Yoga Forma: A Visual Resource Guide for the Spine and Lower Back

A Clear, Visual Roadmap for Spine and Lower Back Health

Yoga Forma brings together the practical wisdom of Hatha yoga and current understanding of spinal health. Romy Phillips and Ziya Altug have created a resource that moves beyond general yoga instruction to address the specific needs of the spine, sacrum, hips, and lower back.

What You’ll Find Inside

The guide is structured to build understanding step by step. Early chapters introduce the foundations of Hatha yoga, yoga therapy, and the research supporting yoga for back care. Later sections explore common questions and conditions, including:

• Muscle tightness, lumbar strain, and sprain
• Sciatica and piriformis syndrome
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction and lumbar spinal stenosis
• Herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, and spondylosis
• Scoliosis, kyphosis, and osteoporosis

Each condition is explained with practical considerations, so readers can adapt their practice safely.

A Practical Asana Resource

An extensive index of yoga asanas and miscellaneous poses is organized into helpful categories: standing, supine, seated, backbends, forward bends, twists, arm balances, inversions, and restoratives. This makes it easy to select poses that feel appropriate for your body and goals.

The book also includes Romy’s recommended self-practice and sequencing tips, along with guidance on pranayama, meditation, and restorative practices—essential tools for nervous system relaxation and recovery.

Built for Real-World Back Care

Case studies on general back pain, scoliosis, kyphosis, and osteoporosis offer concrete examples of how yoga can be adapted for different needs. The visual format supports clear understanding of alignment and movement, making this guide useful for both personal practice and professional reference.

Whether you are a yoga student dealing with back discomfort, a teacher looking to support students with spinal concerns, or a healthcare professional exploring mindful movement, this ebook provides a thoughtful bridge between yoga tradition and modern therapeutic knowledge.