At one time, people with any type of arthritis avoided physical exercise because they thought it would worsen their condition and cause more pain. But it is known that exercise is one of the ways people maintain their strength and manage their disease. Yoga offers the benefits of flexibility, balance and stress-reduction to rheumatoid arthritis sufferers looking for a break from aerobic or strength exercises. It has mental benefits, as well.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that typically affects the small joints in your hands and feet. It affects the joint linings and can cause a painful swelling that can eventually lead to bone erosion and deformed joints. Two to three times more likely to occur in women than men, RA typically occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. There is no cure for it, but many more treatment options are available than were previously.
Yoga
Yoga originated in India and means "to yoke" or "to unite" in Sanskrit. The practice of yoga focuses on unifying the mind, body and spirit. With spiritual roots, yoga's main purpose is to help people find true happiness, freedom or enlightenment. On a more practical level, yoga can improve physical health and enhance mental well-being and emotional balance. Through a series of poses called asanas, special breathing techniques, deep relaxation and meditation, yoga can calm the mind and the body.
Yoga for Arthritis
The American Yoga Association provides a program of gentle exercises and relaxation to ease the discomfort of arthritis. Instead of giving in to pain and stiffness, yoga encourages you to keep moving in order to maintain muscle tone, joint flexibility and good circulation. Regular exercise also gives you confidence that you will not be a prisoner in a wheelchair. Sometimes, regular yoga exercises are adapted for sitting in a chair to loosen joints and relax large muscle groups. Each set of exercises contains a specific breathing pattern, bringing fresh blood and nutrients to muscle tissue. Standing and floor exercises can be added gradually for strength, flexibility and balance. Breathing, relaxation and meditation are important parts of a daily routine to improve respiration, lessen anxiety and take your attention off the pain.
Yoga and Inflammation
Researchers at Ohio State University divided 50 women into two groups -- one new to yoga practice and another made up of experts at yoga practice. They then increased the women's stress and took blood samples to measure markers for inflammation. Those not used to doing yoga had a much greater inflammatory response than the regular practitioners. The study was published in the January, 2010 issue of "Psychosomatic Medicine." The researchers believed that practices such as yoga that help to decrease stress responses may be very good for immune responses, as well. Be sure to consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program.
