Yoga and Athritis

Studies have shown that yoga is a safe way to increase physical activity and that it has psychological benefits because of its meditative nature.  There are over 75 scientific trials that have been published in major medical journals on yoga and its positive effects on body and mind. Yoga can increase strength, flexibility, balance and improve respiratory endurance. Yoga has been shown to increase energy and decrease body aches. It also contributes to increase positive feelings like alertness and decrease negative feelings like anxiety and aggressiveness. Yoga has many physical and psychological benefits that can help people living with a chronic illness.

Physical activity is vital to the management of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Exercise does not make pain worse and can play a key role in promoting joint health by increasing blood supply to the joints to promote healing, and to prevent stiffness. People who do not exercise experience more discomfort than those who do. Regular exercise, such as yoga, is vital for people with arthritis who frequently have decreased muscle strength and energy because of their arthritis and tendency to be sedentary. This is a downward spiral because more pain leads to decreased activity which then leads to even more pain. Yoga can reduce stress, enhance immune system function, lessen depression and contribute to greater overall health.

There have been a few studies that directly look at the benefits of yoga for OA and RA patients and more are underway. The early studies have shown promising results. Yoga is believed to improve joint health, physical function and a person's mental and emotional well being. The greatest effect it that yoga has been shown to improve the overall quantity of life. People with arthritis might also enjoy yoga more than other forms of exercise. This is really important as it has been shown that people have and easier time sticking with an exercise program that they take pleasure in.

Yoga is a great alternative to more traditional forms of exercise like aerobics or water aerobics. It provides important health benefits such as a reduction in stress and the frustration caused by pain and disability. It also increases a person's positive feelings and gives them a sense of balance and inner peace. Even though there have been many recent medical breakthroughs in the treatment of arthritis; it still cannot be cured. Medication can only help so much and there is a great need for additional ways to reduce pain. Yoga when combined with good medical care can provide excellent physical and psychological benefits for people suffering from arthritis and other chronic illnesses.