Yoga for Lower Back Pain
Yoga for Lower Back Pain
Up to 30 in group
September 5 - 7, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Learn safe, effective Yoga methods to alleviate lower back pain
- Gain knowledge of anatomy and physiology for Yoga therapy
- Experience a hands-on, 50% didactic and 50% experiential workshop
- Enhance your skills to help students heal themselves safely
- Earn CE hours through Yoga Alliance, IYTA, or IAYT
About this Retreat
Dr. Fishman is Medical Director of Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in New York City, author of twelve books, and more than 100 academic articles, and a world-recognized pioneer in the use of Yoga in medical conditions, and the treatment of lower back pain and piriformis syndrome. He spent three years in India before going to medical school and has used Yoga to reverse the deficits of rotator cuff syndrome, straighten the scoliotic spine, actually strengthen osteoporotic bones, and aid in medical conditions as diverse as insomnia, obesity, and restless leg syndrome. Other non-surgical interventions relieve plantar fasciitis, arrest the development of bunions, and retard the progress of arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
In addition to his private practice, Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, he is Associate Editor of Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, on the staff at ColumbiaUniversity Medical School and a past president of the New York Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Fishman has an advanced degree in Philosophy from Oxford University.
He has conducted clinical trials on the efficacy of physical therapy and two types of botulinum neurotoxin and has also been a specialist in electrodiagnosis of entrapment syndromes, radiculopathies and sciatica for decades. In addition, he has worked with artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict the trajectory and end-points of inpatient recovery in order to properly gauge hospital length of stay and reduce readmissions. He now has an FDA-approved study using yoga and botulinum to cure adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
See more at sciatica.org
Liz Larson, MA, MS, RYT 200, is a precise and intuitive yoga teacher. She is passionate about using yoga to improve health, arguably our most valuable resource. Liz has studied and worked with Dr. Fishman for ten years, holds all of the certifications offered by The Fishman Method, and is the study administrator for Dr. Fishman’s Yoga vs. Osteoporosis Dose-Response Study.
The Fishman Method Yoga for Low Back Pain workshop is one of her favorites. After herniating a disc in her spine a decade ago, she was in severe pain and so incapacitated that she was unable to touch her toes. Upon learning about Dr. Loren Fishman's yoga for low back pain, she used Dr. Fishman's techniques to regain a pain-free and flexible spine.
Details of this retreat
Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Dr. Loren Fishman, Oxford graduate and lifelong yogi, outlines powerful, safe methods for relieving lower back pain in yourself and in your students during this hands-on weekend workshop.
Though Dr. Fishman spent three years studying Yoga in India (and over one year with B.K.S. Iyengar), his methods are rooted in physiology and anatomy. This course focuses on ways that people suffering from lower back pain can heal themselves, with the lowest risk of harm.
Those attending will find that their skill set and knowledge base and practical efficacy will improve. The program will be 50% didactic and 50% experiential, but it will likely result in positive lifestyle changes for you and for those with whom you sincerely interact.
Continuing Education (CE) Opportunities
Yoga Alliance (YA): Approximately 10 contact hours.
You can input your contact hours using your YA login information.
Integral Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA) can provide you a CE certificate with your program’s total contact hours for a $10 fee (free for IYTA members.) For more information, email ce@iyta.org.
10 hours of CEU through International Association of Yoga Therapists IAYT.
Testimonials
Dr. Fishman, You saved me by diagnosing me and you have been so incredibly kind and helpful to me—you are number one among the thirty-plus health professionals I have dealt with in the last four years. — Angela
... a Thomas Edison of Yoga therapy. — William Broad, Pulitzer-Prize winning author of The Science of Yoga
To many of his patients, Dr. Fishman is a miracle-worker. — Jane Brody, NY Times
Diagnostician par excellence, visionary. — Lea F., Ph.D.
Tentative Schedule
Friday
5:00–6:15 am
Group Meditation
6:30–7:50 am
Session with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
8:00–9:00 am
Breakfast
9:30–11:30 am
Session with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
12:00–12:30 pm
Group Meditation
12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch
2:00–5:00 pm
Session with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
5:00–6:30 pm
Hatha Yoga Mixed Level
6:00–6:30 pm
Group Meditation
6:30–7:30 pm
Supper
7:30–9:00 pm
Session with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
Saturday
5:00–6:15 am
Group Meditation
6:20–7:50 am
Hatha Yoga Level 1 or Level 2
8:00–9:00 am
Breakfast
9:30–11:30 am
Session with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
12:00–12:30 pm
Group Meditation
12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch
1:45–3:15 pm
Ashram tour
3:30–5:30 pm
Session with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
5:30–6:15 pm
Supper
7:30–9:30 pm
Satsang: Kirtan, DVD and Speaker
Sunday
6:00–7:00 am
Group Meditation
7:15–8:15 am
Session with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
7:30–9:00 am
Breakfast
9:30–11:30 am
Session with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
12:00–12:30 pm
Group Meditation
12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch Read More
Though Dr. Fishman spent three years studying Yoga in India (and over one year with B.K.S. Iyengar), his methods are rooted in physiology and anatomy. This course focuses on ways that people suffering from lower back pain can heal themselves, with the lowest risk of harm.
Those attending will find that their skill set and knowledge base and practical efficacy will improve. The program will be 50% didactic and 50% experiential, but it will likely result in positive lifestyle changes for you and for those with whom you sincerely interact.
Continuing Education (CE) Opportunities
Yoga Alliance (YA): Approximately 10 contact hours.
You can input your contact hours using your YA login information.
Integral Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA) can provide you a CE certificate with your program’s total contact hours for a $10 fee (free for IYTA members.) For more information, email ce@iyta.org.
10 hours of CEU through International Association of Yoga Therapists IAYT.
Testimonials
Dr. Fishman, You saved me by diagnosing me and you have been so incredibly kind and helpful to me—you are number one among the thirty-plus health professionals I have dealt with in the last four years. — Angela
... a Thomas Edison of Yoga therapy. — William Broad, Pulitzer-Prize winning author of The Science of Yoga
To many of his patients, Dr. Fishman is a miracle-worker. — Jane Brody, NY Times
Diagnostician par excellence, visionary. — Lea F., Ph.D.
Tentative Schedule
Friday
5:00–6:15 am
Group Meditation
6:30–7:50 am
Session with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
8:00–9:00 am
Breakfast
9:30–11:30 am
Session with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
12:00–12:30 pm
Group Meditation
12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch
2:00–5:00 pm
Session with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
5:00–6:30 pm
Hatha Yoga Mixed Level
6:00–6:30 pm
Group Meditation
6:30–7:30 pm
Supper
7:30–9:00 pm
Session with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
Saturday
5:00–6:15 am
Group Meditation
6:20–7:50 am
Hatha Yoga Level 1 or Level 2
8:00–9:00 am
Breakfast
9:30–11:30 am
Session with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
12:00–12:30 pm
Group Meditation
12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch
1:45–3:15 pm
Ashram tour
3:30–5:30 pm
Session with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
5:30–6:15 pm
Supper
7:30–9:30 pm
Satsang: Kirtan, DVD and Speaker
Sunday
6:00–7:00 am
Group Meditation
7:15–8:15 am
Session with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
7:30–9:00 am
Breakfast
9:30–11:30 am
Session with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
12:00–12:30 pm
Group Meditation
12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch Read More
Getting Here
Directions
Yogaville offers transportation from the airport, train and bus stations in Charlottesville, VA. If you are driving Google Maps has reliable turn-by-turn directions.
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Accommodation
Availability of complimentary accommodations is determined by the order of booking.
Dormitory
The most popular accommodations we have are Dormitory Accommodations – shared room and shared bath. We have two dormitories, Vivekananda Vihar and Ramalinga Nilayam, which are centrally heated and air-conditioned and convenient to meals and programs.
Lotus Guest House (Private Room)
Each room in our six unit guest house is equipped with a small refrigerator, queen size bed and full bath. Each room in our nine unit guest house is equipped with a queen sized bed and full bath, and no refrigerator.
Tenting
Set off in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the Lotus Guest Houses are twelve campsites. Campers have use of the bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities nearby Vivekananda Vihar dormitory. Camping is available from March 15th to December 1st.
Shared Dormitory: Bottom Bunk
Bottom bunk in a shared dorm room.
Dorm rooms contain 4-8 beds.
Shared bathroom
Dorm rooms are not coed
Availability is Gender Specific
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Private Dormitory
This is a private room with a shared bathroom in our Ramalinga Nilayam Dorm - Females Only
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LGH: Full Bed
Private room and Private Bath. A single Full bed and a private bath designed for those seeking peace in solitude.
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LGH: 2 Twin beds
Private Room and Private Bath. Two twin Beds and a private bath that is ideal for friends looking to experience the bliss of Yogaville.
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LGH: Queen Bed
Private Room and Private Bath. A queen bed or a queen with two day beds and a private bath that is perfect for couples and families searching for a peaceful time together. Please put in the personal comments if you need a room that includes trundles.
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Tent-Site
Open from Mar. 16–Nov. 30. Closed from Dec. 1–Mar. 15
Set off in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the Lotus Guest Houses are Eighteen campsites. Campers have use of the nearby bathhouse as well as laundry facilities at the LGH Building 3. Also, all tent sites have tent platforms for a more comfortable and dry tenting experience. Fires and Stoves are not Permitted. Price is per person per night.
Please bring your own tent, tie downs, tarp (weather protection). bedding and towels.
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Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Yogaville is home to the Light of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS). The LOTUS is a unique temple dedicated to interfaith understanding and the Light within all faiths. Individual altars represent and honor the different world faiths and spiritual paths. The vision, design and inspiration of Sri Swami Satchidananda, LOTUS was dedicated in 1986. It demonstrates, “Truth is One, Paths are Many.” In the peaceful countryside of Virginia, the doors of LOTUS are open to welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
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Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Organic, vegetarian/vegan food
Labeled ingredients
Lacto-vegetarian
Gluten-free and vegan options
Salad bar
Large herbal tea selection
Coffee is available for purchase at Mandala Cafe
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What's Included
- Accomodations
- Meals
- Meditation Sessions
- Yoga Classes
What's Not Included
- Transportation
- Airfare
