Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain with Yoga Therapy

Monday, November 17, 2008 by: Elizabeth Walling

(NaturalNews) Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis know the joint pain and stiffness can interfere with many of their favorite activities. Often, the pain of arthritis will make exercise less enjoyable, so those with this condition may be tempted to give up being active. However, doctors suggest that one of the best remedies for rheumatoid arthritis pain is movement. This leaves many people wondering what their best option is: how do they remain active without risking more pain? One excellent and effective option is yoga.

Several clinic and university studies have shown that yoga is an excellent and effective way to relieve arthritis symptoms. The British Journal of Rheumatology published a study in 1994 which showed arthritis symptoms improving in patients who practiced yoga. The Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America published two studies in 2002 which detailed the relief of joint stiffness and pain for those who regularly practice yoga.

Yoga is a low-impact exercise, so it puts very little strain on the joints. This alone makes it an ideal activity for thosewith rheumatoid arthritis, but there are many more advantages for practicing yoga. Yoga promotes strengthening and stretching the body, and also supports relaxation and proper breathing. All of these benefits can help with rheumatoid arthritis pain. Doing yoga also improves blood circulation to joints, which relieves pain and inflammation. There are many poses which can relieve pain in specific areas like the hands or hips.

Since rheumatoid arthritis is the result of the immune system damaging the joints, yoga provides even further benefits for those suffering from this type of arthritis. Practicing yoga helps balance all of the body's systems, including its immune defenses. Correcting immune system problems can greatly reduce the instance of pain related to rheumatoid arthritis.

You can easily take up yoga in the privacy of your own home. There are a variety of yoga books and DVD programs geared toward those with joint pain. Combine these with a thick yoga mat and some relaxing music for a complete yoga experience.

If you're not sure about starting yoga on your own, see if you can find a local class. Yoga instructors can offer assistance to the beginner, and will also show you which poses provide the most benefits for your level of fitness. Some gyms and health centers also offer yoga classes specifically tailored for those suffering from chronic pain.

Remember to listen to any resistance in your body when practicing yoga. This is good advice for anyone who does yoga, but should especially be adhered to by those with arthritis. With sensitive joints, you'll want to assume poses slowly and be aware of when it becomes uncomfortable. After a few weeks of yoga, you'll notice it becoming easier to expand how many postures you're able to use. Take one step at a time and remember that the true benefits of yoga come from an attitude of balance and peace, not strain.

My Reaction:
I have been following on my news reel, purely about Yoga. This is another article that impress me and encourage me to continue to spread the good news.On my 8th year of teaching hi impact aerobic exercise,i experienced pain on my knee joints and lower spine. I said to myself maybe its part of aging, maybe am too old already for the activity. And yet,i couldn't stop because i really loved my job. So i started reading and do my research about Pilates and Yoga. I found out they really stress clear evidence of joint pain remedy, improve flexibility, strength not only on the muscles but also for the bones.
I started attending with Katrina Curtiz one of the popular ballerina and Pilates instructor in Cebu Phils. That time she work with us in Brunie. She taught me Pilates and tend to get really hooked with it. And later, i did my own simple routine and offer a basic Pilates class, teaching while learning. After awhile i was amazed by mamnora's Yoga class,my 1st Yoga teacher and learned it from her. So to add color to my teaching i combined Yoga and Pilates and offer a class for that.I did it,even though there was no extra pay for that class at that time. I just felt more motivated if i do it with my students. In just a month of doing the class, amazingly my pain was totally gone.
Now on my 11th year of the fitness industry, I still continue on my Hi impact aerobic classes and this time believe it or not, i perform better than before. I feel like floating on the air, even to my step classes without any pain at all at the end of the day. Night time i sleep like a baby, no more extra money for my massage from which i usually have.
So far I'm perfectly fine. I only feel some muscles pain if i do my practice on some daring poses in Yoga. The pain only last for a week. I think if i never experience some joint pain at an early detection, i never knew how Yoga such a useful tool for my health..