Yoga focuses on creating a mind, body and spirit connection. Asanas, also called poses or postures, are the physical part of yoga. Asanas improve your strength, flexibility and balance. Other components of yoga include meditation and breathing exercises. You can do yoga to help relieve symptoms of arthritis, but first seek approval from your doctor.
Arthritis
Arthritis means joint inflammation. Symptoms of arthritis include stiffness and pain in your joints that usually get worse with age. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms of the ailment. People get osteoarthritis as a result of normal wear and tear on the joints. An autoimmune disorder causes rheumatoid arthritis. Other causes of arthritis include psoriasis, lupus and some types of infections. Yoga asanas can help reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Rheumatoid
Yoga asanas significantly improve rheumatoid arthritis, according to results of a study presented at the European League Against Rheumatism 2011 Annual Congress. Participants in the study completed 12 raj yoga sessions consisting of asanas and breathing techniques. Raj yoga is a gentle style. The results show participants experienced considerable improvement in activity scores and general health, though no statistically significant improvement in their quality of life.
Psoriatic
Patients suffering from psoriatic arthritis may benefit from yoga asanas and other mild forms of exercise. This type of arthritis can occur in people with psoriasis. Exercises such as yoga asanas and tai chi can ease the pain associated with this disease, according to information from the American Academy of Dermatology. Yoga asanas benefit psoriatic arthritis patients by improving joint flexibility, toning muscles, reducing stress and elevating mood.
Considerations
A yoga novice should start with beginner classes using a gentle yoga style like raj, ananda or sivananda. Arthritis patients should use caution when doing asanas with back bends, including the cobra pose, camel and wheel. Also, use caution with hip openers such as the butterfly pose and the pigeon. Inform your yoga teacher of your arthritic condition before class so he can recommend alternate poses when necessary and use extra care when adjusting you during class. If you experience pain while doing a yoga asana, stop immediately.
Member Comments