommended and, in most cases, essential that you stay compliant to the treatment advice given by a western medical professional. Prior to starting any physical programs, it is advised to get clearance from a medical professional. Upon medical clearance, the suggestions and educational resources offered on www.lovejosephine.com are meant to be observed and used in conjunction with medical treatment but not replace medical treatment.

Yoga for Kyphosis | Yoga Therapy