As sessions continue, scoliosis client begins to talk about being in touch with his/her anger, sadness and pain moment to moment; but does not stay with these feelings. Rather feelings of being unlovable, being afraid of hurt feelings, and being afraid of hurting others are spewed out.

The scoliosis client fantasizes experiencing fear of letting go by not having control "I will go into a temper tantrum, and I will break everything."

The scoliosis client wants to learn how to integrate doing for oneself with doing for others.

Our research on development of these physical, mental and emotional characteristics reveals that scoliosis as a contraction, a collapse and a twist of muscles along spine is representation of a sexual disturbance created by an imbalance between pituitary sex hormones and pituitary growth hormones.

While Dr. Alexander Lowen, M.D. gives primacy to this sexual and growth imbalance, Dr. John Bellis, M.D. does not overlook this imbalance, he just goes further to explore their need for rational expression.

Evidence of this is seen in eagerness, receptiveness, and responsiveness to bioenergetic work around sexual issues and need for rational expression. When scoliosis client begins dealing with his/her sexuality, there is more acceptance, and more connection with being, with his/her true self, and his/her inner child.

To be sure, bioenergetic work dealing with sexuality comes after scoliosis client acquires an ability to support his/her expansive feelings. Many hours are devoted to, and focused on breathing (for feeling), and grounding (for support); with particular emphasis around negativity and hostility, non-acceptance of feelings, fragmenting, needing, controlling, suffering, pain and humiliation, as well as a need to perform.

The focus of bioenergetic work is on dealing with, and working through each issue as they surface. As basic trauma of insufficient nurturing and hostility from parents surfaces, schizoid issue of right to exist becomes evident.

It is around this time when bioenergetic work focus is extensively on sexual issues and right to exist that a portion of scoliosis spine straightened.

A portion of spine straightened when therapeutic goal of accepting a relationship of mutual dependency, and facing fear of needing and fear of submission with its anger is achieved; when there is a willingness to face feelings and support right to have these feelings; when an acceptance and integration of feelings in body with thought (a body-mind connection and integration) is achieved.

A portion of scoliosis client's spine straightened when there is acceptance and release of energy held in muscles along spine. By supporting, grounding and breathing, scoliosis client works through feelings around issues of existence, abandonment, self-expression, mutual dependency and love as an adult.

These results correlate well with Dr. John Bellis' position that idiopathic scoliosis is body's expression of "an inability to back up one's feelings and to face those apparently responsible for those feelings."

Our research that idiopathic scoliosis as an energetic stress-related condition of "putting a lid on" points to following conclusions:

1. There is a relationship between genetics, psychosomatics and environment.

2. Interactive use of discipline of Bioenergetic Analysis (grounding and breathing with voice and movement, acceptance, and willingness to deal with issues as they come from held muscular structure that created lateral curvature and rotation of spine) works.

3. Acceptance and release of energy held in muscular structure along spine evokes old trauma of being that of inability to support oneself against intolerable conditions while growing up, twisting to please, winning approval and love.

4. As issues of right to exist, feelings of abandonment, lack of self-expression, mutual dependency and love are uncovered and resolved a portion of scoliosis clients' spine straighten.

5. And finally, even though there is compelling evidence as a result of our research, scientific community's verdict on etiology and resolution of idiopathic scoliosis is not in -- yet.

Copyright © 2000 Dr. Rae Baum, Ph.D. All rights reserved.

All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.

What are true, blue chip classics? Take notes. The wardrobe you save may be your own.

THE CLASSICS

1.) 3 Piece Suit -- Try a jacket, skirt and pants in a solid color.

2.) Navy Blazer -- A must have that makes an impression.

3.) White Shirt -- Nothing beats a crisp cotton shirt with or without French Cuffs.

4.) Khaki Slacks -- Versatility is their strong suit and they can withstand a nuclear winter.

5.) Cashmere Sweater or Twin Set -- Sedate or seductive. Your choice.

6.) Jeans -- Keep them "classic". Dry-clean or press them yourself after washing.

7.) Little Black Dress -- All hail to this number that can go from smokey bar to a ballroom.

8.) Formal Attire -- Dramatic separates are better to mix'n'match and make different outfits.

9.) Raincoat -- Go for a zip-out lining. The Trench Coat is true classic.

10.) A Positive Self Image -- Nothing looks better on a woman than her confidence and pride.

Classics rock. Trust us.

*****

Janet Behmer and Shirley Pierce are authors of book "Dress Me Now: How to Make Your Wardrobe Behave". It's fashion for real women with real bodies and it's changing way women think about clothes and themselves. Check out their web site DressMeNow.com at http://www.dressmenow.com.