Yoga for Scoliosis and Back Care 5 day Retreat at Mana Mauna, Mountain View, Big Island Hawaii
June 25-29, 2026
Come relax and learn about the asymmetric body nervous system and how to work with it at beautiful Mauna Mana on the Big Island in Hawaii!!
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
QUESTIONS? Email us!
This workshop will be held at Open Heart Mind Centre (OHM) in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, BC. MAP
ABOUT THE RETREAT
For the general population and for the anatomists, the plumb line of the body is understood as a straight line from the crown of the head to the perineum moving in a linear verticality through the sagittal curves of the spine. For the yogis, it is described as a lining up of the chakras between these same two points.
People with scoliosis likely have a different experience. The twists of the spine may move the head and the pelvis off center and the sagittal curves of the spine may be not present and/or they may be exaggerated.
The spinal cord affected by scoliosis also follows the curves and twists, and as a result, the feeling of center may be distorted.
Many of us with scoliosis have had alternative ‘centers’ imposed on us. Medical interventions such as bracing, surgeries, and various forms of physical therapy manipulate our bodies with someone else’s idea of where they believe our center is, rather than taking into account where the muscle, fascia, bones and nervous system might function in a more balanced way for that individual. Yoga practice works with the individual to strengthen, realign and create resiliency in the body to allow the practitioner to find their own center place from where to move, rest and be.
Through anatomy, asana and pranayama, Deborah will define common ideas of the midline and the plumb line as well as explore Eastern ideas of an energetic center. By repatterning brain circuits, the occulo-motor system and improving movement patterns, students will learn how to better balance a personal feeling of center leading to more efficient breath and energy.
In this workshop, immersed in the quiet of OHM, the forest and the sea, participants will address some of these common scoliotic issues:
Center of gravity
Ocular-motor dysfunction
Difficulties with proprioception
Difficulties with balance
Gait and functional leg length issues
And more!
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, 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.
Full Retreat Package Includes:
Daily yoga, movement, meditation, and relaxation classes with acclaimed Yoga for Scoliosis teacher, Deborah Wolk.
A range of shared and single accommodations at quaint local guest houses near the retreat centre property.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by a caterer using local ingredients from the lush Comox Valley
Transportation to/from the airport, ferry, or bus station in the Comox Valley as needed, plus local transportation during the retreat.
Handouts with ideas, exercises, drawings, and descriptions to take home which will help you to create and continue your own practice moving forward.
MEALS
Lunch and dinner will be customized for the retreat by a caterer using local ingredients from the lush Comox Valley. Breakfast will be self-serve style in each of the local guest houses.
COST:
Full Retreat Package -
Single Room: $1,525 - $1,690 CAD + tax.
Shared Room (Cabin): $1,615 CAD + tax.
Commuter Package (everything included EXCEPT breakfast, dinner, and accommodation) - $935 CAD + tax.
Sliding scale is available based on financial need.
USA PARTICIPANTS: CHECK CAD TO USD $ EXCHANGE RATE HERE.
Register for Full Retreat Package
Payment Policy: Registration & Deposit Deadline 2 Months Prior to Retreat. As a non-profit, we need to know we have enough registrations required to fulfill our financial obligations to pay studios, accommodations, teachers, caterers, etc, by their deposit deadlines. Save $50 on our Full Retreat Package when you register by our Registration Deadline of May 11, 2025 - use coupon code WOLK2025 during registration.
30% deposit due at registration; balance due 30 days prior to Retreat.
NOTE: Prior to completing your registration, you will see an orange button option to ‘Pay Now’ (this will be the full amount) OR to ‘Pay CA $XXX Deposit Now’ (the 30% deposit amount).
ACCOMMODATIONS
Participants will stay in different quaint, local guest accommodations in the area, each with its own character and astounding view of majestic mountains, whale-filled oceans, fertile farms or old growth forests.
NOTE: All accommodation bookings are first come, first serve.
RETREAT SCHEDULE
(Subject to Change)
Friday, July 11
Arrivals
6:00pm - 7:30pm – Dinner
7:30pm - 8:30pm – Introductory Session (lecture only)
Saturday, July 12
8:45am – Breakfast
9:30am - 12:30pm – Morning Session
12:30pm - 1:30pm – Lunch
1:30pm - 4:00pm – Break (exploring, excursions, or rest)
4:00pm - 6:00pm – Afternoon Session
6:00pm - 9:00pm – Dinner & Leisure Activity
Sunday, July 13
8:45am – Breakfast
9:30am - 12:30pm – Morning Session
12:30pm - 1:30pm – Lunch
1:30pm - 4:00pm – Break (exploring, excursions, or rest)
4:00pm - 6:00pm – Afternoon Session
6:00pm - 9:00pm – Dinner & Leisure Activity
Monday, July 14
8:45am - Breakfast
9:30am - 12:30pm – Morning Session
12:30pm - 1:30pm – Lunch
1:30pm – Departures
TRANSPORTATION
Participants are responsible for arranging transportation to the Comox area. Merville is 10 minutes from Courtenay/Comox which has two airports: regular and sea plane. Access is also possible by car or bus via the ferry from Vancouver. TOPS will arrange for your airport or bus terminal pickup and transportation to the retreat centre. Contact us for more details.
QUESTIONS? Email us!
Interested in a longer trip to BC?
Extend your time, either before or after the workshop! Consider a visit to Victoria (the capital of BC), enjoy exploring the old growth forests on Vancouver Island, book a whale watching tour, visit Tofino (a small ‘gem’ of a town on the far west side of Vancouver island). Or consider travelling through Seattle for a couple of days (only a 2.5 hr drive to/from Vancouver!). Let us know if we can answer any questions or help with ideas.
Cancellation Policy: $30 processing fee for cancellations up to four weeks prior to retreat start date; 30% non-refundable within four weeks of retreat start date; 100% non-refundable within two weeks of retreat start date.
Note: in the event that borders are shut / travel is banned by Government or public health mandate due to Covid-19, all registrants will receive a full refund, less $30 processing fee.
July 22–25, 2022
Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Join Deborah Wolk this summer on beautiful Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, for a weekend of learning about how scoliosis affects the nervous system, and ways of working with your yoga practice to both wake up the stuck parts of your nervous system, and to calm down and rest.
Women’s Yoga for Scoliosis: Practices for the stages of life
Adolescence, Fertility years (menstruation; prenatal and postnatal), and peri / postmenopause.
